The Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development has commended the Tech Girls Club for expanding access to technology and innovation training among secondary schoolgirls through its recently concluded Boot Camp in Ilorin.
The programme brought together 52 girls from eight secondary schools in the state, providing them with practical exposure to technology, innovation and skills intended to strengthen their readiness for future academic and career opportunities.
The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development and Supervising Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, described partnerships between government and credible non-governmental organisations as important to the development of the state’s education system.
Olohungbebe spoke while responding to feedback from the Founder of Tech Girls Club, Dr Aderonke Busayo Sakpere, following the completion of the Boot Camp.
The Commissioner said collaborations with NGOs, development organisations and private-sector institutions could complement government’s efforts by providing additional expertise, resources, innovative approaches and opportunities for students.
He said the impact of the programme extended beyond the technical knowledge acquired by participants, noting that initiatives focused on girls’ technology education could also help build confidence and encourage young people to consider careers in innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to him, the experiences and testimonies of the participating students demonstrated the potential of targeted skills programmes to expose young people to opportunities that may not always be available through conventional classroom instruction.
“As a Ministry, we will continue to welcome and support meaningful partnerships with NGOs, development organisations, the private sector and other stakeholders that contribute to improving learning outcomes and expanding opportunities for our young people,” Olohungbebe said.
He commended the Tech Girls Club team for its commitment to equipping young girls with relevant skills and described the initiative as consistent with the educational priorities of the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The Commissioner expressed optimism that the participants would apply the knowledge acquired during the Boot Camp to their studies, personal development and future professional pursuits.
He also encouraged the beneficiaries to use their new skills to develop practical solutions to challenges within their communities and contribute to technological and socio-economic development in Kwara State and Nigeria.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting educational initiatives that expose students to emerging technologies, innovation and practical skills.
The development also highlights the growing importance of partnerships between government and education-focused organisations in providing young people with opportunities to develop competencies beyond traditional classroom learning.
For the 52 participants, the Boot Camp provided an opportunity to gain practical technology experience while encouraging them to see themselves as potential innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
