Recently, we were asked about the prevalence of computer science training in Nigerian secondary schools. There undoubtedly is interest in CS at the secondary level, but actual teaching of this content is another story. There is little evidence supporting the notion that computer science courses, let alone computer training is common in Nigerian primary or secondary schools. Courses and degrees are offered at the university level, but to reach that point takes extra self-motivation.

Nigeria certainly needs a cohesive effort to promote computing in schools. Most of the news in 2013 involving children and IT is more about keeping youth safe online rather than teaching them actual skills. Such programs are necessary from a different angle, but teaching coding in school should be a priority too.

It’s not just Nigeria that lacks computer science programs in schools – coding is only taught to a select few high school students in the United States. Business leaders are hoping that will change, as there is a growing shortage of web developers and software engineers.

We’ve found the following facts on CS in Nigeria’s secondary schools:

• A 2012 article in Vanguard speaks to lack of computer science knowledge and training at the secondary level. In many cases computer science seems to be defined more as “computer studies” (aka ‘how to use a computer’). Also mentioned is 2003 research comparing the national computer policy with what was actually taught in schools. There is an apparent gap between theory and practical ability. {http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/07/slow-to-boot-nigerian-students-lag-behind-in-computer-education/}
• President Goodluck Jonathan says ICT will be included in Nigeria’s upcoming national primary education curriculum. {http://www.itnewsafrica.com/2012/09/nigeria-to-include-ict-in-school-curricular/}
• An ongoing (2008-this week) thread on Nairaland actually has some good discussion on how Nigerians view Computer Science in education. Much talk is of university level, but the gist applies to the overall educational system. It seems like not much has changed in the past 5 years and that self-motivation is a must. {http://www.nairaland.com/149094/opinion-b.sc-computer-science-nigeria}
• A July 2007 study found that computer education has not been well implemented. {http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/case-studies/28808934/computer-education-nigerian-secondary-school-curriculum-case-study-cross-river-state-nigeria}
• The U.S. Embassy Nigeria website cites private schools as offering CS. {http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/nigeria_education_profile.html}
• A YouTube video “Code for Africa: The Emergence of Computer Science in Ghana and Uganda” describes general themes of the role of IBM/Google/Microsoft, young Africans returning home with CS degrees, hacker culture, etc. {http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BElxeJZxNo}
• Causes for low ICT application in secondary schools: limited infrastructure, lack of ICT facilities, electricity interruption, non-integration into curriculum, pool project implementation strategy, lack of ICT teachers, high cost of facilities, limited budget, poor perception of ICT among teachers. {http://unllib.unl.edu/LPP/adomi-kpangban.htm}
• The 2013 Computer Science for High Schools Workshop (a Google-sponsored event?) attempted to give hands-on training to tutors and teachers in Nigeria.{ http://www.google-mycscngui.net/}
• Nigeria Computers lists a few ways children are using computers in Nigeria. {http://nigeriacomputers.com/category/ict-children/}
• Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is soon holding a “National Information Technology Whizkids Competition” to secondary students. {http://www.ncs.org.ng/national-information-technology-whiz-kids-competition-2011/}
• Initiatives for ICT in secondary schools include School Net (federal) and NEPAD (continental). {http://unllib.unl.edu/LPP/adomi-kpangban.htm}
• One alternative to mainstream teaching is the creation of separate schools dedicated to coding. One example is an indiegogo project to form a “dev school” in Nairobi, Kenya. The issue here is cost – $50,000 needs to be privately raised in order for the school to become a reality.

Other thoughts are that heavy mobile access instead of desktops or laptops to code proves challenging. As does an emphasis on apps instead of more technical language. Also, perhaps massive open online courses (MOOCs) could help train on CS skills.