NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Genome editing technology will bring transformational development to Nigeria, Africa – D-G

Genome editing technology will bring transformational development to Nigeria, Africa – D-G

267 total views today

By Sylvester Thompson

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), said genome technology editing can bring transformational development in Nigeria and in Africa, if properly harnessed.

Mustapha, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday stated that such development would be in terms of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).

NAN reports that recently, NABDA, in collaboration with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD CoE-STI), concluded a four-day national genome editing communication, advocacy strategy and action plan stakeholder validation workshop.

The director-general said the workshop brought all the stakeholders in Nigeria together to validate the work that was previously done in the country on genome editing.

He said Nigeria would soon deploy genome editing technology in agriculture in order to help boost productivity and ensure food security.

Mustapha added that the technology was a scientific innovation that helped in precision agriculture, where genetic impairment of a crop was targeted and fixed, enabling the crop to actualise its optimal yield.

Mustapha said: “The technology comes with numerous benefits including reduction in time frame between planting and harvesting, mitigating climate change and less application of pesticides among others.’’

He reiterated that the technology was an initiative of the AUDA-NEPAD new partnership for Africa’s development.

Dr Shakirat Solebo, acting Director of Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Department of the agency corroborated that genome editing technology was beneficial to Nigeria.

Solebo, who is also the Facilitator of the AUDA-NEPAD/NABDA initiative said that the technology would have a positive impact on the overall development in Nigeria, especially relating to food security.

She added that genome editing was also targeted at improving the way and method things are done.

Solebo recalled that in an effort to reduce food insecurity and malnutrition aggravated by climate change, the African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC), had launched the African Plant Breeding Academy (AfPBA)CRISPR Course in January 2023, in Kenya.

According to her, this was to build capacity in gene editing for crop improvement among national program scientists in Africa.

She further disclosed that the course was designed and coordinated by the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), and delivered in partnership with the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) at Berkeley and IITA.

The director said the first cohort included 10 doctorate-level scientists from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco and Nigeria.

Solebo said these were the nations desiring to upgrade their skills in advanced crop breeding using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR).

She explained that CRISPR was a tool that allows scientists to make precise and specific changes to DNA sequences in living organisms, including crops.

“The technology will allow plant breeders to improve the crop varieties for resiliency to climate change and biotic and abiotic stresses as well as yield and nutritional content for important vitamins and minerals.

“These vitamins and minerals are critical for human health and development,” Solebo said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Demand for digital investment increases need for advisory firms, says expert

Demand for digital investment increases need for advisory firms, says expert

187 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Managing Partner, ACIOE, Ekenem Isichei, says the demand for digital investment and resources to drive project and solution accuracy has accelerated the need for specialised insights provision.

Isichei said this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

He said the firm ACIOE would continue to distinguish itself in ensuring the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria and across Africa.

Isichei said the process of ensuring that one’s business thrives amidst existing and emerging environmental factors and events required invaluable and professional solutions from analysts who understudy those factors.

He said to the ACIOE Associates was created to fill the gap of the peculiar need for valuable and expert business advisory and solutions professionals that guarantees good profit margins.

Isichei stated that across various sectors, the firm leverages real-time insights, vast industry expertise, established government relations rapport, and proven solutions to identify possible growth areas for clients.

“ACIOE achieves this through six key touchpoints – Public-Private Partnerships, Sustainable Development, Public Health, Agribusiness, ICT for Development, and Gender and Climate Change.

“The firm through Public-Private Partnerships allows for accurate needs identification and promotion, stakeholder strategy and engagement, legal and regulatory assessments, opportunities conception, planning, and implementation.

“For instance, emerging data from various industries’ key experts’ highlights infrastructure investment including digital infrastructure growth as would be key propellers of a post-COVID economy.

“We strategically assesses the needs of clients and establishes relevant collaborations and partnerships that would ensure that projects are sustainable.

“In the area of public health, the firm affords clients solutions and services on stakeholder strategy & engagement, project/programme coordination, procurement and supply chain, capacity building, and project monitoring/ evaluation.

“Each effort is driven by real-time data and information on stakeholders’ needs, preferences, challenges, and obtainable/available resources in making inferences as required,” he said.

