Young people in Ikola Odunsi, Alimosho, Lagos, have recounted their experiences from the recently concluded TechTrek Bootcamp, a one-month digital skills programme organised by First E&P Development Company and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Joint Venture under the IMPACT First Project.
The camp, held from August 4 to 29 at a funded innovation hub, trained more than 30 children and teenagers aged nine to 17 in critical 21st-century skills. Participants explored graphic design, digital literacy, online safety, artificial intelligence concepts, creative media, photography, video editing, and content creation. They also engaged in career chats and guest lectures designed to expand their outlook on opportunities in technology.
Practical training was at the core of the programme. Pupils were introduced to both text-based and block-based programming languages, including Python, HTML, CSS, and Scratch. The sessions also encouraged them to think critically, solve problems, and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.
A 13-year-old JSS 2 student explained that he enjoyed learning how to create games, design with computers, use Excel for calculations, and understand the importance of online safety and digital footprints. Another participant, an SS1 student, shared his excitement about working with HTML, CSS, and Python to solve equations, saying he wished the programme had lasted longer.
Street2School Initiative, a partner in the project, praised the organisers for establishing an innovation hub that provides access to digital education for children from underserved communities. The group’s founder, Oluwatosin Olowoyeye-Taiwo, stressed the value of exposing young people to coding and digital tools, describing coding as a “21st-century language of innovation” that can transform futures if harnessed early.
The training was facilitated by IT professionals from InfoLab Technologies and AccompliTech, who introduced the pupils to various digital applications. Instructors commended the participants’ performance during assessments and their eagerness to embrace new knowledge.
Beyond coding, the Bootcamp also featured a recreational highlight. In collaboration with URAGA Real Estate, participants visited Upbeat Recreation Centre in Lekki. For many of them, it was their first time at such a facility, and organisers described it as a refreshing break after weeks of intensive training.
The TechTrek Bootcamp reflects a growing commitment by public-private partnerships to expand digital literacy among Nigerian youths, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, equipping them with skills essential for future careers in technology and beyond.
