FG Distributes Laptops to Empower Nigeria Youths
Federal Government Distributes Laptops to Empower Nigerian Youth in Skills Development
By AmforGod J. Olisa
The Federal Government has distributed laptops to select public school students to enhance skills and training among Nigerian youth. Ms. Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education, announced the initiative during a ceremony in Abuja. The event was organized with Afrifone Nigeria Limited, which presented 50 laptops to deserving Junior Secondary School students from Government Secondary School, Tundun Wada.
Afrifone Nigeria Limited, established in 2016 as Nigeria’s first assembly plant for mobile devices and tablets, is a key partner in this initiative. Arogundade emphasized that this effort aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to promote skill training among the nation’s youth, aiming to train five million Nigerians annually in various skills to enhance employability and foster self-employment.
“This donation empowers students to cultivate their technical and vocational skills, in line with the presidential directive,” she stated. The initiative marks the second phase of a program that began last July, designed to inspire innovation in technical education among young people.
Arogundade highlighted the goal of transforming the education system from a focus on theoretical knowledge to practical skills, enabling students to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving global economy. She encouraged the students to seize this opportunity for their future and reassured those who have not yet benefited that the program will continue.
Ms. Judith Okafor, Human Resources Manager at Afrifone Limited, reiterated the company’s commitment to empowering youth and contributing to Nigeria’s technological progress. She expressed excitement about participating in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to foster skills development and entrepreneurship.
“Today, we are equipping talented students with Afrifone Tablets that function as mini laptops, providing essential tools for success in the digital age,” Okafor said. She noted that Afrifone will also offer comprehensive technical and skill acquisition training to ensure students gain valuable knowledge and expertise.
The company envisions positioning Nigeria as a technological hub by addressing the shortage of laptops in government schools. “By nurturing these skills, we are laying the groundwork for a new generation of tech entrepreneurs and industry leaders,” she added.
Okafor called on other private sector organizations to join in creating more opportunities for youth and positioning Nigeria as a technological leader in Africa and beyond.
Mr. Abiodun Ogunshaki, principal of the school, welcomed the initiative and encouraged students to always make the right choices. He expressed hope for the future, stating that achieving meaningful progress requires collective effort. “We thank you for your noble contribution; this gives us hope for a brighter tomorrow,” Ogunshaki concluded.