In a ceremony held on Tuesday, September 24th, SystemSpecs, a leading software technology company, presented Lagos State with the Winning State award for the 2024 Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC). After emerging victorious in the highly competitive contest, Lagos State was honoured with 20 laptops and the prestigious award, following the impressive performance of its 19 students who ranked among the top 50 essay submissions across the country.
For the past five years, the CDEC has catalysed the promotion of technological awareness nationwide, serving as a key initiative in fostering tech innovation and skills development among Nigerian youth. The 2024 edition of the competition, which kicked off in February, is part of SystemSpecs’ broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme aimed at nurturing local talent and growing national tech capacity.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Adekunbi Ademiluyi, Managing Director of HumanManager Limited, a subsidiary company of SystemSpecs Group said, “SystemSpecs remains committed to fostering the development of young talent in Nigeria, particularly through initiatives like the CDEC, which empowers children to harness their tech skills and become future innovators.”
Ms. Ademiluyi further added, “Our goal with this national initiative is to ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to explore technology and its boundless potentials. This competition, now in its 5th year, is a testament to SystemSpecs’ unwavering dedication to building local capacity for Nigeria’s future digital economy.”
SystemSpecs has been at the forefront of enhancing technological development in Nigeria, championing initiatives that empower students with essential digital awareness, skills and resources. Central to the company’s CSR objectives is a commitment to partnering with the public sector through strategic engagement with a view to closing the technology gap in education and technology awareness among Nigerian children. By celebrating Lagos State’s success in the 2024 CDEC, SystemSpecs reaffirms its dedication to driving national transformation through robust collaborations with diverse stakeholders.
Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, praised the initiative, stating, “We are proud of the strides Lagos State students have made with the CDEC. Technology is now the bedrock of education, and it is initiatives like these that prepare our students to compete globally. Lagos State is committed to partnering with SystemSpecs and other stakeholders to continue empowering our students through tech education.”
With technology playing an increasingly pivotal role in sectors ranging from education to agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and even finance, Nigeria’s young generation is positioned to compete on a global scale. Initiatives like the CDEC not only promote technological awareness but also foster local talent that can drive innovation in the digital economy.
In his remarks, Mr. Abayomi Abolaji, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, noted the significance of the awards, “This recognition and the provision of laptops mark an important step in improving the digital readiness of our students. We are grateful to SystemSpecs for their continued investment in education, and we look forward to seeing these tools enhance learning experiences and outcomes in Lagos.”
Mrs. Bukola Adeboye, Executive Director, Corporate Services, SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, expressed her appreciation to all the stakeholders, emphasising SystemSpecs’ dedication to developing local talent. “For the last five years, the CDEC has been instrumental in driving technological awareness across the country, showcasing the value of initiatives like this in shaping Nigeria’s future in the digital space,” she noted.
“Young people are very impressionable and open to learning a lot. SystemSpecs is committed to continuing to invest in them, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to succeed in our fast-changing world. We are very excited to announce that the next edition of CDEC will open on February 3rd 2025, offering all Nigerian children between the ages of 9 and 16 another opportunity to express their research, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and technological insights,” said Mrs. Adeboye.
Historically, the competition has opened early each year to ensure maximum participation and engagement from students across Nigeria. The sixth edition promises to be even more exciting as CDEC continues to gain momentum, attracting thousands of young minds eager to showcase their innovative ideas.
“We are thrilled about the new students, schools, and parents we will engage with in 2025,” said Mrs. Adeboye. “This competition is becoming more competitive across 36 states including the FCT, and we are looking forward to even greater participation in the coming year. It’s a special opportunity for students to explore technology and develop essential skills that will empower them for the future.”
SystemSpecs’ CDEC initiative, which garners thousands of essay submissions annually from across Nigeria, plays a crucial role in advancing digital literacy and nurturing a culture of innovation among young Nigerians. Committed to this cause, SystemSpecs will continue to create opportunities for youth to develop their technology skills and make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s future. The CDEC has evolved into a powerful platform, equipping the next generation of leaders to drive Nigeria’s digital economy forward.
About SystemSpecs
SystemSpecs is a leading software technology group with over 30 years of experience in providing transformative digital solutions across Nigeria and Africa. Its subsidiaries, including Remita Payment Services Limited, HumanManager Limited, SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited and SystemSpecs Deelaa Limited, are renowned for advancing technology in sectors ranging from payments to human resources and events and lifestyle. SystemSpecs is dedicated to promoting digital innovation and capacity building in Nigeria.