The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has launched a new program aimed at empowering young girls in Kano State with robotics and coding skills.
The initiative, called the Artie Robot and Coding Training Program, will target 30 students in three different public secondary schools in Kano State in the first phase.
The program was officially launched on Thursday at Government Girls Secondary School Dorayi Karama in Kano.
CITAD Executive Director Malam Yunusa Zakari, represented by Buhari Abba, highlighted the program’s goals: “This initiative aims to enhance secondary school students’ skills in technology and coding, empowering them to pursue careers in the growing field of information technology.”
Malam Zakari said, “We believe that girls have the potential to be future leaders in tech, and this program will provide them with the foundation and confidence they need to succeed.”
CITAD Technical Officer for Innovation and Creativity, Mr. Abdulrahman Babatunde, said coding and robotics skills are becoming increasingly important for everyone, and young secondary school girls are no exception.
According to him, “Learning to code is like learning a new language. It opens doors to a world of possibilities and empowers you to create and innovate.”
On his part, the Executive Secretary of Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSSMB), Dr. Kabiru Ado Zakirai, commended CITAD’s efforts in organizing this training.
He explained that traditionally, STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) have had fewer women. By getting involved in robotics and coding early on, girls can develop a passion for these subjects and pursue exciting careers in the future.
Dr. Zakirai, who was represented by Malam Umar Yakasai, said, “This program is a valuable investment in the future of Kano State. By equipping girls with these skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities and fostering a more tech-savvy generation.”
He concluded by encouraging the students to fully embrace the opportunities offered by the program and to dive into the exciting world of technology.