TechUp Boys Targets 4,405 Lagos Students for AI Training

 

By Atlantic Reports

LEARNTOR Foundation has begun the fifth cohort of its TechUp Boys initiative, with 4,405 Senior Secondary School Two boys expected to register across 51 schools in Ikeja, Oshodi and Mushin, Lagos State.

The foundation’s founder, Ms Mercy George-Igbafe, said on Wednesday in Lagos that the programme would cover artificial intelligence (AI), responsible digital behaviour, leadership and communication.

The projected registration figure represents the programme’s intended reach, rather than confirmed enrolment or completed training.

George-Igbafe said the initiative had the approval of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and aimed to help students use technology productively while preparing for further education and future careers.

Solving Problems Through AI

Participating schools will compete in an inter-district AI competition, identifying problems in their schools and communities and developing practical solutions.

According to George-Igbafe, the first, second and third-placed schools will receive ₦300,000, ₦200,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.

Students will initially be reached through physical sensitisation visits to public secondary schools before enrolling in six to eight weeks of structured online training.

Professional mentors will provide career guidance, leadership coaching and support throughout the programme.

A leadership and AI innovation bootcamp is scheduled for November, bringing together high-performing students, mentors, educators and industry professionals for practical learning and innovation activities.

“We are not only teaching boys how to use AI, we are helping them understand who they are and what they can become,” George-Igbafe said.

Early Guidance and Positive Opportunities

George-Igbafe said the programme was developed to introduce boys to opportunities and mentorship early, helping them navigate harmful peer influence, cybercrime, drug abuse and other risks.

“We should not wait until a boy enters crime before asking how to save him. We must reach him early and show him a better path,” she said.

She argued that exposure to the internet did not necessarily come with an understanding of its legitimate educational and career opportunities.

The initiative, she said, seeks to recognise boys as learners, innovators and contributors to society, while helping them develop responsible online identities.

As an example of previous participation, George-Igbafe said a 15-year-old public secondary school student had earned eight Microsoft Copilot-related AI certifications during the long vacation. She also cited participants who had developed professional digital profiles, volunteered and supported the foundation’s activities.

These examples were presented by the foundation; the account did not provide broader figures on certification completion or subsequent educational and employment outcomes.

Funding and Access Remain Important

George-Igbafe credited partners, including the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, with providing financial and capacity-building support. She said the Public Service Staff Development Centre had supplied facilities for previous bootcamps.

However, she identified funding as a major constraint and said sustained support would be needed to expand the programme.

The online training model also raises practical questions about access. Details were not provided on arrangements for students without suitable devices, reliable internet connections or money for data.

The foundation’s account of earlier cohorts requires clarification. It reported that 17,000 boys across 39 public secondary schools were trained in Cohort 4.0, while also stating that three cohorts and three bootcamps had been completed since inception. It did not explain how those figures align.

George-Igbafe also announced plans for Legacy Men Spotlight, an e-magazine intended to document African men whose examples of integrity, service and leadership could offer guidance to younger people.

For the fifth cohort, the immediate measure of progress will be how many students enrol, complete the training and receive the support needed to turn their learning into practical projects.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.