Nigeria opens registration for its expanded Build-A-Thon Holiday Camp starting August 4, 2025. The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy expects over 2,000 children aged 10-18 to join this hands-on technology program across three major cities.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced the camp through social media platforms. Parents can now register their children for the three-week intensive program that teaches coding, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) skills.
The camp builds on spectacular results from 2024 when more than 5,000 students participated across Abeokuta, Maiduguri, and Owerri. This year’s program expands to include Abuja FCT and Kano alongside returning host city Abeokuta.
Build-A-Thon Program Structure and Curriculum Focus
The 2025 camp introduces Nigerian children to maker culture through practical technology workshops. Students work with DIY kits, technology labs, and collaborative project sessions instead of traditional classroom lectures.
Program participants learn multiple tech disciplines during the three-week period. The curriculum covers basic coding principles, embedded systems using Raspberry Pi computers, artificial intelligence concepts, and IoT device development. Children also explore robotics through hands-on building exercises.
Technology labs provide direct access to modern equipment and software tools. Students receive individual DIY kits to complete projects and take home after the program ends. Workshop sessions encourage teamwork and peer collaboration on complex technical challenges.
Success Stories from 2024 Build-A-Thon Initiative
Last year’s inaugural program delivered impressive results across three Nigerian cities. Students created innovative prototype projects including smart homes, automated parking systems, heartbeat monitors, and robotic assistance devices for disabled users.
United Comprehensive High School in Abeokuta won the ‘Best Overall Project’ award for their smart home prototype designed to solve real-world housing challenges. Other notable projects included digital timer systems, bluetooth speakers, electric car models, and safety alert machines for visually impaired users.
State education commissioners praised the program’s impact on student creativity and technical skills development. Commissioner John-Cliff Nwadike from Imo State noted significant improvements in student problem-solving abilities after completing the four-day intensive training.
Connection to Nigeria’s Broader Digital Skills Strategy
Build-A-Thon operates as part of Nigeria’s comprehensive digital transformation agenda. The program complements the government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, which targets training three million Nigerians in digital skills by 2027.
The 3MTT program focuses on adult learners and covers advanced skills including digital marketing, cloud platform management, data analysis, UI/UX design, and software development. Build-A-Thon specifically targets younger demographics to establish early foundation skills.
Both programs align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic development through technology adoption. The government promises to position Nigeria as a net exporter of technical talent within the global digital economy.
Economic Impact and Industry Development Goals
Nigeria seeks to develop a robust domestic technology workforce through early skills intervention. The Build-A-Thon program introduces students to maker culture principles that emphasize creating rather than consuming technology products.
Private sector partnerships enhance program sustainability and industry relevance. MTN Nigeria recently committed ₦3 billion to support digital skills training initiatives, including direct funding for technical training and data grants for student connectivity.
Technology companies recognize the long-term benefits of investing in youth education programs. Early exposure to coding and engineering concepts helps students develop critical thinking skills applicable across multiple career paths.
Program Expansion Plans and Future Development
Ministry officials plan to expand Build-A-Thon to additional Nigerian cities based on 2025 participation levels and outcomes. The program model allows for scalable implementation across different geographic regions and population centers.
Code Clubs represent another expansion avenue, with 17 locations currently operating across Nigeria. These clubs provide ongoing technical education between annual Build-A-Thon camps, creating continuous learning pathways for interested students.
International partnerships with organizations like Raspberry Pi Foundation enable access to global best practices and cutting-edge educational resources. These collaborations ensure Nigerian students receive world-class technical training comparable to international standards.