Isichei reiterated the firm’s commitment to proactively and systemically drive strategic advisory solutions for businesses across various sectors such as government relations, economic development, and investment strategy in Africa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

FG commits to affordable electric vehicles for Nigerians through PPP

FG commits to affordable electric vehicles for Nigerians through PPP

342 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government says it will collaborate with the private sector to make Electric Vehicles (EVs) available and affordable for Nigerians.

The Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu, said this when he addressed newsmen on the sidelines of the Validation Workshop of the Draft National Action Plan for the Development of EVs in Nigeria, in Abuja.

The workshop, organised on Tuesday, by the council, has as its theme, ”Positioning Nigeria among the leading countries in Vehicle Electrification”.

According to Aliyu, buying an EV entails paying more when initially purchasing the vehicle, but the total cost of ownership is much more less.

He said: “This is because one is dealing with a machine that does not need those things that could typically go wrong in a traditional petrol or diesel engine.

“No engine oil change, piston, plugs, crank shaft and all those things that can typically go wrong in a traditional petrol or diesel engine are absent in an EV.

“So, the total cost of ownership, the total amount of money that you spend over a life time of the vehicle is much less.”

According to the director-general, the council is using the National Automotive Industry Development Plan(NAIDP)2023 and this specific EV policy to push forward a vehicle financing scheme.

He said: “With this, Nigerians could put down just a little bit of the cost of an EV, drive it off to their homes and pay up within five to six years.

“We believe this will really tremendously help towards attainability of such vehicles.

“And then we are also working with both manufacturers within and outside to introduce and produce EVs that are cheaper.

“So, as we move forward we will work both with the private sector and other government agencies to bring down the cost of EVs.”

According to Aliyu, the main objective of the policy is to put forward both physical and non-physical incentives to promote the production and introduction of EVs in Nigeria.

He said it also ensured the action plan that enabled the development of these types of vehicles in the country was put in place.

On the charging infrastructure for the EVs, Aliyu said NADDC developed 300 per cent solar powered EV charging stations in some Nigerian Universities to aid technology transfer.

He said they were built at the University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto, with the fourth one in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, which had a fast charger.

Aliyu said: “We are collaborating with more universities to set up more charging infrastructure and that is purely government side.

”Already, there are private sectors that have set up charging stations and we have been working with them, supporting them to set up charging infrastructure.

”If everything gets according to plan and if we get the necessary approvals, before the end of the year, we will be able to see these charging stations pop up across the country.

”Making it easy to own these electric vehicles, at the same time make it expedite, the production of these types of vehicles in the country.”

The Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission(ICRC), Michael Ohiani, represented by the commission’s Director of Research, Planning and Statistics, Emmanuel Onwodi, reiterated the commission’s desire to support the project.

Ohiani, while congratulating the NADDC boss, said the commission remained committed to the vision and would render all the necessary support to ensure an effective PPP arrangement.

Representatives of the Rural Electrification Agency, Vasco Technologies, OMAA Motors, Jet Systems, Lanre Shitu Motors and Phoenix renewables, among others also reiterated their commitment to the project. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

AUDA-NEPAD, NABDA meet to validate genome editing communication strategy

AUDA-NEPAD, NABDA meet to validate genome editing communication strategy

226 total views today

By Sylvester Thompson

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD CoE-STI), in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), on Thursday stressed the need to validate genome editing communication strategy in Nigeria.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the NABDA, said this at a four-day national genome editing communication and advocacy strategy and action plan stakeholders’ validation workshop in Abuja.

Genome editing technology is an emerging technology that finds application in various fields.

In agriculture, the technology uses information in the DNA of a plant to activate its dormant character that would help it to be healthy and more productive.

Mustapha said the workshop was to propagate the technology and its implications for solving challenges in different sectors in Nigeria, but that agriculture was the focus presently.

He said the communication and advocacy strategy and action plan on genome editing in Nigeria was born out of collaboration.

Mustapha disclosed that the collaboration was between the Centre of Excellence in Science Technology and Innovation (CoE-STI) of AUDA-NEPAD, NABDA and other relevant stakeholders.

