Published on

What I Think Is Broken About University Coding Programs.

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    Godbless Nyagawa (Njox)
    Twitter
    @njox16

Table of Contents


Maple

Introduction

In this article, I want to talk about what I personally think is broken in most university coding programs. This is based on my own journey—from my first year studying for a diploma in computer science all the way to the final year. It’s not just a rant, but a reflection on what I experienced, what I expected, and what I think could be better.


Why Go to University

Knowledge

We usually go to university to gain knowledge in the field we want to build a career in. Like, if I want to become a solid computer engineer, it makes sense to enroll in a university program to learn the foundations. That knowledge can be in areas like software engineering, data structures, or systems design—basically the stuff we need to actually do the job.

Networking

One of the biggest upsides of university is the people. You get to meet classmates, seniors, lecturers—people who share your interests. Maybe you’re trying to build an app or start a tech project. Having people around with the same mindset makes it easier to collaborate and grow.

Experience

University also gives us a chance to get real-world experience, at least in theory. For example, we usually have industrial practical training (IPT) after the semester ends. That’s when we go into actual companies to apply what we’ve learned in class. It’s meant to be a bridge between theory and practice.

Good Grades

Let’s be real—some of us are just there for the grades. And that’s valid. Whether it’s for job applications, scholarships, or just personal goals, aiming for good grades is part of the deal.


The Spice

Now here’s where it gets interesting. This is the part where I break down what I think is really broken in university coding programs.

Not Goal-Oriented

A lot of the time, the programs aren’t focused on clear goals. There’s no clear path from what you're learning to what you actually want to do. You end up studying topics that don’t align with your interests or the current job market.

Scattered Teaching

The way things are taught can be super scattered. One class teaches one thing, another goes in a completely different direction—and none of it connects. There’s no structure or logical flow. It leaves you confused more than it helps.

Outdated Syllabuses

Honestly, some of the course content feels like it’s stuck in the early 2000s. The tech industry is moving fast, but the curriculum hasn’t caught up. We’re learning stuff that’s no longer relevant or useful, while the things that actually matter today—like modern frameworks, version control, or real-world project workflows—are barely touched.

Experienced Teachers

This one’s tricky. Some lecturers are amazing and really know their stuff. But others? Not so much. There are cases where the person teaching hasn’t been in the field for years, so they’re out of touch with current practices. That disconnect hurts students more than it helps.


Conclusion

  • University isn’t all bad—it has its benefits like networking, structure, and exposure. But when it comes to coding programs, there are definitely things that need fixing. The world is changing fast, and if universities don’t keep up, students will keep falling behind. It’s time to rethink how we’re teaching tech, for real.

  • Apart from that when you interested into a certain field you want to enroll it better to connect with someone who had enrolled into the field which you are interested then you can get guide into what is necessary and what is unnecessary.