In order to be competitive globally, Nigerian youths have been urged to get requisite certifications in Information and Communications Technology to enhance their relevance in the business environments and reduce unemployment.
The Area Academy Manager, English West and Central Africa, Cisco Systems, Mr. Imoh Akpan, said this on Tuesday when he led other officials of the company on a courtesy visit to the PUNCH Place, headquarters of Punch Nigeria Limited in Ogun State.
For secondary school leavers and university graduates seeking to develop themselves, Akpan said it was appropriate to get IT certifications, which would make them attractive to employers.
Describing ICT as an agent of change and catalyst for development, Akpan said the company had resolved to contribute its quota through its Cisco Academy Programme.
He said aside building the needed capacity in IT for Africa, Cisco was particularly concerned about empowering the girl-child technologically to face business and workplace challenges of the 21st Century.
According to him, Cisco is currently in partnerships with Unity secondary schools, some private secondary schools, select universities, private sector players and agencies of governments, among others, to ensure a more effective penetration of the CAP.
