The Federal Government has announced the return of its Build-A-Thon Holiday Camp for 2026, a technology-focused programme, which it says is the second if it kind, as the first took place in 2024.
This was disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, on its official X handle, noting that the initiative will run from the 20th to 24th of April 2026.
According to officials, the Federal Government explained that the programme is aimed at equipping young Nigerian with digital skills from an early age.
Credible sources added that the technology-focused programme targets students between the ages of 10 and 18 across multiple states, including Lagos, Enugu, Ogun Delta, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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The statement said that the ministry encouraged parents and guardians to register their children, while also describing the camp as an opportunity to give them “a head start in the digital world.”
“The Build-A-Thon Holiday Camp is back! If you’re a parent or guardian looking to give your child a head start in the digital world, now is the time,” the ministry said.
According to the ministry, the five-day programme will introduce participants to coding, robotics, hardware systems and the Internet of Things (IoT), using practical and interactive teaching methods.
Reports from the 2024 edition, affirmed that students will also take part in hands-on projects, designed to sharpen their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Sources has it that 2026 edition builds on the success of the maiden Build-A-Thon held in 2024, which brought together over 1,500 students across Owerri, Maiduguri and Abeokuta.
Report has it that the 2024 programme, organised in partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and supported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), exposed students to embedded systems, artificial intelligence and digital making.
It was further gathered that participants in 2024 developed real-life solutions such as smart homes, robotic hands, automated parking systems and assistive devices for people with disabilities. This demonstrated how early exposure to technology can inspire innovation.
According to reports, speaking after the 2024 event, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the programme showed that “investing in the youth today will pave the way for a more technologically advanced and innovative Nigeria.”
Experts say initiatives like Build-A-Thon are critical in preparing young people for the future. Across the world, coding camps and digital bootcamps are increasingly being used to equip children with skills needed in a technology-driven economy.
According to global studies, coding programmes help young people develop problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking skills, while also opening pathways to future careers.
Research also confirms that International organisations have stressed the importance of such initiatives. Programmes led by bodies like United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), have shown that early access to coding and digital tools empowers students to innovate and compete globally.
Report has it that in many countries, similar camps are already producing results. From youth-led coding initiatives in Jamaica, to large-scale global code camps backed by major tech companies, young people are increasingly being trained to solve real-world problems using technology.
For Nigeria, it is said that the Build-A-Thon is part of a broader effort to close the digital skills gap and prepare a new generation for opportunities in the global tech ecosystem.
With demand for coding and digital skills rising worldwide, experts say early training gives children a competitive edge and helps countries build a strong technology workforce.
The ministry also noted that the programme is designed to be accessible, offering free or low-barrier entry, alongside Do-It-Yourself (DIY) kits, mentorship and expert-led sessions.
By targeting students at both junior and senior secondary school levels, the government hopes to nurture interest in science and technology early, which will help turn curiosity into innovation.
This is just as education experts affirm that introducing children to coding and digital tools early not only prepares them for future jobs but also equips them with life skills such as critical thinking, teamwork and creativity.
As the 2026 Build-A-Thon approaches, stakeholders say the initiative represents more than just a holiday camp, it is an investment in Nigeria’s future.
With children around the world already building apps, robots and startups, programmes like this aim to ensure Nigerian students are not left behind, but instead become creators, innovators and leaders in the digital age.