“Championed by the CoE-STI of AUDA-NEPAD, this initiative began in Nigeria in October 2022, with NABDA as the focal institution saddled with the responsibility to lead this frontier of science.

“Several successful engagements and activities have been executed in previous months, and the outcomes are the reason we have gathered here today for this validation workshop,” he said.

He said that the goal of the workshop was to examine a critical aspect of genome editing, the effective communication of its benefits, risks, and ethical considerations to the Nigerian population.

Mustapha said the stakeholders recognised the importance of fostering a well-informed society that would engage in meaningful discussions, make informed decisions, and contribute to shape policies that aligned with cultural, social, and ethical values.

Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, Expert Supervisor at the CoE of the AUDA -NEPAD, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the event, said the workshop was very critical.

According to him, it was to review and validate the work previously done on genome editing in the country in December 2022.

Responding to the level of acceptance of the technology in Africa, he said that though every technology had its initial challenges, genome editing was still new.

He, however, stated that African countries such as Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini and Ethiopia, all have policies that already showed positivity.

Akinbo said the governments of these countries all saw and acknowledged the potential of the technology and its innovation.

“We are at the stage of implementation of product-based communication and as we have this product in the market, we are able to say this is the proof.

“From the level of acceptance that we have seen, when it is fully blown in the market, it will go through the rout of other technologies with bias because information is power.

“This is when the level of knowledge that will translate shall determine the level of acceptability,” he said.

Dr Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, acting Director of Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Department of NABDA and Facilitator of the AUDA-NEPAP/NABDA project, said the technology was useful for Nigeria and Africa.

She expressed optimism that the successful domestication of the technology in Nigeria would translate to enhanced agricultural productivity.

Solebo said all stakeholders identified and engaged in the project would go a long way to facilitate domestication of the technology in Nigeria in order to have a good understanding of it.

“We can also use it to solve our problems as we deem fit because we will have  control of it, even when we need to partner with industries or other external bodies, we will still have it,” she said.

Dr Agnes Asagbra, Director-General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) said regulation was key; adding that the workshop would come up with an action plan that would be made public. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Bashir Rabe Mani

W.TEC trains 288 girls on electronics, renewable energy

W.TEC trains 288 girls on electronics, renewable energy

193 total views today

 

 

By Funmilola Gboteku

The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), a non- profit organisation, says it has trained 288 girls on electronics and renewable energy to thrive in the digital age.

Adeyemi Odutola, External Relations Lead, W.TEC, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday said the NGO was able to achieve this through its MakeHer Space Programme.

He noted that the programme was a transformative initiative for secondary school students in Ikorodu and Surulere areas of Lagos.

According to him, a total of 210 girls were trained in four schools at Surulere while 78 girls were trained in two schools at Ikorodu.

Odutola said that the one-year programme, which had now come to a close, was designed to teach selected girls to create technology and engineering-based solutions that solve problems in their communities.

He added that it was also an opportunity to provide information about career options and expose them to women working successfully in Science,Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) profession.

“The programme which was conducted in Lagos, Kwara, Bauchi, Nasarawa and Abuja, was done with the support from Google.

“In an era defined by technological advancements, it is crucial to equip young minds with the skills needed to thrive in the digital and tech age.

“MakeHER Space, played a vital role in shaping the futures of 288 bright students from various secondary schools across Lagos State.

“The programme focused on electronics and renewable energy, offering students the opportunity to learn and build essential gadgets like power banks, solar power chargers, and rechargeable lamps,” Odutola said.

He explained that throughout the school calendar year, the students who participated in the series of hands-on workshops and engaging activities that fostered their innovation and creativity, were enrolled in batches each term at the schools.

According to him, the programme is also designed to ignite the students’ passion for technology and provide them with the necessary skills to excel in this rapidly evolving field.

Odutola said that from learning the basics of electronics to harnessing the power of renewable energy, the students embarked on an inspiring journey of discovery.

“Through the programme, these aspiring technologists discovered their potential, gained invaluable skills, and laid the foundation for a bright future.

“The feedback from participants indicate that the girls believe they can fix minor problems with their electronic and rechargeable devices.

