Intel Restates Commitment to Nigeria

Devan Naidoo, who began his career as a systems engineer at IBM South Africa before being appointed as country manager: Network and Telecommunications talked on how Information Communications Technology (ICT) can be better deployed and be used for the betterment of the country even as he harped on the need for technology to enhance accessibility and mobility, in addition to stressing the importance of WiMAX development and implementation across Nigeria to aid the education system.

He also discussed the latest product offering from Intel; Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor, powered by Intel Core™2 Duo processors. According to him, Centrino® technology focuses on providing increased performance standards and connectivity which is vital for Nigeria. He disclosed Intel’s expansion plans and highlighted 2008 as a landmark year for the company as it celebrates its 40^{th birthday. This visit came on the heels of a Nigeria tour conducted by Craig Barrett, chairman of Intel in 2007.}

 "We, at Intel, believe in taking a holistic approach and are working with governments, telecom regulators, NGOs and market players to further develop the ICT landscape in Africa. Our aim in Nigeria is to help enhance the lives and opportunities of Nigerians who live in rural areas by delivering access to computers, the internet and providing them with the tools by which to further their education and access to the global online community," stated Naidoo.

Nigeria has started laying the foundations for broadband solutions including the implementation of WiMAX technology, a standard that enables the delivery of wireless broadband services anytime, anywhere. The deployment of WiMAX is an important means of connecting people and enhancing access to education in developing markets – with particular regard to those that have a high rural population such as Nigeria . Furthermore Intel’s chairman has predicted WiMAX to connect over one billion people by 2012.

Earlier in the year Intel had expanded its education offering in Nigeria through the Intel World Ahead Programme (IWAP) by supporting the deployment of Intel-powered classmate PCs for 200 schools Under the Education Trust Fund (ETF) and the Universal Provident Fund (USPF) scale out of the One-to-One learning program to 200 schools across the country. Intel said the programme is connecting the next billion people to uncompromised technology around the world.

Intel also informed of its target to reach 16,000 teachers in Abuja in the next few months, as part of the Intel® Teach Programme, which has already trained 15,000 teachers in other African cities. To date, the Intel® Teach Programme has trained over 20,000 teachers in Nigeria and aims to reach 150,000 teachers by 2012. Intel is also pleased to note that the private sector schools are adopting this 21st century teaching and learning method thereby helping to shape an enhanced education system for future generations.

 "The knowledge economy is a reality and all countries, both developed and emerging, have recognized the long-term importance of innovation and the creation of critical thinkers within their youth," Naidoo concluded.