The Jimoh Kolawole Yussuf (JKY) Foundation has officially launched the second phase of its tech empowerment programme today, December 9, 2024, at the One Innovation Hub (ONEIH) in Offa, Kwara State.
This initiative, focused on enhancing digital literacy and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education among secondary school students, highlights the foundation’s commitment to youth development and educational equity.
Structured for Senior Secondary 1 (SS1) students from public schools, the programme is designed to run in two batches, with 20 participants per week.
The first batch commences today and continues until December 13, while the second batch is scheduled for December 16 to December 20.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kayode Ishola, the Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Digital Literacy, emphasized the critical role of digital skills in shaping the future, urging students to seize the opportunity.
He commended the JKY Foundation for its proactive efforts in equipping young minds with relevant technological competencies.
Mrs. Ayodeji B.O., the Secretary of Education for Offa Local Government, encouraged students to approach the training with the same focus and dedication as their regular classroom lessons.
Similarly, Comrade Raji Tajudeen, NUT Chairman of Offa and Principal of Nawarudeen Senior Secondary School, expressed profound gratitude to the foundation, acknowledging its positive impact on the students and community.
Hub Manager Mr. Kolawole Wasiu Lawal detailed the programme’s structure, explaining that students undergo an onboarding and screening process to tailor the training to their needs.
He also highlighted the success of the foundation’s prior one-month training, which equipped 25 participants with foundational tech skills.
Participating schools in the first batch include Nawarudeen Secondary School, Iyeru Okin Offa Grammar School, Offa Community Secondary School, and others, totaling ten institutions.
The JKY Foundation, established in 2019 by the children of the late Alhaji Jimoh Kolawole Yussuf, focuses on initiatives in Infrastructure, Sports, and Education (ISE).
Through this second phase of the empowerment programme, the foundation aims to equip students with critical skills for the digital age, fostering innovation and growth within the Offa community.
Some students, expressing their gratitude, shared how the programme has already inspired them to explore technology-related careers, demonstrating the transformative potential of initiatives like these in bridging the digital divide.