UNILAG and NaijaCoder Launch Free Coding Program for Lagos High School Students
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and NaijaCoder Inc. have launched a free coding program for high school students in Lagos, running from August 19 to August 30, 2024. The two-week program, held at UNILAG’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory (AIRLAB), provided 80 underserved students with training in algorithms, data structures, and Python programming.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance computer science education in Nigeria, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and NaijaCoder Inc., a non-governmental organization, have launched a free coding program for high school students in Lagos. The intensive two-week course, held from August 19 to August 30, 2024, aimed to equip 80 underserved students with essential coding skills.
The program, conducted by UNILAG’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory (AIRLAB) in partnership with NaijaCoder, provided comprehensive training in algorithms, data structures, and Python programming. Each week, 40 selected students from Lagos State and neighboring areas participated in daily sessions from 8 am to 3 pm, with lunch provided.
Volunteer teaching assistants, trained through previous collaborations between AIRLAB and NaijaCoder, led the instruction. The curriculum extended beyond coding fundamentals, including presentations on higher education opportunities in the United States. Notably, some instructors, who are Nigerian secondary school alumni now studying at prestigious U.S. institutions like Harvard and MIT, shared their experiences in Q&A sessions.
This initiative addresses a significant gap in Nigeria’s education system. With a high number of Nigerian students struggling to secure university admissions, the program offers an alternative route to personal and economic development. By teaching coding skills, AIRLAB and NaijaCoder aim to foster entrepreneurship and provide students with tools for success beyond traditional university education.
The program’s relevance is heightened by frequent academic strikes in Nigerian public universities, which can disrupt students' education. The skills gained from this coding program are expected to serve as a valuable resource during these periods, potentially steering students away from illicit activities and toward productive endeavors.
As Nigeria strives to establish itself in the global tech arena, the UNILAG-NaijaCoder partnership is crucial in nurturing future tech talent and entrepreneurs, contributing to the country's economic growth and technological advancement.
