By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Government has unveiled an ambitious initiative to empower 50,000 secondary school leavers and youths with internationally recognized ICT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) certifications by 2027.
Dubbed the Benue International ICT/AI Examination for Digital Skills Initiative (BIAEDISKI), the program was officially launched on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr Frederick Ikyaan, at Government College, Makurdi.
Ikyaan emphasized the critical role of digital skills in today’s economy, highlighting the state’s foundational efforts, including the establishment of the Huawei Academy in Benue.
He called for full stakeholder support to ensure the program’s success.
A key component of the initiative is a structured roadmap to prepare beneficiaries for global digital opportunities.
Dr. Emmanuel Jikeme of Rainbow-Digital Professional Computers, a project partner, described the scheme as a transformative step toward self-reliance, online entrepreneurship, and legitimate digital income streams.
He disclosed that 10,000 Benue youths will be trained to sit for international ICT examinations, with a curriculum modeled after successful programs in China, India, Rwanda, South Africa, and Ghana.
The event drew endorsements from education sector leaders, including the Executive Secretaries of the Examinations Board, Teaching Service Board, and Science and Technical Education Board, as well as the Executive Director of the Agency for Adult and Non-formal Education.
Additionally, representatives from the Forum of Area Education Officers, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) advocated for broader inclusion of rural schools in the initiative.
Mr. Sunday Ocheje, Director of Knowledge Management, urged schools to justify the N1,000 ICT levy per student, especially as major exams like WAEC and NECO transition online.
He announced that the first BIAEDISKI examinations are slated for June 15, 2025, with top performers advancing to a digital boot camp. Parents were also encouraged to enroll their children in free training sessions for science teachers currently underway.
The initiative positions Benue as a growing hub for digital skills development, aligning with global technological advancements and economic opportunities.