“Many further mentioned that they have more understanding of the functioning of solar powered devices and possible repairs when faltering, “he said.

He also noted that during the graduation ceremony, students who were outstanding throughout the programme were presented with well-deserving gifts.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

AHF tasks NCC on digital sexuality, health education

AHF tasks NCC on digital sexuality, health education

243 total views today

 

By Justina Auta

The AIDS HealthCare Foundation (AHF), an international NGO, has tasked the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) on access to age-appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and health interventions through digital empowerment for youths.

Dr Echey Ijezie, the Country Programme Director, AHF Nigeria, spoke on Friday during a visit to the NCC Digital Economy Department in Abuja on Friday.

The visit came as the world commemorated the 2023 International Day of the African Child (IDAC),  which had the theme: “Switched Up CSE Access Through Digital Empowerment’’.

The visit was to look at how the eight pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy (NDEP) would address the challenges of young people in supporting a digital environment sensitive to age appropriate comprehensive sexuality education.

“Youths are empowered with the appropriate knowledge, skills of assertiveness and understanding for them to feel the perils and all issues that they might arise as they grow older in the society.

“Comprehensive sexuality education is important as long as it is age appropriate and comprehensive to empower the youths and make them understand what the facts are and live fulfilled lives that is risk free.

“This is the main advocacy and we are looking at different platforms to disseminate these informations that it will form parts of conversation, education for the youths to be enlightened.

“Many of them need to be informed about some of these things that they hear, see and because they have access to different devices and sources of information, so it is important to educate them so make informed decisions.

“If information is hidden from the youths and they find it from other means, which may be wrong. So we are trying to make sure that the information given to them is appropriate, correct and useful,’’ he said.

Mr Steve Aborisade, the Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, highlighted the need to equip youths with appropriate knowledge to make informed decisions about their reproductive and health rights.

He said: “AHF emphasises the importance of equipping them with knowledge and skills to navigate online actions safely, understand their rights and make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

“We call on African communities to support age-appropriate CSE, empowering young individuals to make informed choices and contribute to national development.

“Comprehensive sexuality education covers critical areas including abstinence, gender equality, human rights, gender based violence, sexual reproductive health, ensuring young people have the knowledge to protect themselves and their wellbeing,” he said.

Aborisade said the NDEP provide a platform for the commission to support the wellbeing of young people which allow unfettered access to age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education.

He noted that in spite global and national technology shifts, Nigeria did not have a national data on the state of digital literacy, which has implications for education, empowerment and health information, among others.

He, therefore, called for the development of a national curriculum and programmes for digital literacy skills, youths friendly digital health intervention, and emergency communication centres, youth friendly toll-free health line to improve access to age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education.

Responding, MS Olatokunboh Oyeleye, the Head of Digital Economy Department, NCC, urged the organisation and other stakeholders to contribute towards incorporating the required digital training in the curriculum for the different levels of education.

“We focus on online safety aspect of it and if you go through the website, you will see a lot that speaks on online safety for children.

“We want to collaborate and contribute to our sector and you should also bear in mind that when it comes to collaboration, we are a regulator.

“Look at your collaboration and how specifically does it impact on the industry and what role do you expect regulators to play that we are not playing and how do you want us to play more in those areas,” she said.

Similarly, Mr Hamisu Yahaya, an official of the NCC, assured the AHF that they would consider their suggestions and articulate it to the management for consideration. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

ICT expert commends Mutfwang on Gwaman’s appointment as PITCDA D-G

ICT expert commends Mutfwang on Gwaman’s appointment as PITCDA D-G

217 total views today

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Mr Simeon Tanko, an ICT expert, has commended Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau on the appointment of Mr Datong Gwaman, as Director- General, Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PITCDA).

Tanko made the commendation in a statement on Monday in Abuja, saying the success of any administration was largely dependent on the quality of personnel appointed to serve in it.

He said usually it is not usually an easy task to identify people who are ready to lend their intellect, time and energy to the governance.

He said through the appointment Mutfwang had demonstrated ability to identify the type personnel that would add value to his administration.

