The quest to discover and nurture the next generation of Information Technology professionals received a major boost on Tuesday as hundreds of students from primary and secondary schools across Ogun State participated in the first stage of the 2026 Information Technology Competitions organized by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Ogun State Chapter.
The competitions, which were simultaneously
held across the Egba, Yewa, Ijebu and Remo zones of the state, featured the
Yele Okeremi Young IT Brains Competition for Primary Schools, EduTAMS IT Talent
Hunt for Junior Secondary Schools, and the National IT Whiz Kids Competition
for Senior Secondary Schools.
The event attracted impressive
participation from schools across the state, with many institutions taking part
for the first time in the nearly two-decade-old initiative aimed at promoting
digital literacy, innovation, and excellence among young learners.
Speaking during the closing ceremony at the
Remo Zone Centre hosted by Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, the Chairman of the
Nigeria Computer Society, Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Olatunde Tijani, commended
all participating schools, particularly those making their debut appearance in
the competition.
He noted that the competition, which is
approaching its twentieth year, was established to engender digital excellence
and identify future Information Technology professionals from an early age.
According to him, "The objective of
this competition is to catch the next generation of Information Technology
professionals at their tender age and equip them with the mindset and skills
required to thrive in an increasingly digital world."
Mr. Tijani also praised the coaches and
teachers who devoted considerable time and effort to preparing their students
for the competition, describing them as critical partners in developing the
state's future technology workforce.
He emphasized that Information Technology
has become indispensable across all sectors of human endeavour, noting that
there is virtually no profession or industry that does not depend on technology
for efficiency, productivity and innovation.
The NCS Chairman particularly highlighted
the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on education and other
sectors of the economy, encouraging students to embrace digital skills and
consider careers in Information Technology. He stated that proficiency in
technology and digital innovation has the potential to open limitless
opportunities and position young people for greatness in the future global
economy.
Mr. Tijani
expressed profound appreciation to the sponsors of the competition,
particularly Dr. Yele Okeremi, Chief Executive Officer of Precise Financial
Systems, and Dr. Ademola Adenubi, Founder of EduTAMS, for their unwavering
support and longstanding partnership which have continued to sustain and
strengthen the competition over the years. He noted that their commitment to
youth development, digital literacy and educational advancement has
significantly contributed to the growth and success of the initiative. The
Chairman further acknowledged the numerous individual donors and supporters who
contributed towards the successful hosting of the competition, praying that God
would continue to bless their businesses, careers and personal endeavours
abundantly.
Mr. Tijani further expressed appreciation
to the NCS Ogun State Education Committee led by Mrs. Zainab Mahmood, members
of the State Executive Council, competition coordinators and volunteers whose
commitment ensured the successful conduct of the competition across the four
zones. He also thanked all officials for their sacrifices, dedication and
professionalism, which contributed significantly to the smooth and transparent
execution of the event.
While addressing participants, he disclosed
that schools that qualified for the final stage of the competition would be
announced soon alongside the date for the grand finale and prize-giving
ceremony.
He further revealed that an Artificial
Intelligence Challenge would be introduced as a special component of the final
stage, providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity
and understanding of emerging technologies.
One of the major highlights of this year's
competition was the deployment of a newly developed online Computer-Based
Testing (CBT) platform designed and built specifically for the competition by
the NCS Ogun State Tech Development Group led by Mr. Obanla. Mr. Tijani
announced that the application was developed from scratch and officially
launched for use during this year's competition. He paid special tribute to Mr.
Abolore Ajayi, a member of the Tech Development Group, for leading the
development of the innovative solution.
According to him, the platform not only
showcases the technological capacity and innovation of members of the society
but also promotes transparency, credibility and efficiency in the competition
process by ensuring automated result processing and email notifications to
participating schools.
The event also featured the presentation of
Certificates of Participation to participating schools and Certificates of
Mentorship to coaches in recognition of their commitment to nurturing young
talents in Information Technology.
In another remarkable gesture, Mrs.
Elizabeth Badejo, a former State Executive Committee member of the chapter,
renowned author and educationist, donated copies of her ICT books to the
society. The books were subsequently distributed to participating students at
the Remo Zone Centre to encourage reading, digital literacy and continuous
learning.
As the curtains fell on the first stage of
the competition, participants, coaches and officials expressed optimism that
the initiative would continue to inspire young minds, strengthen digital
education and contribute to the development of a technologically empowered
generation in Ogun State.
The Nigeria Computer Society, Ogun State
Chapter, remains committed to promoting Information Technology education,
digital innovation and talent development among young people as part of its
contribution to building a knowledge-driven society and preparing future
leaders for the digital economy.
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