Kwara Govt, Digital Africa Train 200 Pupils on AI Skills

The Kwara State Government has equipped at least 200 schoolchildren from different parts of the state with skills to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for innovative thinking and real-world problem-solving.

Labelled the “Future Minds Independence artificial intelligence Bootcamp,” this training was conducted in collaboration with Digital Equity Africa and took place from Wednesday, October 1, to Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Participants came from both public and private primary and junior secondary schools, selected through a streamlined process.

During the grand finale held in Ilorin on Sunday, Temi Kolawole, Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, stated that the sponsorship of 200 students highlights the government’s dedication to ensuring digital inclusion for youth.

Kolawole expressed admiration for the creative projects showcased by the pupils and voiced optimism about their potential future achievements.

“It is truly remarkable to observe young children under 10 years old presenting the websites they created, sharing storybooks they authored, and even performing music that AI helped them compose. If they can achieve this at such a young age, we can only imagine their capabilities in the next five to ten years,” he remarked.

Such experiences foster their curiosity, innovation, and creativity, he noted.

Mrs Justina Nnam Oha, CEO of Digital Equity Africa, explained that the programme aimed not only to teach technology but also to foster a mindset that nurtures innovation, encouraging young people to see themselves as builders of the digital future instead of mere consumers.

She praised both the government and the Ilorin Innovation Hub for their collaboration and commitment to enhancing digital literacy and inclusion in Kwara.

“Throughout the past few days, your children have ventured into the captivating realm of artificial intelligence, gaining insights into how machines think, create, and address real challenges. They have cooperated, built, and dared to imagine, demonstrating that the future indeed belongs to the curious, courageous, and creative,” she stated in a press interaction during the event.

“We are extremely thankful. This initiative by the government is praiseworthy as it ensures that every child, irrespective of their background, can access future opportunities.

“To the parents—thank you for your belief in your children and this vision. Investing in their minds is the best choice you can make. What you witnessed today are not merely projects but beginnings of transformation.”

Participants like Abdulkareem Khadijat, Ahmed Imam Ayodeji, and Aminat Akanbi, among others, expressed their gratitude to the state government and Digital Equity Africa for giving them a chance to acquire digital skills and become AI-ready.