Babcock University has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sycom Integrated Solutions Limited to revolutionize cybersecurity education and skills development in Nigeria.

The five-year agreement, signed on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Babcock University, will establish an industry-driven collaboration aimed at positioning the institution as a national leader in cybersecurity training.

Under the deal, Sycom will deploy seasoned professionals to co-teach with Babcock faculty, set up and maintain a state-of-the-art Cyber Lab, and provide mentorship, industry exposure, and both local and international internship opportunities. Babcock lecturers will also receive specialized training to deepen institutional expertise.

Participation in the programme will be compulsory for Cybersecurity students, ensuring they graduate with globally relevant skills. Students from related fields, including Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, and Software Engineering, will also have the opportunity to participate, bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry demands.

“Today’s pact is a strategic leap forward, one that firmly positions Babcock as a centre of excellence and a national leader in cybersecurity education,” said Prof. Ademola S. Tayo, President/Vice Chancellor of Babcock University.

Abdulrahman Akanbi, CEO of Sycom Integrated Solutions, described the partnership as a game-changer that will deliver “globally recognised certifications, cutting-edge practical skills, and international opportunities” to help Nigerian students compete with their peers worldwide.

The renewable five-year agreement also includes faculty exchange programmes at Sycom’s UK facilities to ensure continuous quality assurance and alignment with global best practices.

This partnership represents one of the most ambitious steps toward reshaping Nigeria’s digital skills landscape, with Babcock University leading the drive to equip the next generation for a secure digital future.