Kwara Govt Launches Digital Literacy Drive in Public Schools, Targets 7,500 Students

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion (Islam), Alhaji Ibrahim Danmaigoro; Afolabi Daniel of Bishop Smith College; Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau; Special Assistant on Digital Innovation, Hon. Ishola Kayode; Special Assistant on Drug Abuse, Prevention and Control, Hon. Aileru Olamilekan; and Senior Special Assistant on SDGs Mariam Nnafatima Imam PhD; during the flag- off ceremony of the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme for 50 Public Secondary Schools, in Ilorin, 

The Kwara State Government has commenced a digital literacy and coding training programme for students in 50 public primary and junior secondary schools across the state.

The initiative aims to equip over 7,500 students with essential digital skills to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ilorin, Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau, who represented Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the programme as a strategic move to position Kwara’s students for the future.

“We are now faced with the reality of the digital revolution. What we are doing today is laying the foundation for a digitally literate generation. The children of Kwara State must not be left behind,” Salau stated at Bishop Smith Junior Secondary School, Ilorin.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital and Innovation, Hon. Ishola Kayode, is part of the administration’s broader agenda to integrate technology into the education sector.

Hon. Ishola explained that the selection of 50 schools for the pilot scheme was strategic, with 15 from Kwara Central, 13 from the North, and 22 from the South. He assured that the programme would be expanded after assessing its impact.

“This is about ensuring that our public school students are equipped with problem-solving skills. Many challenges in our communities today can be addressed through technology. Without digital literacy, young people will struggle to compete globally,” Ishola said.

The programme’s launch also took place in other public schools in Ilorin, including Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin Grammar School, and Sheikh Alimi L.G.E.A Primary School.

The Principal of Bishop Smith College (Junior Session), Mrs. Akanbi Janet Ayoola, commended the initiative, describing it as one of the most forward-thinking steps taken by the state government.

“In today’s world, where artificial intelligence and digital skills are essential, this programme will empower our students and prepare them for the future,” she said.

Students who participated in the launch, including Opadili Dorcas Boluwatife and Akinola Kolawole Abdulrahman, expressed gratitude to the government, pledging to make the most of the opportunity to compete on a global scale.

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