As the Federal Government inaugurates Implementation Committee for its proposed ICT University, key global Information Communication Technology (ICT) giants have endorsed and declared interest to support and invest in the proposed Nigerian ICT University.
The ICT University is a specialised educational institution that will focus on delivering ICT education to enable Nigeria harness the potentials in the sector.
Adebayo Shittu, Nigerian minister of communications said the University will be private sector-driven. While inaugurating the Implementation Committee on the proposed university, he said that the initiative has attracted support both within and outside the government.
He said some international and local ICT firms including Facebook, Apple, Samsung, Cisco, Ericsson, MTN, Globacom and others have endorsed the University and also declared interest to support the project.
“These industry giants have expressed their unequivocal support for this project with pledges in the provision of Faculty, library content, syllabus, logistics, including funds towards the realization of ICT university of Nigeria”, Shittu said.
The minister further said that the ICT university has become necessary since Nigeria is facing shortage of ICT professionals to drive specific industry needs.
“It is of interest to note that although the global ICT industry is both promising and flourishing, the local industry has continued to suffer from skills shortage, with nowhere near enough professionals to meet the demand for niche roles being created as a result of rapid technological development”, the Minister said.
He said that if established, the ICT University will offer specialised course for professional career in the field of Information Communication Technology which will further strengthen the capacity of professionals to drive the nation’s ICT sector.
“The University will offer varieties of programmes aimed at providing specialist knowledge and expertise required for a professional career in the broad field of Information Communication Technology.”
“The University will also be expected to offer skills development programmes in emerging and transformation technologies such as Cloud Computing and Big Data”, Shittu said.
Other courses to be offered in the University include Telecommunications, Internet of Things, cyber security, robotic embedded systems, computer forensics, digital media, and entertainment technology.
Julius Okogie, immediate past executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and chairman of the Implementation Committee, said that Nigeria needs specialised Universities that will address specific industry needs.
He said that ICT can play a key role in the Federal Government’s revenue diversification plan by impacting the service industry.
HARRISON EDEH, Abuja
