The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB) are joining forces to ignite a digital revolution in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) schools.

The ground-breaking part­nership would see 24 promis­ing young minds from six FCT schools immerse themselves in a two-week intensive training programme focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding, and Robotics.

The third edition of the Reality House competition, which is designed to stimulate creativity and problem-solving will host a dynamic group of 54 individuals – three students and a teacher from each of the eight schools, plus a 12-person support team.

The programme, which has begun on Saturday, aims to cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy problem solvers.

Participants are drawn from JSS Tudun Fulani, JSS Narai Karu, JSS Karu, JSS Kubwa 1, JSS Abaji, JSS Kekeshi, JSS Dutse Alhaji 2, and JSS Pya­kasa will compete in a reality house TV show-style competi­tion, culminating in a head-to-head debate showcasing their newly acquired skills.

This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinu­bu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of accelerating diversification through industralisation, digi­talisation, creative arts, manu­facturing and innovation and NITDA’s pillar of fostering dig­ital literacy and creating a pipe­line of tech talent. The NITDA’s Strategic Action and Roadmap Plan (SRAP) 2.0, which targets 70% digital literacy by 2027, is central to this partnership.

“By equipping these young students with AI, coding, and robotics skills, we are investing in the future of Nigeria,” said NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, “This collaboration with FCT UBEB is a significant step towards building a digitally empowered society.”

A statement issued by Mrs Hadiza Umar, Director, Corpo­rate Affairs and External Rela­tions, in NITDA, explained that the programme will not only enhance students’ academic performance but also instill es­sential life skills, such as criti­cal thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Umar explained that win­ners will be rewarded with cash prizes and continued mentorship from NITDA and FCT UBEB.

She said previous editions of the reality show yielded impressive results, including increased school enrolment and a growing interest in ICT among students and educators.