Establishing a Digital Legacy: Youth Technology Workshops in Nigeria
The Build-A-Thon Holiday Camp, an initiative by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) in Nigeria, is currently underway. This fully-funded tech training program is designed to equip young Nigerians aged 10 to 18 with foundational STEM, coding, digital literacy, and emerging technology skills like the Internet of Things (IoT) [1][4].
The primary objectives of the camp include providing practical technology skills such as coding and IoT, fostering digital and soft skills development, encouraging peer collaboration and innovation, and empowering children to become creators rather than just consumers of technology [1][5]. The camp offers certificates of participation to validate the training received.
The Build-A-Thon Holiday Camp targets over 2,000 participants across Nigeria and is conducted during the school holiday period, lasting typically one to two weeks [1]. The cities where the camp is held are Abeokuta, the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), and Kano [1][2]. Parents or guardians can register their children online to participate, with enrollment on a first-come, first-served basis and no competitive selection process [1].
The camp is a hands-on technology program, offering participants practical experience in digital technology through hands-on activities, DIY kits, and access to real tech labs [1][4]. The collective efforts of partners are seen as laying the foundation for a generation of tech-savvy problem solvers.
The Build-A-Thon Holiday Camp is part of a broader government strategy to build a pipeline of technical talent and recognizes the increasing importance of digital skills in the modern digital landscape. The strategy aims to position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy.
This unique opportunity provides young Nigerians with an essential chance to acquire digital skills, enhance their problem-solving, teamwork, and creative abilities, and contribute to Nigeria's digital economy growth.
[1] Build-A-Thon Holiday Camp Official Website [2] Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy Press Release [3] Nigeria Digital Economy Strategy 2020-2030 [4] Build-A-Thon Holiday Camp Brochure [5] Build-A-Thon Holiday Camp Certificate of Participation Template
- The Build-A-Thon Holiday Camp, offering online education in technology, fosters practical technology learning for ages 10 to 18, including coding, IoT, and digital literacy, aiming to equip young Nigerians with foundational STEM skills and empower them to become creators, not just consumers, of technology.
- As part of a broader government strategy to build a pipeline of technical talent and position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy, the Build-A-Thon Holiday Camp provides a unique opportunity for education and self-development in technology, enabling participants to acquire digital skills, enhance their problem-solving, teamwork, and creative abilities, and contribute to Nigeria's digital economy growth.
