The Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) has launched a training programme on Artificial Intelligence, coding, and other digital skills for school principals and coordinators across the state.
Speaking at the opening of the programme, Mr Terwase Gbande, Managing Director of BDIC, stated that the initiative aims to boost digital literacy and equip educators with 21st-century skills to drive innovation and enhance education in the state.
He urged the participants to work together in developing a framework that would transform the state’s education system to meet global digital standards. According to him, the vision is for Benue to begin exporting ICT talents within the next decade.
Gbande noted that the creation of the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, the State Digital Service Management Enforcement Agency, and BDIC itself were strategic moves by Governor Hyacinth Alia to fast-track ICT development in the state.
Moreover, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr Fredrick Ikyaan, stated that the state government is committed to equipping students with the necessary ICT skills to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to national development. He praised BDIC for taking the lead in this area.
On his part, the Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Mr Kwaghgba Amande, announced that the state government plans to establish a tech-skills institution at the Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, to deepen ICT learning.
He said the emergence of Artificial Intelligence as a key global trend makes it essential for young people to get involved or risk being left behind. He also called for increased collaboration between the ministry and other agencies to maximise the impact of such initiatives.
In separate remarks, representatives from the three senatorial districts — Mallam Shuaibu Danjuma of Government Model School, Katsina-Ala (Zone A); Mr Robert Apir of Government Model School, Makurdi (Zone B); and Mr Ode Omale of Wesley High School, Otukpo (Zone C) — pledged to step down the training in their various zones. They appealed to the government to provide the necessary infrastructure to support the programme.
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