Obaseki’s education reform: Edo Poly Usen strikes deal with Huawei on Tech Hub

…As students jostle for spots in Huawei’s Seed for the Future Programme

Committed to Governor Godwin Obaseki’s vision to build the capacity of youths to drive the Edo State’s fledging technology ecosystem, Edo State Polytechnic Usen, has sealed a deal with leading global Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions provider, Huawei, to set up a Huawei Authorised Information Network Academy (HAINA) at the school.

The partnership resulted in the hosting of a workshop for students of the polytechnic to bring them up to speed with latest technologies in the tech sector.

Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, noted that students of the school now have access to top-of-the-range resources to acquire marketable skills and contribute to the state’s tech revolution.

He added that the partnership will see the students participate in Huawei’s ‘Seeds for the future’ programme, noting “The programme seeks to develop local Information and Communication Technology (ICT) talent, enhance knowledge transfer, promote a greater understanding of and interest in the ICT sector, and improve and encourage regional building and participation in the digital community.”

He explained that through the programme, selected top university and polytechnic students will take a study trip to China.

“Over the course of the programme, Huawei shares its ICT expertise and experience in managing a multinational corporation with young ICT professionals, and helps fuel the development of local ICT industries,” he added.

He said HAINA is non-profit that provides institutions with resources and tools to up-skill students with up-to-date skills relevant in the Information Technology (IT) industry.

According to him, “the Academy will train our students and make them more marketable in the ICT industry. Huawei Academy does not only offer network courses, but also offers in-demand courses such as HCNA-Storage or HCS field server to students.”

Explaining that the ICT sector holds a lot of opportunities for skilled graduates and offers one of the quickest means for securing decent jobs, he said, “The Polytechnic believes ICT is absolutely important. The programme is part of Governor Obaseki’s initiatives to empower and create jobs for the youths, especially graduates of the polytechnic and equip them to be job creators. The programme will support the existing ICT facilities in the institution and create ICT hubs called Huawei Academy in Edo Poly, Usen.”