The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has successfully organized Build-A-Thon, a digital skills training program aimed at equipping young learners across Nigeria with essential technological know-how.
The Build-A-Thon initiative is a crucial component of the Ministry’s “Knowledge Pillar” under its Strategic Plan, which seeks to drive the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in Nigeria. The program, which focuses on technology innovation, is designed to foster the country’s knowledge-based economy.
Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized the importance of digital skills and training for young Nigerians. In a recent blog post on his verified social media account, he stated that knowledge serves as the foundation of the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint titled “Accelerating Our Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency,” published in October 2023. Dr. Tijani expressed his belief that knowledge and creativity have the power to transform lives and societies, citing examples from across Africa.
During a visit by Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the NCC, to the Ministry’s office in Abuja last year, Dr. Tijani acknowledged the strategic role of the NCC in implementing the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint. He commended the Commission for its contributions to the country and expressed his commitment to a collaborative partnership.
Dr. Tijani also reiterated the significance of the telecommunications sector in supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts, stating that there is no future for the country without a robust telecommunications industry.
In line with the Ministry’s objective of building a knowledge-based economy through technological innovation, the NCC previously organized a technology innovation talent hunt competition in late 2023. Out of 81 participating companies, three emerged as winners, sharing a prize money of N30 million. The competition aimed to foster cutting-edge technologies in areas such as blockchain-enabled data protection, assistive technology solutions, and renewable energy solutions for rural areas.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the EVC/CEO of the NCC, highlighted the competition’s alignment with the Commission’s Strategic Vision Plan for the years 2023-2025. He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to nurturing innovation and supporting promising ideas through the competition and beyond. The annual Hackathon competition serves as a platform to address real-world challenges and mobilize the collective intelligence of innovators in Nigeria.
The NCC’s vision and priorities align closely with the Ministry’s Strategic Plan, focusing on broadband infrastructure deployment, digital empowerment of Nigerian youth, and improvements in broadband accessibility, availability, and affordability. These initiatives are in line with Nigeria’s overall objectives and the Ministry’s Strategic Plan, working towards the expansion of broadband connectivity and ensuring equitable access to all Nigerians.
The Strategic Plan, designed to contribute to the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, encompasses five pillars: Infrastructure, Knowledge, Policy, Innovation/Entrepreneurship and Capital, and Trade. By prioritizing these areas, the Ministry and NCC aim to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and drive economic growth in the country.