Tanko expressed optimism that Gwaman would ensure that PITCDA was run transparently and contribute his quota to ensure that the agency delivered on its mandates.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that before his appointment Gwaman was Head, Business Relationship Management (Operations Directorate) at Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja

He had on several occasions deployed his proficiency as a Business Analyst on the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

His career at the apex bank also saw him head the Information Technology Infrastructure Operations and had also risen to management level at the Bank of Agriculture. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Uche Anunne

Why vehicles have short life span in Nigeria – Female auto-mechanic

Why vehicles have short life span in Nigeria – Female auto-mechanic

267 total views today

By Funmilola Gboteku
The Managing Director, LadyBenz Auto-Mechanic Ltd., Joy Obi, has attributed the short life span of vehicles in Nigeria to poor maintenance culture.

Obi spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of a seminar organised by the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) in Lagos.

The theme of the seminar was, “Vehicle Maintenance (Routine and Major Maintenance)’’.

She that it was important for vehicles to be properly maintained to enhance their aesthetics and guarantee optimal performance.

She said that lack of vehicle maintenance was one of the major causes of accidents on Nigerian roads.

Obi said that, unfortunately, many vehicle owners and commercial drivers use engines without adhering to manufacturers’ maintenance instructions, adding that an average Nigerian does not pay attention to such details.

According to the auto-mechanic, most vehicle manufacturers specify the type of oil suitable for most engines, but to manage cost most people go for cheap oil, which can damage the engine.

“Regularly performing oil change as part of your vehicle maintenance routine helps keep the engine properly lubricated, reduces frictions and wears.

“Routine maintenance ensures that your vehicle operates at its optimal level, minimising breakdowns and maximising reliability.

“It helps prevent issues that could lead to unexpected and costly repairs, keeping you on the road with confidence.

“It’s also essential to maintain components such as brakes, tyres, and suspension systems for road safety,” Obi said.

She added that by addressing minor issues early and adhering to recommended service intervals, one could extend the life of the vehicle.

The auto mechanic stressed the need for vehicle owners to pay attention to the check engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator light (MIL), noting that it was one of the most common diagnosis lights found in vehicles.

According to her, it illuminates when the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system detects an issue with the engine or emission control system.

Obi added that it was also necessary to pay attention to small details such as the front and rear glasses, brake light, the colour of the smoke from the exhaust pipe and the plugs.

She said that all these work harmoniously to ensure the efficiency of any vehicle.

The auto-mechanic also urged vehicle owners and commercial drivers to do regular car tyre pressure checks.

She noted that this would make the vehicle balanced, as well as make the tyres to wear off evenly.

Obi stressed that incorrect tyre pressure could lead to break failure, unstable movement of vehicles, as well as other problems that could lead to accidents.

She said that most motorists are equally ignorant when it came to changing brake pads, adding that some waited till the brake was worn out before changing it.

Obi urged vehicle owners and commercial drivers to imbibe the culture of regular vehicle maintenance to avoid break downs on highways.

She also noted that considering the high rate of inflation in the country it was necessary to pay attention to vehicle maintenance to avoid spending so much money to repair it.

Earlier, Chairman of NATE, Mr Kayode Ibidapo,  said that poorly maintained vehicles were  likely to consume more fuel.

Ibidapo said that it was advisable for car owners to maintain their vehicles routinely to avoid spending so much money on buying fuel.

He said that this was proactive thinking for vehicle owners, considering the current price of fuel.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluyinka Fadare

Association commends President Tinubu on data protection Act

Association commends President Tinubu on data protection Act

216 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Association of Licenced Data Protection Compliance Organisations of Nigeria (ALDAPCON) on Monday commended President Bola Tinubu for adopting the Data Protection Act.

It described the Act as an enabling law for the growth of digital economy.

President Tinubu signed the Nigeria Data Protection Act on Monday, June 12.

It provides a legal framework for the protection of personal information, and the practice of data protection in Nigeria.

The new law established the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and replaced the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) which had the mandate to handle data protection and privacy issues.

The NDPB was established by erstwhile President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2022.

