Technology Innovations: Ambode Targets Training One Million Students

As parts of the efforts to meet the 21st century technology requirement for development, Lagos state Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday unveiled “code Lagos” computer programming initiative aimed at meeting the growing demand for technical skills and develop a workforce that will speak a universal digital language and provide solutions to socio-economic problems confronting the society.

Governor Ambode while unveiling the new computer initiative at the ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, stated that with this development, Lagos State has joined the league of technology-compliant nations that have recognized the need to harness the power of technology for the success of their nations and nation-states.

“ …The 21st century world is becoming increasingly reliant on technology. Consequently forward looking governments and policy makers, social impact organizations, and profit-driven institutions alike are taking proactive stance by investing in technology education for the future workforce,” Ambode stated.

In order to ensure the success of the new initiative, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, stated that the state government over the next three years would commit funds to setting up over 1,000 coding centers across the state while coding computer programming will  be introduced in the Lagos State schools curriculum from January 2017 to enable students learn the new skills

 According to the governor the new initiative aims at making coding curriculum accessible to One Million students in Lagos State by the year 2019, which he noted would prepare them to  create and take advantage of the opportunities that will arise as the state’s technology capacity increases over a period of time

While highlighting the benefits of ‘Code Lagos’  to students and the public, Ambode stated that when the initiative becomes fully operational in the state, it will in the short term place the state at the forefront of positioning students across the state to harness,  create and leverage on local and global opportunities of the 21st century, while in the long term, it  will bridge the gap with respect to employment and business opportunities in the technology space, thereby enhancing global competitiveness of the residents of the state.

The governor  said “It is our expectation  that the programme will enhance the participants ability to create value as employees or job creators; meet the growing demands for technical skills; develop a workforce which speaks a universal digital language and are ready to take on and provide solutions to the myriads of social economic problems in the society. In the long term,” he added, “it is envisaged that the code Lagos initiative will bridge the gap with to employment and business opportunities in the technology space, thereby enhancing global competitiveness of Lagosians.’’

The governor therefore appealed to the residents to embrace the new initiative which he said  would prepare them  to meet the demands of the new workforce, harness the benefits of technology and communicate in the language of the future for their development

Earlier in his welcome address, Special adviser to Governor Ambode on Education,  Mr Obafela Bank Olemoh stated that the new initiative is aimed at using technology to drive the economy and infrastructure development of the state, adding that the new initiative is envisioned to make Lagos the technology frontier in Africa.

Obafela whose office is in charge of the new computer initiative said the new concept when fully functional will place the state on a par with other technologically developed countries of the world, adding that technology is one of the areas that can quickly bail out the country from its current economic recession, noting that some countries of the world like Japan relied solely on technology to build their economy.

In his good will message, Commissioner for Overseas Affairs & Investment, Professor Ademola Abass charged private investors to key into the new initiatives as the state government has always assured of creating enabling environment that will be conducive for investment to thrive.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the new concept; “Code Lagos” by the deputy governor and other members of the state Executive Council.
The event was graced by top government officials, captains of industry, students and representatives of various interest groups.