The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has concluded its 2026 Kids Long Vacation Coding Bootcamp, equipping children across Kano, Kwara, Jigawa and Gombe states with foundational digital skills to prepare them for the technology-driven future.
The programme, organised in partnership with relevant stakeholders, exposed participating children to coding, computational thinking, digital creativity and emerging technologies.
Beyond technical instruction, the bootcamp also focused on developing essential life competencies, including critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, persistence and problem-solving.
At the various closing ceremonies, participants received certificates and digital gadgets in recognition of their achievements, marking the formal conclusion of the intensive training and the beginning of their broader learning journeys.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by the Director, Special Duties Office, Babajide Ajayi, described the participants as “young digital creators, innovators and potential technology leaders.”
Inuwa urged the children to remain confident, curious and courageous by applying their newly acquired knowledge through practical projects, technology competitions, exploration of emerging tools, idea-sharing and mutual support.
“When something does not work, do not be discouraged. Identify the problem, learn from it, improve your solution and try again. The spirit of curiosity, persistence and problem-solving will serve you well, not only in technology but in every aspect of life,” he said.
The NITDA Director-General also called on parents and guardians to sustain their support by encouraging responsible exploration of technology and nurturing the children’s talents.
He emphasised that continued parental guidance and encouragement would determine whether the skills acquired during the bootcamp remained temporary knowledge or developed into lifelong passions, capabilities and potential careers.
Inuwa reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to early digital skills development, stressing that equipping young Nigerians with relevant technological competencies was essential to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
He noted that programmes such as the Kids Long Vacation Coding Bootcamp would help expose children to technology at an early age while building the creativity, confidence and problem-solving abilities required to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy.
The conclusion of the four-state bootcamp therefore marked another step in NITDA’s efforts to develop a new generation of digitally skilled Nigerians capable of innovating, creating solutions and competing effectively in the global digital space.
