Nigeria and UK foundation launch Code Clubs for digital literacy

Nigeria’s communication ministry said the Code Clubs will introduce young participants to coding and digital technology and encourage them to deploy creative problem-solving in their everyday lives.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has entered into a partnership with a UK-based computing education charity, Raspberry Pi Foundation, to launch Code Clubs across Nigeria.

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.

Announcing the program in a statement issued on Wednesday, Nov. 8, the ministry 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. These clubs, which will initially start from 17 knowledge exchange centers, will further expand to other locations across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

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

Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasizes 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.

Within the collaboration, the Raspberry Pi Foundation will 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 partners, including individuals, educational entities, and enthusiastic organizations dedicated to advancing computing education, will be assisted with resources, support, and operational guidance by a specified central organization.

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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.

In October, the Nigerian government unveiled a program providing 5 million naira ($6,444) 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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