According to a news report from Punch, the Kwara State Government has initiated a free summer coding class programme for students of public secondary schools across the state.

Kayode Ishola, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's Special Assistant on Digital Innovation, explained that the aim of the summer coding class is to equip students with essential digital skills, enabling them to compete on a global stage.

Moshood Agboola, the governor's Deputy Chief Press Secretary, stated in a press release that the programme is set to run for six weeks at six different centres located within the three senatorial districts of the state. The classes are specifically designed for students aged between 11 and 15.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, Ilorin, Ishola said the state government was encouraging mass digital literacy among the youth so that they would not be left behind in the digital age.

“The government understands that for the students to have a competitive edge globally, they need to have digital skills, especially now that external exams like JAMB, WASSCE and NECO are now computer-based

“The programme will be run for six weeks. The first two weeks will focus on the introduction to digital literacy, particularly for kids that do not have much background in hands-on use of the computers, while the remaining period will be used for coding and other digital skills,” Ishola said.