The Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Tunbosun Alake, has charged youths and teenagers to embrace technology to enable them to stand the chance of competing in the rapidly evolving world.
He made the charge at the Innovators Tech Festival organised by Indepth Computers, recently in Lagos.
According to him, it is important for the younger generation to be equipped, especially from the primary stage, with skills required for them be able to compete in the fields of their endeavours.
Alake, who also commended the initiative by Indepth Computers to allow children to showcase their acquired skills in tech at young ages, pledged continuous support for the growth of tech skills.
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He reiterated the state government’s continuous efforts at ensuring that children are equipped with all types of skills from a nascent age.
He said, “Initiatives like this by Indepth Computers are some of the things that the state also supports to help bring in all types of skills from a very nascent age.”
While reiterating efforts made by the government, he stated that over the past three years, there has been an addendum to the curriculum of public schools in the state.
“In about a 100 comprehensive schools, there have been additional topics and courses that are being taught. Things like Graphic Design in secondary schools, Carpentry, Plumbing, Fashion Design, practical skills that are required in the industry.
“We have also been funding STEM education companies for schools. Companies that will make it easier for children to learn STEM courses where their assumption rates are increased, where they can do technical engineering skills and the like,” he said
The Executive Director, Digital Bank, WEMA, Tunde Mabawonku, charged parents and teachers to continue to encourage children to learn, while pledging support to all children who pitched their software programmes during the festival.
He said, “I heard people talking about Alice and Scratch and it is really a good one. Children are coding today and doing lots of interesting things and I commend you all.”
