Global tech group, Cisco, has reaffirmed its commitment to technological advancement, innovation and human capital development initiatives in Nigeria
Olakunle Oluruntimehin, Cisco’s General Manager, has said,while speaking at the annual African Academy safari for Networking Academy Instructors in partnership with the University of Jos in Plateau State with the theme,“Global Problem Solvers.”
iT was a three-day programme dedicated to collaboration and professional development, was designed to equip Cisco Networking Academy instructors and partners for success in content, experience and knowledge in tech trends, education trends, courseware; and best practices.
Speaking about the programme, Oluruntimehin, said, “The Cisco Networking Academy programme, which has been in Nigeria for the past 2 decades, is helping to address ICT skills shortage in the era of digitisation especially in the areas of networking, Internet of Things (IoT) and security.”
During the event, instructors had the opportunity to learn of the latest trends through keynote sessions and to build knowledge and skills through breakout sessions that brought enhanced value to their Institutions. The panel discussion focused on employability and career opportunities, addressing government’s call for priortising job creation in Nigeria.
The event played host to Plateau State Governor, Minister for Education, Director General NITDA, Director General ITF, ICT Directors of Universities, National Universities Commission (NUC), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), special adviser to the Plateau State Governor on ICT, and Managing Director NgREN.
The Cisco Networking Academy is Cisco’s flagship CSR programme. It partners with Government, schools, NGOs, colleges and universities to afford students the opportunity to become ICT networking, IoT and security professionals.
In Nigeria, alone, Cisco, through the Networking Academy, has trained over 70,000 students (of which 44 percent are female) since its inception. It currently has over 26, 000 active students and an instructor population of 200 in 167 Academies, 7 ASCs and 9 ITCs.
