Global ICT infrastructure provider, Huawei, and the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy have launched a scholarship programme, ‘Seeds for the Future,’ with the aim of investing more resources in Nigeria’s ICT talent development.
This was revealed at the 2023-2024 Huawei ICT Competition National Final Award Ceremony, attended by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and other dignitaries in Abuja recently. The company also presented awards to some students from various tertiary institutions in the country who distinguished themselves in the Competition.
According to the company, the Huawei ICT Competition is intended for students in Huawei ICT academies and those in higher education institutions who are willing to join the ICT Academy worldwide.
“Through this competition, Huawei aims to provide students with a platform to compete healthily and exchange ideas, thus enhancing their ICT knowledge and practical skills as well as increasing their ability to innovate by using new technologies and platforms,” the company said.
Earlier, the Managing Director, Huawei Nigeria, Chris Lu, said ICT has become an indispensable part of people’s lives, work, education, and entertainment.
He said, “Digitization is deeply rooted in people. Today, the Nigerian government has keyed into this and has invested greatly in the area of Information and Communication Technology, as a driver in the goal of building a sustainable Digital Economy.
According to Lu, over the past 5 years, the company has trained over 50 thousand people; some are employed in the company and many of them devote themselves to the ICT industry.
He said, “In the future, Huawei is committed to investing more resources in ICT talents development. To achieve this goal, we are thrilled to announce a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. Under the distinguished leadership of the Minister, we will be establishing a scholarship program aimed at recognizing and supporting the academic achievements of outstanding ICT students across the nation.”
Lu disclosed that the scholarship program titled ’Seed for the Future Scholarship’, will commence this year and a total of 500 thousand Naira in scholarships would be awarded to 100 top-performing ICT students annually.
“We will Select 10 excellent students from them for exchange and study opportunity in China every year. This scholarship will not only serve as a financial aid but also as a symbol of our recognition and encouragement for their dedication and hard work,” he added.
He then gave the assurance that the company will continue to invest in the education and exposure of young talents, adding that it is an investment for the future of the tech industry and the prosperity of the nation.
Speaking at the event, the Minister noted that technology is affecting people all over the world as it is connecting people and serving as a means of collecting, processing, and storing data which can be used for decision-making.
“The technology that we use today is instructing public health, agriculture, transportation, and every aspect of life. The survival of nations is firmly linked to technology. Nations that are not investing enough or privatizing the development of talents to help power the development of this technology are obviously lagging behind. The workplace of today is demanding a new set of talents from us. It then poses a significant challenge to academic institutions,” Tijani said.
The Honourable Minister applauded Huawei saying “I will like to appreciate Huawei for its invaluable contribution for cultivating ICT talents in Nigeria and for launching the scholarship scheme that you announced today as well. I look forward to partnering with you to take Nigeria to where it belongs”.
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