Cisco to invest $10m in Africa

According to the report, five African countries who stand to benefit from the initiative are Nigeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Kenya.

Cisco, a global leader in networking is known to have transformed the way people connect, communicate and collaborate using Internet Protocol (IP)-based technologies.

Announcing the investment, Cisco's area academy manager for West and Central Africa, Julius Ayuk Tabe, the opportunity would afford the organisation to expand its zeal in empowering Africans and especially the youth by deploying Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for development via the networking academies.

Tabe also noted that the academies are currently available in 168 countries globally, and Nigeria has 65 such academies scattered in various locations nationwide. According to Tabe, Cisco has plans to engaged over 50 Unity Schools in the country with this initiative as well.

According to Tabe, the academies focus on Information Technology (IT) essentials and wireless network, including relevant certification for both teachers and students to prepare them for the future.

Two core system academies in the country are resident at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Abuja and University of Jos (UNIJOS) in Plateau State.

He explained that the Cisco Networking Academy is an innovative global education initiative that delivers ICT skills to help meet the growing demand of ICTs, while improving career and educational opportunities for students around the world.

Cisco Systems founded in 1984 had in April 2006 officially opened its Nigerian office, thus bringing its avalanche of services and opportunities closer to the Nigerian populace.

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