Over 80 Children Graduate As Benue Govt Unveils One Student, One Computer, One Digital Skill+ Initiative

By Amos Aar

The Benue State Government on Wednesday unveiled the “One Student, One Computer, One Digital Skill+” initiative and graduated more than 80 children from the state’s inaugural Summer Tech Training.

The ceremony, held Makurdi, also featured the induction of pioneer Digital Benue Ambassadors, young innovators now tasked with inspiring their peers to embrace technology.

Speaking during the event, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Barr Sam Ode, described the scheme as “a living reality of the Digital Benue vision.” He noted that the programme was the first of its kind in the state and a turning point for preparing young people for the knowledge economy.

“Today, we celebrate our children who have gained foundational skills in digital literacy, software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. They are the trailblazers of a future powered by knowledge, innovation, and opportunity", he stated.

The Governor explained that the initiative would not only enhance learning outcomes by giving students access to e-learning platforms, but also provide employable skills in ICT fields, thereby creating opportunities in entrepreneurship, freelancing, and e-commerce.

“We are determined to expand the Summer Tech Training to all 23 Local Government Areas so that no child in Benue, whether in the city or a remote village, is left behind,” he added.

In his address, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Zonal Coordinator Mr. Ajayi Babajide Ayodimeji, commended Benue’s foresight. “This programme ensures our children are not just consumers of technology, but creators and future leaders in Nigeria’s digital economy,” he said.

Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, represented by Yansa Esetome Garba, lauded the state’s effort in nurturing a generation of innovators who can compete globally.

On his part, the Managing Director of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), Mr. Terwase Gbande, revealed that the Summer Tech Training had successfully empowered over 80 children with hands-on skills in software development, AI, web technologies, and job readiness. He described the unveiling of “One Student, One Computer, One Digital Skill+” as a bold declaration of Benue’s commitment to bridging the digital divide.

"The state government is sponsoring a full-funded for the children. And not just only that, providing tablets to one hundred and two (102) of them that have graduated from this training. Not just that, providing them with data SIM cards that will can continue supporting them even while they are not here. And then, we are expecting to scale this to the 23 local government areas. By year 2026, we will have a training hub in each local government. We are basically trying to build a future of digital inclusion. A future where Benue youths will be at the competitive stage global kid", Gbande added.

Graduates of the programme, who received certificates and customized tablets with internet access, expressed excitement over their new skills. They described the experience as life-changing, with hopes of pursuing careers in technology and using their knowledge to solve community problems.