AbdulRazaq pledges to make Kwara Nigeria’s technology hub

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming the state into a hub for technological innovation through its “Catch Them Young” initiative.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme (KCDLP), themed “Kwara Futures: Empowering a Digitally Ready Generation,” the governor expressed delight at the growing interest and achievements of young Kwarans in technology.

The programme, organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovation, Hon. Kayode Ishola, showcased the creativity of students across the state.

Governor AbdulRazaq said the initiative underscores his government’s resolve to position Kwara on the global tech map through partnerships with international accelerators and access to cross-border funding.

> “Our administration is unwavering in its commitment to transform Kwara into a beacon of technological excellence and empower our youth to lead the digital revolution,” he said.
“By investing in infrastructure and fostering innovation, we are equipping our young tech talents with the tools to turn bold ideas into global realities.”



The governor’s aide, Hon. Ishola, described the exhibition as a reflection of visionary leadership and inclusive governance. He recalled that when the pilot phase of the KCDLP was launched in 2024, it was not just an educational experiment but a deliberate strategy to prepare young people for the digital economy.

> “The governor envisioned a Kwara where every child, regardless of background, can learn, create, and compete globally. That vision — that digital literacy is the new basic literacy — continues to guide our journey today,” he said.



According to Ishola, the programme has become a national model of innovation and inclusion, training 5,604 students across 50 public schools in all 16 local government areas. Over 120 instructors, including NYSC members and digital volunteers, have participated in teaching coding, robotics, innovation thinking, and digital design.

He highlighted success stories such as students from Baruten, Igbaja, and Ifelodun developing animations and apps, while girls from Bishop Smith Memorial College, Ilorin, created a learning app for the visually impaired.

A team of Kwara students also won the 2025 Kids Innovation Challenge with their AgriTech Mini Dashboard, a smart agriculture solution now attracting national attention.

Looking ahead, Ishola revealed plans to expand the programme to 100 schools and 10,000 students by mid-2026, establish Innovation Learning Centres across senatorial districts, and launch “Girls Code Kwara” to raise female participation in tech to 60% by 2026.

During the exhibition, 10 schools presented innovative projects, including a Smart School Attendance System, Weather Forecast Application, Python-Based Banking Simulation, and the Igbaja Farm Expense Tracker (IFET) App.

United Junior Secondary School, Ilorin, emerged as the overall winner with a ₦1 million prize, followed by Ilorin Grammar School with ₦500,000, and Government Girls’ Day Secondary School, Pakata, which received ₦250,000.

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, commended the governor’s commitment to education, noting that the initiative ensures young people are well-prepared for the evolving digital economy.

Other commissioners, Hon. Bola Olukoju (Communications), Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun (Business, Innovation and Technology), and Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam (Social Development), all praised the governor for his forward-thinking approach to technology and youth empowerment.

Funmilayo Obi, representing the Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), lauded AbdulRazaq for his belief in the potential of young Nigerians, describing the programme as “a forest of innovation growing from seeds of vision.”