The federal government of Nigeria has begun a partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based charity focused on computing education, the aim being to establish Code Clubs throughout Nigeria.
This initiative is designed for students aged 7 to 17, and the Code Clubs serve as a network of extracurricular artificial intelligence (AI) programming clubs. The goal is to nurture digitally literate and innovative young minds in Nigeria.
Announcing the program in a statement issued in early November 2023, Nigerian Minister for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy said the Code Clubs will introduce participants to the world of coding and digital technology and encourage them to deploy creative problem-solving in their everyday lives.
Building a pipeline of technical talent is a lot easier when young people have early exposure to science and technology, so I am delighted to announce that we have partnered with the Raspberry Pi Foundation @RaspberryPi_org to set up Code Clubs across Nigeria, starting with 17… pic.twitter.com/x5lruL0HGW
— Dr. 'Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) November 8, 2023
The Minister, Bosun Tijani, highlighted the significance of nurturing a knowledge pipeline in Nigeria through the establishment of free coding clubs in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation. The initiative aims to expedite the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy by enhancing technical knowledge and fostering talent development.
As part of the collaboration, the Raspberry Pi Foundation will provide educators and young participants with comprehensive toolkits, support, and guidance. On its part, the Ministry will oversee the establishment and operation of Code Clubs nationwide by working with other partners.
The partners, comprising individuals, educational institutions, and enthusiastic organizations committed to advancing computing education, will receive resources, support, and operational guidance from a specified central organization.
The educational pathways provided to Code Club partners will cover a diverse range of coding and technology-related topics, which include:
- Robotics and electronics
- Game development
- Algorithms and problem-solving
- Introduction to coding
- Basic concepts
- Web development
- Programming languages
- Project-based learning
The ministry has only recently unveiled another program to train over 1 million young people in an introduction to Artificial Intelligence course, among other skills.
In October 2023, the ministry also introduced a program that offers grants of 5 million naira ($6,444) to 45 AI-focused startups and researchers. This was said to be part of the recently launched Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme, which seeks to encourage the widespread use of AI for economic advancement.
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