In alignment with the Omituntun 2.0 Agenda and its commitment to advancing education, the Oyo State government has announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide free coding and non-code technology skills training to 1,000 senior secondary school students. The program, spearheaded by the Office of Human Capital Development, aims to equip youths with essential tech skills to thrive in the 21st century digital landscape.
Revd. Idowu Ogedengbe, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Administration, unveiled the initiative during a press briefing held at the Governor’s Office. Ogedengbe emphasized the significance of the program in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, underscoring the importance of coding and non-code tech skills in driving innovation and solving complex problems.
The training, scheduled to take place from July 15th to July 19th at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, will commence with selected schools from the 11 local governments in Ibadan, with plans to extend the program to other local governments subsequently.
Partnering with private investors in the technology sector, including CodeGarage Africa, Zeeh Africa, and 386Konsult, the initiative aims to foster digital literacy and entrepreneurship among students. Miss Dolapo Ayeni of CodeGarage Africa and Mr. David Adeleke of Zeeh Africa highlighted the importance of grassroots-level training and urged more stakeholders to collaborate with the government in empowering youths for the digital future.
Governor Makinde’s vision for education, aimed at positioning Oyo State as a hub for innovation and technological advancement, underscores the government’s commitment to investing in the future of its youth and fostering economic development through technology-driven initiatives.
Stakeholders, including parents, educators, and the private sector, are encouraged to support and participate in the program, recognizing its potential to unlock the full potential of young talents and propel them into leadership roles in the digital era.