Empowering Ogun State Students: NerdzFactory Foundation Launches TechDrive Programme

NerdzFactory Foundation, in collaboration with Access Corporation, has launched the TechDrive Programme, an ambitious initiative aimed at equipping 5,000 secondary school students in Ogun State with critical digital skills.

This programme is designed to address the widening digital skills gap in Nigeria, where only 43 percent of the population has access to the internet, and unemployment rates have reached a troubling 53.4 percent, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The TechDrive Programme seeks to empower underserved students by providing them with both foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for thriving in a technology-driven economy.

Over the course of the program, advocacy sessions will be held across 10 secondary schools, introducing students to the transformative potential of technology. These sessions aim to inspire young learners by highlighting the various career opportunities available in the tech industry.

In addition to advocacy, 50 students will receive specialized hands-on training in web design. This targeted training will provide them with the technical skills to build websites, positioning them for jobs in the digital workforce or entrepreneurial ventures.

The practical approach ensures that participants not only learn but can also immediately apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Executive Director of NerdzFactory Foundation, Ademulegun Olowojoba, emphasized the significance of investing in digital education for Nigeria’s youth. “Through the TechDrive Programme, we are making a crucial investment in the future of young Nigerians. By equipping these students with digital skills, we are not only closing the digital divide but also unlocking the potential for innovation and socio-economic growth in Ogun State,” he said. Olowojoba credited Access Corporation for its partnership, which has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

Running from October to December 2024, the TechDrive Programme is not just about immediate training but fostering sustainable development. To this end, participants will have the opportunity to join the TechDrive Club, a long-term mentorship initiative aimed at ensuring continued growth and guidance for these budding tech enthusiasts.

By addressing the challenges of digital illiteracy and unemployment, the TechDrive Programme aims to inspire a new generation of innovators in Ogun State. With its combination of advocacy, skill-building, and sustained mentorship, the initiative promises to empower students, transform lives, and position Ogun State as a hub for digital excellence in Nigeria.