Ambode Approves CodeLagos Expansion to 311 More Schools for Next Phase

Lagos state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the expansion of the next phase of the CodeLagos programme to reach more people. This is coming after the first phase of the programme successfully trained over 60,000 Lagosians.

Ambode approves expansion of CodeLagos https://t.co/blc56Kd2TF we are determined to push this initiative till targets are met. #greatvisioner #CodeLagos #mygovisworking.

— Omoba Segun Adenekan (@seguneko) October 9, 2018

The programme which started in 2016 is an initiative of the Lagos State Ministry of Education. Its main objective is to teach one million Lagos residents basic coding skills. This expansion would include the setting up of more coding centres across the state which is very paramount to the project achieving its objective.

Speaking on the expansion, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, noted that for this new academic session, the CodeLagos in-School programme has started in 648 schools across the 6 Educational Districts in the State.

“So far, over 60,000 Lagos residents from different parts of the State have been trained through the In-school and Out-of School pathways of CodeLagos. For this new academic term, we have increased our In-School centres from 337 to 648, and 226 of these schools are government schools,” he said.

CodeLagos classes which are totally free, trains students in Scratch, Python, Mobile App development, Oracle’s Alice and Greenfoot, as well as Blockchain Technology.

Looking for More Partners

Are you a Lagosian that have coding at heart? Goodnews…[email protected] is planning to make coding accessible to one million residents in Lagos……..All you need to do is to help them nominate a centre in your area. It can be a church, mosque, or a community as #CodeLagos centre. pic.twitter.com/hE93KP5fPN

— Technext (@technextdotng) October 3, 2018

Acquiring technological skills is very important for youths, not just for employment purposes, but because they encourage whole new ways of thinking. Proficiency in coding helps people think more clearly and identify patterns to solving problems.

So to increase in number of CodeLagos Out-of School programme centres, the state government is reaching out to NGOs and religious organizations, to partner with it by opening up their facilities for coding classes. This outreach is so far yielding positive feedback.

First Ever CodeLagos Hackathon

Also, to imbibe coding culture among Lagosians, the government has flagged off the first ever CodeLagos Hackathon competition. The month-long competition which commenced on October 2, is open to all computer programmers in the State. It is designed to encourage Lagosians to solve everyday problems using technology.

Related Post: #CodeLagos: Winners Emerge in the Lagos Code Week Competition for Secondary Schools

https://twitter.com/CodeLagos/status/1047444155583094785

Contestants are tasked with providing solutions to problems in different sectors ranging from health, transport and environment to energy, education, and finance. At the grand finale scheduled to hold on the 1st of November, 2018, 10 teams of programmers will slog it out for the grand prize of N2million.