Wigwe University, HOW, others collaborate to host Global Tech

The Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe (HOW) Foundation, Wigwe University, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Future Map Africa and Ascend Studios Foundation are perfecting strategies for the Global Tech Africa (GTA) conference holding from Noverber 16 to 19, 2023 in Lagos.

With 21st Century Technologies, Lagos as venue, the conference is designed to redefine the landscape of creativity, technology, and innovation, while setting the stage for a technology revolution in Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking during the press conference, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, Founder of HOW Foundation and Wigwe University, outlined his vision, which underscores the training of 30,000 individuals in animation, robotics, and related fields within a period of three years in collaboration with GTA.

He said: “We recognise the pivotal role of technology education, especially for the talented young individuals within our creative sector. Our upcoming summit and technology conference, in collaboration with NITDA and Ascend Studios, will serve as catalysts for knowledge sharing, and best practices. This endeavor will propel the creative industry within Nigeria and resonate across the entire continent. In light of the untapped potential, the partnership marks the inception of a technology revolution in Nigeria and beyond, fueled by the belief that Nigeria’s people deserve nothing less than excellence.”

Wigwe, who noted that the HOW Foundation is dedicated to youth empowerment and education, with focus on the pivotal role of technical education in nurturing creative talent, said; “comprehensive training, leadership development, and commercialisation opportunities will nurture a generation of thoughtful, responsible leaders through Wigwe University. The vision extends beyond borders, with the aspiration to train millions of Nigerians, offering them the right platform and exposure to energise the youth, refine the skills of creative minds, and attract international recognition.”

Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, shared plans in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication to train three million Nigerians across 36 states in the next four years. He made emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and local investments. ‘‘GTA, as a platform, aligns with NITDA’s goals by promoting trade acceleration, networking opportunities, and international visibility. This collaboration aims to harness talent for economic impact, foster innovation, create jobs, and export technology abroad.”

Also speaking, Founder of Ascend Studios Foundation and GTA’s implementation partner Dr. Inya Lawal, who expressed her gratitude for the collaboration said: “The involvement of academia, government, and development sectors signifies a transformative initiative that would drive positive changes in Nigeria’s creative and technology ecosystem.”
  
Executive Trustee, Future Map Foundation, Ahmad Shuaibu, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to leveraging technological innovation for economic growth and sustainable communities. “With the support of NITDA, HOW Foundation, Ascend Studios, and others, Future Map Africa aims to advocate for resources, identify industry talents, and nurture the next generation of creative leaders through GTA.”