…as NITDA bags Golden Bridge award
In a move aimed at achieving a 95 percent digital literacy rate by 2030 and fostering economic resilience, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Computer Information System Company (CISCO).
This partnership seeks to promote digital transformation and bridge the digital skills gap in Nigeria, aligning with the nation’s digital agenda and development objectives.
The MOU was signed during the CISCO Networking Academy for Europe Middle East Africa (EMEA) Partner Conference in Paris, with the presence of industry stakeholders from around the world.
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NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, and CISCO’s Vice President of Middle East & Africa, Reem Asaad, were the signatories representing their respective organizations.
The collaboration between NITDA and CISCO aims to enhance the country’s digital transformation agenda by focusing on digital skills training and development.
The CISCO Networking Academy, known for its IT skill-to-jobs program, will play a crucial role in offering high-quality curriculum and inclusive workforce development programs.
“The signing of this MOU with CISCO marks a significant step towards empowering Nigerians with the knowledge and resources they need to participate in the national and global digital economies,” stated Dr. Amina Sambo, Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Development Department at NITDA, on behalf of Director General Kashifu Inuwa.
The partnership is a key component of CISCO’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, which aims to promote and expand the CISCO Networking Academy program for the benefit of Nigeria and its citizens.
By bridging the digital skills gap, NITDA and CISCO anticipate contributing to Nigeria’s overall digital transformation while creating exceptional value for the country’s industries and its people.
One notable aspect of the collaboration is the deployment of initiatives by CISCO that will enable Nigerian entrepreneurs to acquire new skills, innovate, and build connections with customers.
The CISCO Incubation and Innovation Centre, also known as CISCO Earn, Design, Go to Market, Earn (EDGE), will serve as a platform for stimulating innovation and supporting digitization initiatives.
It will provide a space for local entrepreneurs to showcase their technologies and access resources and tools that facilitate the development of secure, intelligent, and connected solutions.
Reem Asaad, Vice President of CISCO Middle East & Africa, expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with NITDA to accelerate digitization in Nigeria.
She emphasized CISCO’s commitment to helping customers and the global community overcome challenges that impact lives. Asaad added, “Cisco Networking Academy is a powerful force for change.
This initiative will unlock equitable opportunities for education and career connections to diverse communities.
The focus on networking and cybersecurity will place learners at the forefront of innovation, equipping them with in-demand skills to develop ideas that will power the future.”
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, was honored with the prestigious CISCO Golden Bridge Award during the program.
This award acknowledges his remarkable leadership and dedication to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation.
