Young residents of Ikola Odunsi in Alimosho, Lagos, have shared their inspiring experiences from the recently concluded TechTrek Bootcamp, a month-long digital empowerment programme powered by the Joint Venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and First E&P Development Company, under the IMPACT First Project.
The camp, which ran from August 4 to 29 at a fully equipped innovation hub, provided intensive training for more than 30 children and teenagers aged 9 to 17. Over the course of the programme, participants explored a wide array of 21st-century digital skills including graphic design, digital literacy, online safety, artificial intelligence fundamentals, creative media, photography, video editing, and content creation. They also benefited from interactive career discussions and expert-led guest lectures that broadened their awareness of opportunities in the digital economy.
Practical, hands-on learning was central to the initiative. Participants were introduced to both block-based and text-based programming languages, such as Scratch, Python, HTML, and CSS. The training encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application of their newly acquired skills.
For many of the pupils, the experience was transformative. A 13-year-old JSS 2 student expressed his excitement about learning how to design games, use computers for creative projects, apply Excel for calculations, and understand the importance of online safety and maintaining a digital footprint. Similarly, an SS1 participant described his enthusiasm in working with HTML, CSS, and Python to solve mathematical equations, admitting he wished the bootcamp had lasted longer due to its engaging nature.
The programme also received commendation from Street2School Initiative, one of the partner organisations. Its founder, Oluwatosin Olowoyeye-Taiwo, applauded the establishment of the innovation hub, emphasizing the importance of offering children in underserved communities direct access to digital education. She described coding as a “21st-century language of innovation” that can transform young lives if introduced early and nurtured consistently.
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Facilitation was handled by IT specialists from InfoLab Technologies and AccompliTech, who guided participants through different software applications and practical tasks. The instructors lauded the pupils’ performance during assessments, noting their creativity, enthusiasm, and ability to quickly adapt to complex digital concepts.
In addition to the intensive training, the bootcamp integrated recreational experiences. With support from URAGA Real Estate, participants enjoyed an excursion to the Upbeat Recreation Centre in Lekki. For most of the children, it was their first-ever visit to such a leisure facility, and organisers described the outing as a well-deserved and refreshing reward after weeks of rigorous sessions.
The TechTrek Bootcamp demonstrates the growing strength of public-private partnerships in promoting digital inclusion across Nigeria. By equipping underserved children and teenagers with relevant digital skills, the initiative not only prepares them for potential careers in technology but also empowers them with knowledge and creativity needed to thrive in the future innovation-driven economy.
