By Abubakar Muhammad (9NEWS NIGERIA, NORTHEST)
Mazxeeton Technology, a private Information and Communication Technology company has flagg-off computer training, Boot-Camp, for young students, aimed at equipping them with basic skills and knowledge of computer.
In collaboration with Borno State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency, (BICTDA), the company launched the training on Monday at the agency’s office in Maiduguri.
The beneficiaries are selected from both public and private secondary schools across Maiduguri.
Totalling 25 participants from 10 schools, the beneficiaries would go through rigorous three months training on ICT.
At the launching ceremony, Usman Abdullahi, Mazxeeton Chief Executive Officer, CEO, said that the training is targeted on the young people to prepare them for the future.
He emphasized that investing in the young ones is an investment for the future, noting that they aim to empower the students with skills and knowledge to create solutions and add value.
The training, he said would focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) among other things, highlighting the importance of AI on their studies and future endeavors.
“For instance, a student can be given a mathematical solution, and he/she can convert this ideas in order to program a machine to come up with that particular solution in a very precise time,” he explained.
Encouraging the participants to embrace the training with passion and dedication, Mr. Abdullahi explained that technology is a field for everyone to explore.
”Technology is not just for scientist, but for anyone interested to drive change or create solutions,” Abdullahi said.
He told the participants that “the training is not a competition but a platform for developing your future career.”
The CEO also announced that a reward would be awarded to the best performing students at the end of the program.
He said that the student will be awarded with a personal laptop computer and N100,000, a Tablet device and N50,000 to the second position, while the third position would recieve a mini Tablet and N30,000.
Speaking further, Abdullahi commended Borno State government for investing in the ICT and BICTDA for the collaboration.
While responding, Engr Mohammed Ahmed Kabir Wanori, Executive Secretary of BICTDA, highlighted the importance of investing in educational programs in Borno State.
He explained that such initiative is paramount to the revival of education and other developments in the state, recalling how Boko-Haram terrorists devastated the system over the year.
It is in that regard, Wanori noted that the state governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum has been prioritizing education in his policies and programs.
“The Boko-Haram crisis has devastated Borno beyond measure and educational programs have suffered as a consequence, that is why Governor Zulum is not only rebuilding the infrastructure but developing the human resources involved in managing it,” Wanori explained.
On the development of ICT in the state, Wanori said that the governor has already established about 22 ICT hubs across the state and “he already commissioned six and is expected to commission another 14 within the first quarter of next year, 2025.”
He added that what is expected of the youth is just to harness these opportunities.
Also speaking at the event, Tijjani Abubakar, President, Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Borno State chapter commended the organizers of the training.
He added that the ICT sector in the state is now enjoying adequate attention and hoped that Borno would soon be a “digital state” under Wanori.
Recognizing the impact of ICT in the world today, Abubakar announced that the youth assembly is planning to launch a modern technology training for young people next year.
He also pledged a donation of N60,000 to the best three participants.
In an interview with newsmen after the launching, Mas’ud Yusuf Nnandi, Mazxeeton assistant program manager, said that the company is well prepared to start the training.
He however noted that this is the first kind of training for the organization, ensuring that the resource persons to facilitate the program are highly qualified individuals with track record in the ICT field.
The students were accompanied to the ceremony by their teachers and some parents.
In their remarks, the teachers assured their commitment in monitoring, encouraging and guiding the students throughout the program.
They also expressed gratitude to the organizers for choosing their schools.
Lawal Tajuddeen, teacher from government college said “this is a mind boggling idea and a rare opportunity for young students, considering the global trend on the use of AI. Beyond the classrooms, I believe the knowledge would take them far.”
Similarly, the participants thanked their host and promised to commit themselves during the training.
Speaking on their behalf, Nana-Khadija Aliyu Shugaba said that they are ready to channel their energy towards the success of the training.
Acknowledging their appreciation for getting selected, she called on her fellow participants to give their all and make the organizers, their schools and parents proud.
