Summer Coding Bootcamp: A Major Milestone in STEAMUP Kwara Initiative – SA Education, Dr. Adetola Salau

In what has been described as a transformative step towards achieving the objectives of the STEAMUP Kwara Initiative, Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau, Special Adviser on Education, Policy Formulation, and Human Capital Development in Kwara State, has praised the 2024 edition of the Kwara Free Summer Coding and Digital Literacy Bootcamp.

According to Dr. Salau, the programme is pivotal in building and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators in the state.

The Bootcamp was spearheaded by Hon. Kayode Ishola, Special Assistant on Digital Innovation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The programme, held from August 5 to September 13, 2024, took place in six different centres across the state’s three senatorial districts. It offered students between the ages of 11 and 15 an opportunity to acquire vital digital skills, positioning them to compete on a global scale.

The Graduation and Prize Presentation Ceremony, which took place at E-Phoenix Annex II in Ilorin, featured an exhibition of projects designed by the students. Projects included innovations in software development, Google Templates, budget planners, and traffic light systems—each built from scratch. Both students and centres were recognized for their outstanding performances, with several prizes awarded to top achievers.

Dr. Salau emphasized the significance of the Bootcamp as a key initiative under the broader STEAMUP Kwara project, which seeks to revolutionize science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education across the state.

Dr. Salau further elaborated on the future goals of the STEAMUP Kwara project, stating that the government is committed to establishing STEM hubs in schools across the state. These hubs will serve as centers for innovation, collaboration, and learning, offering state-of-the-art facilities to enhance students’ practical experience. Additionally, modern science laboratories are set to be unveiled in the state’s three senatorial districts, all of which will be integral to revolutionizing STEAM education in Kwara.

“STEAMUP Kwara is an excellent opportunity to build and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators,” commending the programme for its role in youth development. She further urged the participants to make good use of the knowledge gained, promising to continue creating an enabling environment for youth empowerment and global citizenship.

“By fostering partnerships, creating STEM hubs, and establishing cutting-edge laboratories, Kwara State is poised to become a model for STEM education in Nigeria. We are dedicated to nurturing young talents in the digital and scientific space reflects the government’s broader commitment to sustainable development through education. The 2024 Summer Coding Bootcamp has set the stage for further progress, empowering a new generation of innovators ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

“It was clear that the Kwara Free Summer Coding and Digital Literacy Bootcamp was not just a one-off event but a vital stepping stone in the state’s journey toward technological and educational excellence. With sustained support from the state government, institutions, and international organizations, the future looks bright for the youth of Kwara State.”

Hon. Kayode Ishola, who led the Bootcamp’s organization, reiterated that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to digital literacy. The programme took place simultaneously at six centres: Ansarul Islam School, Gure, and Etsu Maman Junior School, Batapon in Edu LGA; Queen Elizabeth School in Ilorin West; Government Secondary School, Afon in Asa LGA; Offa Grammar School in Offa; and Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran in Irepodun LGA.

Highlighting the programme’s success, Dr. Salau acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Education, led by Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, and other key stakeholders.

Several dignitaries attended the graduation ceremony, including Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly; Hon. Usman Lade, Commissioner for Water Resources; Hon. Nafisat Buge, Commissioner for Environment; and Professor Musa Biodun Aibinu, Vice Chancellor of Summit University, Offa. Other notable figures included Hon. Abdulateef Adebara, Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, and Dr. Iretioluwa Akerele, Co-Founder of CyBlack.