Wesley University, Ondo, has partnered a technology firm, New Horizon, to unveil an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) certification centre.

The project is aimed at revolutionising and transforming the face of higher education in the country by integrating ICT certification and academic training.

The training will offer students and staff professionally based ICT skill development, leading to international certifications.

The initiative will also empower students with world-class skills to ensure self-sufficiency, brightening their employment opportunities in the ever-growing ICT global market.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the centre, Vice Chancellor of Wesley University, Prof. Samuel Obeka, said the initiative was the best way to go in terms of the future of ICT development in Nigerian universities.

He said the institution would continue to blaze the trail in the provision of ICT infrastructure for its staff and students.

Obeka said the partnership was a clear indication that the university has embraced the ‘policy of synergy’ with the ICT industry to ensure the production of high-quality graduates.

The vice chancellor urged the students to embrace information technology, especially ICT certification, regardless of their discipline.

He said the university has various online certificates, diplomas and degree programmes for those interested to avail themselves of such opportunities.

Manager, New Horizon Centre, Dr. Bayo Johnson, enjoined other universities in the country to emulate the institution by embracing ICT.

Director, Academic Planning of the university, Dr. Oye Oyekanmi, said the institution is making efforts to maintain standards by partnering with reputable organisations and agencies.

“When we received a proposal from New Horizon and the management looked at it critically, we discovered that the proposal is in line with best practices in the world. It is also in line with what is required from the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“Currently, the NUC is working hard on what we call, Core Content Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) and part of the requirement is that every university must be 21st-century knowledge-based.

“And in the area of ICT, we see New Horizon partnership as a way of adding value to our students, such that they would not just graduate with their regular certificate, but have additional skills that will empower them to become better citizens,” he said.