By Jessica Dogo
Tezza Academy, Nigeria and Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) Ghana are set to partner in order to foster knowledge in Information Technology (IT).
Ms Oluwatomi Etta, Communication Specialist, Tezza Academy, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Etta said that the partnership would also bring talent exchange, research advancements, and cultural understanding between the two institutions.
The President of AIT, Prof. Clement Dzidonu speaking after a facility tour at Tezza academy said the partnership could open opportunities for the two organisations in both countries leading to internships and job opportunities.
Dzidonu said that it would also provide industry-sponsored projects to address one of the growing challenges on the continent for closing knowledge gaps and nurturing highly skilled IT professionals across sectors.
Dzidonu described the academy as a fitting model for instilling industry-required skills into young people especially graduates of tertiary institutions.
He expressed keen interest in introducing a Tezza initiative in Accra while laying the groundwork for a potential partnership with Tezza Academy.
The president said this would allow AIT to leverage its well-regarded status and vast network in Ghana to facilitate placements for theprogramme’s graduates.
According to him, AIT will, among other things, explore a Ghanaian Immersive Programme in Accra with the same class size as Tezza Academy’s current cohort.
“Work out placement facilitation in recognition of the challenges faced by university-taught programmes in engaging graduates.
“The strategic alliance aims to connect the brightest talents from various universities in Ghana to Tezza Academy’s immersive program, ensuring career pathways for young professionals.
“This exchange programme could further promote cultural diversity and provide students with a broader perspective on technology and innovation in different contexts within Ghana and Nigeria,” Dzidonu said.
The Managing Partner, Tezza Academy,Jide Modele, said it was committed to tackling the drain of highly skilled IT professionals.
He said: “These professionals are locally referred to as the ‘jakpa syndrome’ by discovering, equipping, and training self-motivated youths in conjunction with our global partners in specialised IT disciplines.”
Modele said by retaining talented individuals and providing them with cutting-edge IT skills and opportunities, the academy sought to transform brain drain into brain gain.
This, he said, was contributing significantly to Nigeria’s Global Value Chains (GVCs) as an important human capital export nation.
Modele said the collaboration envisioned providing entrepreneurship support for student entrepreneurs to strengthen the development of startup incubation programs and access to funding opportunities for innovative projects.
He added: “Tezza Academy offers free tuition and residency programmes empowering young Nigerians with high-end IT skills and ensuring job placements upon completion of a three-month intensive training.
“Since 2020, the Academy has been forging partnerships and delivering high skill sets required across sectors locally and offshore.
“It is allowing trainees to absorb into client sites in a way that effectively address unemployment and employability challenges in Nigeria.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
