SystemSpecs backs Lagos move to train one million on coding

The plan by the Lagos State Government to train one million people in coding has been described as a step in the right direction, especially as the state eyes becoming a digital economy.

The Executive Director, SystemSpecs, Aderemi Atanda, who stated this at the just concluded 2018 Social Media Week (SMW) in Lagos, noted that the State Government is at the forefront of developing knowledge economy in the country.

Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Education, Obafela Bank-Olemoh, had at the forum, hinted that the code training was part of the plan by the state to develop a workforce that could compete globally.

Atanda stressed that the initiative will groom Nigerians, who will add value to the economy when they are financially independent and pay their taxes.

“The Lagos State Government is forward looking, knowing that the future of the economy is knowledge economy, and at the back of this is technology,” Atanda said.

He also said, “Lagos is looking at making the state the foremost economic destination in Africa, and to that extent, it is preparing for the knowledge economy by empowering the citizens within the structured educational system and outside it with skills that will prepare them for the future economy.

“They are going to be equipped to earn locally and internationally. They are making them economic reference points because once they begin to earn an income, they will impact the society. They can pay taxes, raise their own independence and change Nigeria’s narrative.”