Nigeria, May 27, 2016 – Microsoft Nigeria in partnership with the Future Project and the Zariah Elizabeth Foundation (TZE Foundation) is set to empower 6,000 students in public schools in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria with basic skills in Kodu, Minecraft, HTML and CSS.
The initiative which is part of a larger campaign to get #1MillionFingersCoding has been dubbed Code2Create and intends to train 6,000 students in 10 schools across the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the TZE Foundation, training of the students will last for 10 days, and further training will be provided for teachers of each school at the foundation’s HUB and through the Microsoft Youthworks portal Aiki Nigeria.
Through the partnership with Microsoft, the foundation plans to introduce students to the world of ‘coding’ at an early stage and start a code club in the schools with support from partners.
“We believe that learning programming skills will benefit children in other ways whatever their ultimate career – almost akin to the reasoning for giving children the chance to learn a musical instrument or foreign language”, Akindayo Akindolani TZE foundation Executive director disclosed.
In his words the Citizenship Manager, Microsoft Nigeria Olusola Amusan Said, ” At Microsoft, we believe if we can inspire, enable and provide a conducive environment through digital literacy and coding skills, we are securing the nation’s future. ”
Amusan added that the ‘Code2Create’ initiative is part of the #1millionFingersCoding campaign of Microsoft and will empower 6,000 youths in the FCT among which there might be the leaders of tomorrow’s technology empires, adding to GDP and providing limitless opportunities.”
The initiative which is in line with the Federal Government’s need for diversification of Nigeria’s economy, intends to introduce young students to the IT world at an early age to enable them positively boost the country’s image in the ICT sector.
The flag off programme is scheduled to hold at Federal Government Boys College, Apo before Gudu Market. The programme will have in attendance, FME, Ministry of Communication and NITDA with Microsoft and the future Project as sponsors of the project. Please like the page and share the story
Photo Caption
Olusola Amusan, Citizenship Manager Microsoft Nigeria; Akindayo Akindolani, Executive Director The Zariah Elizabeth Foundation; Oluyinka Ajibola, Coordinator Gilgal Education Foundation; Mr. Donatus Kemnele O. HOD Science, Technology & Mathematics Division, FCT Secondary Education Board Abuja; Mr. Iyke Chukwu, Head of Unit, e-Learning and Teacher Development, FCT Secondary Education Board Abuja; Professor Adesoji Adesugba, Vice President ICT, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during the one of the trainings in Abuja
