‘Smart Campus’: NCC activates 5-day digital skills training for University staff

*Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, in Edo State, affirms the commitment of Digital Bridge Institute, funded by the Nigerian Communications Commission, to transforming the digital space in the country’s tertiary institutions is ‘praiseworthy indeed’

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In consonance with the University’s plan to consolidate its Smart Campus regime, the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Abuja, FCT, Monday, April  began a five-day training on advanced digital appreciation programme for 100 staff members of the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.

ConsumerConnect reports the DBI is funded by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In his opening address at the workshop in Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of the university, said the training was strategic to the institution’s plan to consolidate its Smart Campus initiative.

It was learnt that Prof. Ezemonye noted the University’s Smart Campus regime is gaining recognition, particularly with the recent Best Information Technology (IT) Academy and the Most Supportive Vice-Chancellor Awards of the Huawei Academy, which the academic institution won.

The modules for the training cover Digital Skills, Cybersecurity and Emerging Technology (DSCET) as well as statistical analysis using the SPSS and Power BI, report said.

Transforming digital space in Nigerian tertiary institutions

The Igbinedion University Vice-Chancellor stated: “Digital Bridge Institute’s commitment to transforming the digital space in the country’s tertiary institutions of which IUO is a beneficiary, is praiseworthy indeed.

“It is emblematic of the future direction of the higher education landscape where Artificial Intelligence, robotics, virtual reality and other innovations are gaining preeminence.”

He also Ezemonye disclosed the institution’s readiness to run joint educational programmes with the DBI in the areas of co-design, co-development and co-delivery of specialised IT-related courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Ezemonye applauded the Institute as well as the Nigerian Communications Commission, which funded the programme, for their generosity and unflinching support.

Core objective of digital skills programme, by DBI President/CEO

Speaking on the digital training programme, Prof. Mohammed Jiya, President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DBI, said the NCC funded the adaptive training to bridge the digital gap between graduates of various tertiary institutions and requirements by the employing industry, particularly in the ICT space.

Jiya, represented by Mr. Osaretin Enagbare, said: “Oftentimes, we realise that there is this digital gap between fresh graduates from institutions and what is required by the industry. “So, NCC saw the need to bridge this gap and as such, DBI was saddled with the responsibility.”

The DBI Chief also remarked: “As a result of this, the Institute came up with an adaptive programme, in which participants would be equipped with practical skills in ICT and emerging trends in the ICT space.

“Of course, you will agree with me that ICT right now is fast growing and developing.

“Therefore, there is this need to keep us on our toes.”

He stated: “There is this need to be found up to speed by these emerging technologies in the ICT space.

“That is why DBI comes in by equipping both teaching and non-teaching staff of various institutions on this ICT trend.

“It is done in such a way that knowledge can be cascaded from academic staff to the students.”

Prof. Jiya emphasised the training is more like killing two birds with a stone; it is training the trainers.

He further said: “We train the staff and they in return train the students.

“At the end of the day, they come out as graduates well-grounded in their various ICT space.”