Technology is rapidly shaping our world and it’s not slowing down. In Nigeria and across Africa, we’re seeing a surge of interest among young people who want to not just consume tech, but create it. From mobile apps to robotics and digital design, kids are showing an exciting passion for technology.
But here’s the catch: for that interest to grow into something meaningful, parents must be active supporters.
Whether you’re tech-savvy or not, your role as a parent is more crucial than ever. The good news? You don’t need to be a software engineer to guide your child into the world of tech.
Let’s explore practical ways you can support your child’s interest in tech.
1. Start by Paying Attention
“Mummy, I want to build a game.” “Daddy, look at this robot I made from plastic!”
Don’t brush these moments aside. The first step to support is recognition.
Ask questions about what they’re interested in:
“What does that app do?”
“How did you learn this?”
“Would you like to learn more?”
Even a five-minute conversation can encourage a child to keep exploring.
2. Provide Access (Even If Limited)
Not every home in Nigeria has a computer or unlimited internet, and that’s okay. You can still support with what you have.
Ways to provide access:
Use your phone (with supervision) for educational apps like Scratch Jr or Tynker.
Save coding videos offline on YouTube for them to watch later.
Enroll them in affordable weekend coding clubs like Rubies Code School.
Let them attend tech hangouts or bootcamps during holidays.
Even basic tools like a notebook and pencil can be used to sketch out app or game ideas.
3. Look for Learning Opportunities Around You
There are more learning opportunities in Nigeria than ever before.
Great options include:
Rubies Technologies Bootcamps for teens and kids
Google Africa Developer Scholarships (for older kids)
Tech kids hangouts and community coding classes
Online platforms like ALX, Sololearn, and Khan Academy
Help them sign up. Ask your church, school, or community group if they can host a tech class. Sometimes, all they need is a nudge in the right direction.
4. Encourage Curiosity Over Grades
Not every tech interest translates to a perfect score in Computer Studies.
Maybe your child loves dismantling radios or watches tech YouTubers. Don’t force them to only focus on classroom theory. Instead:
Give them space to explore
Praise effort and projects, not just results
Allow time for side projects, not just homework
Learning tech is more about problem-solving and creativity than memorizing code syntax.
5. Budget for Tech Like You Budget for School
Think about how you save up for school fees, uniforms, and textbooks. That’s how we should start thinking about tech learning.
Saving up ₦5,000–₦10,000 to register for a tech program is an investment in their future. Even getting a refurbished laptop or contributing to a co-learning center fund can make a difference.
A little sacrifice now can help your child land a job or build a company tomorrow.
6. Be Gender-Smart: Support the Girls Too
There’s still a huge gender gap in Nigeria’s tech space. Many girls are raised to believe tech is “for boys.”
As a parent, you can break this mindset early:
Enroll your daughters in tech programs
Introduce them to female tech role models (local ones like Odunayo Eweniyi or global ones like Kimberly Bryant)
Never use words like “tech is too hard for girls” around them
Girls who code today become the women who lead tomorrow’s innovations.
7. Be Their Cheerleader, Not Their Technician
You don’t need to understand Python or JavaScript. Just be there.
Show up for their demo day at coding bootcamp
Watch their presentations
Share their projects with friends or on social media
Tell your friends proudly, “My child is learning to code.”
Support is emotional too.
Tech Is the Future, But It Needs Present Support
Nigeria needs young minds building the next Paystack, Flutterwave, or Andela. But these young minds need homes that believe in them.
So, the next time your child wants to spend ₦3,000 on a tech class instead of ice cream—say yes. That “yes” could change their future.
At Rubies Technologies, we’re not just teaching kids to code. We’re helping families build futures together.
Want to Get Started
Enroll your child in one of our programs today: Weekend Group classes | School Code Club | Summer of Code
Email: info@rubiestech.com | Call: +2347015016330 +2348137197307 |www.rubiestech.org