ALDAPCON’s Chairman, Mr Ivan Anya, commended Tinubu in a statement issued in Abuja by its Secretary, Mr Aliyu Abdulaziz.

Anya said in the statement that the Act would accelerate Nigeria’s economic development when fully implemented and effectively monitored.

He made the remarks when he led executive members of ALDAPCON on a working visit to Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, NDPC.

Anya said ALDAPCON had always championed the course of data protection and compliance.

“We commend President Tinubu for this progressive Act and we congratulate Nigerians and commend the great works put in by the NDPC to ensure the Bill is passed.

“The Data Protection Act will help to enhance data privacy and confidentiality of Nigerians; enable effective dataflow and boost Nigeria’s steadily growing data protection industry.

“The growth will necessitate new levels of skillsets and jobs that will impact significantly on the economy; protect the country’s data sovereignty and enhance the GDP.

“The new law will ensure clarity in the roles of data processors and data controllers,’’ he said.

Anya urged the Commission to increase its level of engagement with stakeholders to ensure thorough implementation of the Act.

He requested for signed copies of the Bill to be made available to ALDAPCON members who would be carrying out comparative analyses as well as develop White Papers.

Responding, Olatunji encouraged Data Protection Controller Organisations (DPCOs) to take the Code of Practice serious and render quality service to their clients.

He agreed with the association on the need for strong awareness around issues of data protection and urged DPCOs to leverage on the media to build a strong industry voice.

The national commissioner assured of the Commission’s support and tasked ALDAPCON to employ competent staff to enhance the growth of their respective companies and to build strategic networks amongst themselves.

DPCOs are licensed by the Commission to monitor compliance with extant data regulations and ensure that data controllers do not breach the provisions of the Act. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Alli Hakeem

Institution set to bridge gap in IT skills, foster brain gain

Institution set to bridge gap in IT skills, foster brain gain

187 total views today

By Jessica Dogo

Tezza Academy, an Information Technology (IT)  institute  says it is set to expand its training programmes to foster braingain and accommodate more aspiring IT professionals.

Mr Oluwatomi Etta, Communication Specialist, Tezza Academy, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Etta said that the Academy aimed to empower young Nigerians with high-end IT skills, ensuring job placements upon completion of three-month intensive training.

He said that the initiative would not only enhance Nigeria’s Global Value Chains (GVCs), but also position the country as a leading human capital export nation, rivaling populous countries like China and India.

Mr Roland Omoresemi, who is the brain behind the Academy said that its sustainability and success depended on strong collaborations.

He stressed the importance of equipping young Nigerians with the tools they need to thrive in the global market.

“Part of the agenda is to make them IT consultants while remaining rooted in their homeland,” he said.

‘’By nurturing local talents and fostering a sense of pride in their Nigerian identity, the academy aims to build a skilled workforce that contributes to both local and global markets,’’ he said.

Mr Jide Modele, a partner to the institution said that all its trainees had been placed at a client site and were engaged even before they graduated from the academy.

‘’This track record demonstrates the academy’s commitment to ensuring trainees’ successful integration into the industry, enabling them to make meaningful contributions from the outset.

‘’By forging partnerships and delivering skill sets required across sectors locally and globally, the academy aims to create a future where its trainees are absorbed into client sites.

“This is to effectively address the unemployment and employability challenges in the country.

‘’Tezza academy’s commitment to addressing the brain drain syndrome, locally known as the “jakpa syndrome’’ is a driving force behind its mission,’’ he said.

Modele said the core objective of the institution’s curriculum was to develop thought leaders and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in various areas of specialisation for its clients globally.

“This collaborative approach ensures that highly trained professionals find opportunities in prominent organisations like Dangote Refinery, Zenith Bank, MTN, and others within and beyond Nigeria.

“At Tezza academy, we tackle the drain of highly skilled IT professionals (jakpa) by discovering, equipping, and training self-motivated youths in conjunction with our global partners in specialised IT disciplines.

Thus, by retaining talented individuals and providing them with cutting-edge IT skills and opportunities, the academy seeks to transform the brain drain into brain gain,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institution was founded in November 2020 as Tezza Boot Camp and had experienced remarkable growth since its inception. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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