Digital Literacy: Minister explains benefits of Nigeria-UK Foundation’s launch of Code Clubs

*Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, discloses the Nigerian Government partners with partnership Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based computing education charity, to establish Code Clubs to introduce young participants to coding and digital technology for creative problem-solving skills

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In consonance with the Nigeria Digital Economy agenda, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has announced it is collaborating with Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based computing education charity, to launch Code Clubs across the country.

ConsumerConnect reports the Ministry disclosed the Code Clubs would introduce young participants to coding and digital technology and encourage them to deploy creative problem-solving in their everyday lives.

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in a statement issued Wednesday, November 8, 2023, said the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry, had entered into a partnership with a UK-based computing education charity, Raspberry Pi Foundation, to launch Code Clubs across Nigeria.

Objectives of Code Clubs, by Dr. Tijani

According to Dr. Tijani, the initiative is crafted for students aged 7 to 17, and the Code Clubs represent a series of extracurricular Artificial Intelligence (AI) programming clubs aimed at fostering digitally literate and innovative young minds in Nigeria.

The Code Clubs, which will initially start from 17 knowledge exchange centres, will further expand to other locations across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Tijani also emphasised the importance of fostering a knowledge pipeline in Nigeria through free coding clubs in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

The initiative aims to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy by enhancing technical knowledge and talent development, noted the statement.

Within the collaboration, the Federal Government said the Raspberry Pi Foundation would offer educators and young participants extensive toolkits, assistance, and directives.

Simultaneously, the Ministry will oversee the creation and functioning of Code Clubs nationwide through a partnership framework, the statement said.

It is further stated that the partners, including individuals, educational entities, and enthusiastic organisations dedicated to advancing computing education, will be assisted with resources, support, and operational guidance by a specified central organisation.

The Ministry said the educational pathways offered to Code Club partners will encompass a diverse range of coding and technology-related topics, spanning Robotics and Electronics, Game Development, Algorithms and Problem Solving, Introduction to Coding, Basic Concepts, Web Development, Programming Languages, and Project-Based Learning.

It is recalled the Nigerian Government October this year, unveiled a Programme providing N5 million grants to 45 AI-focused startups and researchers.

This initiative is a component of the newly launched Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme, aiming to promote the extensive application of AI for economic progress.

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