Lagos targets 1m for technology coding training

About one million young residents are being targeted for technology coding training by Lagos State government in what aims at making the state technology frontier on the African continent. The governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, disclosed at the weekend while unveiling the ‘Code Lagos’ programme, an initiative of the ministry of education.

The move, according to the governor, is in an attempt to establish convergence between technology and economic development. Represented by Oluranti Adebule, his deputy, Ambode explained that the vision of the administration is to make Lagos technology-driven. He said with the large youthful population and digitalisation of every facet of life, an investment in tech education is a worthwhile investment “The Code Lagos is another giant stride towards the actualisation of the Lagos Smart City project anchored on the vision to make Lagos the technology frontier in Africa.

“The 21st century world is becoming increasingly reliant on technology. Around the world, forward looking government policy makers and social impact institutions are taking proactive steps by investing in technology for their future workers. Lagos has no choice but to join technology compliant nations by training its people to facilitate development,” he said.

He explained that the Code Lagos initiative aimed at teaching computer programming in schools and accredited working centres would make coding curriculum accessible to over one million students. Ambode urged the students to take advantage of the initiative to leverage on local and global opportunities, while bringing values to their employment. Obafemi Bank-Olemoh, the special adviser on education, said learning to code will unlock a variety of capabilities including logical reasoning, problem solving design thinking, creativity, among others.

He added that there would be coding clubs in the state primary and secondary schools, and would be supported by some private partners.