NITDA Launches 2023 STEM Bootcamp to Drive Emerging Technologies for Kids
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced the commencement of its 2023 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Bootcamp. The program aims to drive the adoption and understanding of emerging technologies among children.
The NITDA STEM Bootcamp, also known as SB4Kids, is divided into two categories: Junior and Senior. The Junior category is open to children aged eight to eleven, while the Senior category is for children aged 12 to 15. Interested parents are encouraged to apply for their children’s participation in this year’s Bootcamp for Kids program.
The program will be conducted through NITDA’s subsidiary, the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), in partnership with various hubs and state governments across the country. This collaboration is in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024), specifically focusing on emerging technologies.
Participants in the Bootcamp will engage in hands-on training sessions covering a wide range of topics, including Artificial Intelligence, Coding, Robotics, Drone Technologies, Embedded Systems and Internet of Things, 3D Printing, and Digital Communication, among others. The training will last for ten days, with separate schedules for the Junior and Senior categories.
The Bootcamp will take place simultaneously in three locations. The training venue in Abuja will be the e-Government Training Centre, Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Kubwa, while the Futuremap Foundation Hadejia CBT and Skills Acquisition Centre in Jigawa will host the training in the northern states. In the southern states, the training will be held at the Centre for Information and Telecommunication Engineering, University of Port Harcourt.
Interested candidates can fill out the application form on the designated website and contact NITDA for further information. The agency can be reached at info@nitda.gov.ng or through the phone numbers 08178778499 and 08178778501.
The NITDA STEM Bootcamp offers a valuable opportunity for children to gain practical knowledge and skills in emerging technologies. By exposing them to diverse areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Coding, and Robotics, the program aims to foster a passion for technology from an early age. Moreover, the collaborative effort with various stakeholders ensures a comprehensive and holistic approach to developing future leaders in the digital era.
The NITDA’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is commendable. As Nigeria continues to embrace the digital revolution, initiatives like the STEM Bootcamp will play a crucial role in nurturing young talents and preparing them for the technological challenges and opportunities of the future.
