The National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), Port Harcourt, has graduated about 50 students from its six-month cybersecurity training programme, urging them to deploy their skills responsibly and embrace continuous learning.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Centre Head, Ogul Precious Tom, said cybersecurity remained one of NIIT Port Harcourt’s strongest programmes, noting that more than 20 students had passed (ISC)² examinations in the past academic year.

Tom said NIIT’s hands-on training and globally recognised certification give students an edge in the competitive ICT industry, while urging parents and young people to invest in quality technology education.

Principal Instructor, Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking, Nyekwere TamunaTomye Tom, charged the graduates not to regard their graduation as the end of learning.

He said the February 2026 cohort overcame several personal and technical challenges during the six-month programme, adding that students were exposed to both technical and practical aspects of cybersecurity.

“Your learning starts now,” he told the graduates, urging them to continuously upgrade their skills and actively seek opportunities rather than wait for them.

He also warned them against using their cybersecurity knowledge for criminal activities, stressing that their skills must be deployed positively.

 

He said the cohort had remained largely intact despite technical, family and personal challenges encountered during the six-month training, describing the students’ resilience and commitment as one of the major achievements of the programme.

Class Section Head, Tamunotonyesia Epelle, said the training transformed students who initially had little or no knowledge of cybersecurity, giving them practical skills and clearer career paths.

Also, the Senior IT Counsel/Head of Sales and Marketing, Ibigbari Vincent-Eretory, urged the graduates to be good ambassadors of NIIT, saying success would ultimately depend on how they applied their knowledge and character beyond the classroom.

 

Class Section Head Tamunotonyesia Epelle said many students arrived with questions about cybersecurity and uncertainty about which area to specialise in, but left with a clearer understanding of the profession and the domains in which they could build careers.

She said the structure of the programme, practical assignments and teamwork helped students develop confidence and technical competence.
Epelle also praised their instructor for constantly challenging them to improve and refuse mediocrity, saying his mentorship played a significant role in helping some students who considered quitting to complete the programme.

She assured that the graduates were leaving with a commitment to use their knowledge positively and contribute to the organisations and industries where they eventually work.

The graduates are expected to join Nigeria’s growing pool of cybersecurity professionals as organisations increasingly seek skilled personnel to protect their digital systems and data.