Ministry of Communication Technology and Huawei, on Monday in Lagos, commenced the information communications technology (ICT) basic knowledge programme for 1000 female students, drawn from across Nigeria.
The programme, which Mrs. Omobola Johnson, minister of Communication Technology, commended for its expected impact to bridge the yawning gap between male and female folks in the IT industry in Nigeria, is primed first of its kind in the West African IT sector.
Johnson said that the Ministry is passionate about the programme as it is part of the gestures to empower women and girls to embrace ICTs to actualize their potentials and contributing to the economic development of Nigeria through various specific technology initiatives.
The minister said that the project started with the celebration of women in technology, in April this year, “to encourage and quicken the minds of the girl-child on her place in the IT sector. This is an industry where gender neutrality is seen. And we want our women to be part of it”.
Johnson added that women should not be left behind in the contemporary information revolution hence they missed out during the industrial revolution.
“This is a sector (in Nigeria) that is witnessing 20% Y-o-Y growth. We want women to get the requisite knowledge and today, we are happy that Huawei is part of the story. We really appreciate them for this and for their operations in Nigeria” she added.
The Minister further encouraged the participants to leverage on the programme to sharpen up on their skills for opportunities in the offing.
Also speaking, Mr. Hover Gao, vice president, Huawei West Africa, said that launching of the programme is part of the Company’s strong corporate social responsibility to the Nigerian society and in solidarity with female students who are willing to explore their careers in ICT industry across the country.
“The programme was part of Huawei’s commitment of localization, technology transfer to Nigeria and employment promotion.
“Huawei is the first ICT solutions provider to establish an ICT training centre in Abuja back in 2004 and since then the training centre had provided more than opportunities to ICT practitioners”.
He said that the present programme is not a one-time-off event, however, Huawei and FMCT will develop the campaign into a long-term project. “The training also enables us to create an ICT talents pool and some of the trainees will become Huawei employees,” Hover said.
Mr. Liu Xianfa, consul-general of the People’s Republic of China, was among the dignitaries to witness the commencement of the programme.