Designing and Evaluating a Data Analytics Boot Camp for High School Students in Nigeria

Abstract

The growing demand for data-driven decision-making across industries has intensified the need for data analytics education at all levels, including secondary schools. This study explores the design, implementation, and impact of a one-week data analytics summer boot camp organized for senior secondary school students in Nigeria. The boot camp aimed to introduce students to foundational data tools—Microsoft Excel and Python—through hands-on, project-based learning, while also promoting self-discovery, career awareness, and Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) engagement.

A total of 36 students participated in the camp, selected from over 50 applicants based on STEM background and motivation. The program featured interactive workshops, collaborative group projects, and university department tours. Instruction emphasized experiential learning, supported by mentors and facilitators from academia and industry. Quantitative and qualitative feedback indicated high levels of engagement, confidence gains in Excel, and enthusiasm for future participation. While participants found Excel approachable, many expressed challenges with Python programming, suggesting a need for more scaffolded or visual learning tools.

The findings affirm the potential of boot camps as effective, inclusive platforms for fostering digital and data literacy among high school students, particularly in low-resource settings. This work contributes to the discourse on STEM education in Africa and offers a replicable model for similar interventions aiming to bridge the digital divide and prepare youth for the demands of the data economy.