The Benue State Government on Wednesday officially unveiled the innovative “One Student, One Computer, One Digital Skill Plus” initiative, a comprehensive programme designed to ensure every student in the state gains access to essential digital devices and skills.
The initiative aims to enhance academic excellence through increased access to e-learning platforms and online resources, positioning Benue as a hub of digital innovation.
His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State, performed the unveiling ceremony during the graduation of the inaugural Benue Summer Tech Training and the induction of the Digital Benue Ambassadors at Nnam Hotel in Makurdi.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mini, the Governor commended the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) for spearheading the state’s digital transformation and praised BDIC’s efforts in deploying critical infrastructure, rolling out innovative platforms, and executing visionary projects such as the Summer Tech Training programme.
“The Digital Benue vision is not just an idea, but a living reality,” the Governor emphasised. “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 added.
He highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the initiative, including the development of employable skills in ICT fields such as programming, design, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, stressing that the programme is poised to foster economic diversification through e-commerce, freelancing, and digital startups.
Governor Alia further said the initiative aims to support sectors like agriculture, health, education, and commerce, thereby enabling Benue youth to become globally competitive, attract investments, and create local jobs.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to expand the Summer Tech Training programme across all 23 Local Government Areas, ensuring that every child in Benue has access to the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive in the 21st-century digital economy.
He also recapped significant strides in digital infrastructure development, including the deployment of fiber optic connectivity across 18 ministries, departments, and agencies, noting, “the state has introduced e-governance platforms and digitised workflows across critical sectors, all part of a strategic roadmap to position Benue as a model of digital transformation in Nigeria.”
In a separate address, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), represented by Mr. Ajayi Babajide Ayodimeji, the Zonal Office Coordinator, commended Benue for its forward-thinking approach, and praised the state’s efforts to equip children with skills in software development, cybersecurity, and other digital disciplines, emphasising that such capabilities can generate wealth and employment.
Dada Olusegun, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, represented by Yansa Esetome Garba, also lauded the state government’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of digital innovators.
The event concluded with a presentation of certificates and customised tablets equipped with internet services to the graduates of the Summer Tech Training programme by Governor Hyacinth Alia, symbolising the government’s dedication to fostering digital literacy.
This landmark initiative marks a significant step toward transforming Benue into a digital economy hub, empowering its youth with the tools and skills needed to compete and innovate on a global scale.