In a pioneering effort to boost computer science education in Nigeria, the University of Lagos’ (UNILAG) Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory (AIRLAB) joined forces with NaijaCoder Inc, a non-governmental organization, to offer a free intensive coding program for high school students in Lagos this summer.
The two-week programme, which ran from August 19th to August 30th, 2024, provided 80 underserved high school students with comprehensive training in algorithms, data structures, and Python programming. Each week, 40 carefully selected students from Lagos State and its environs participated in daily sessions from 8 am to 3 pm, with lunch provided.
Volunteer teaching assistants, trained through previous collaborations with AIRLAB and NaijaCoder, led the instruction. The curriculum went beyond coding basics, featuring talks on higher education opportunities in the United States. Some instructors, alumni of Nigerian secondary schools who later attended prestigious U.S. universities like Harvard and MIT, shared their experiences during Q&A sessions.
The initiative aimed to address a critical gap in Nigeria’s educational landscape. With one in four Nigerian students facing challenges in securing university admission, the program sought to provide an alternative pathway to personal and economic growth. By equipping students with in-demand coding skills, AIRLAB and NaijaCoder hope to foster entrepreneurship and reduce dependence on traditional university education for career success.
This approach gains particular significance in light of frequent academic strikes in Nigerian public universities. The organizers believe that coding skills acquired during secondary school can serve as a valuable resource during periods of academic uncertainty, potentially steering students away from illicit activities.
As Nigeria continues to establish itself in the global tech landscape, initiatives like this UNILAG-NaijaCoder partnership play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of tech talent and entrepreneurs, contributing to the country’s economic development and technological advancement.
