FUNAI, GOOGLE PARTNER TO BRIDGE DIGITAL GAP

The Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State and the leading internet search engine, Google, are partnering to bridge the digital gap among students of the University. The Capacity Building Program is part of Google’s initiative for the African youths, and is geared towards equipping them with digital skills, to become globally relevant in the age of globalization.

A cross section of students that attended the workshop

Declaring the workshop open recently at the University auditorium, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom charged the students to make good use of the opportunity provided by the workshop to become digitally compliant and internet savvy.

DVC, Prof. Sunday Elom speaking during the workshop

He added that the University would continue to explore ways to make students of the University competitive in a fast-paced information-driven world, adding that the partnership with Google would also give the University global visibility.

Earlier, the Acting Director of ICT Services, Dr. Friday Nwalo explained the rationale for the collaboration, and noted that it was necessary to ensure that students of the University are equipped with digital skills so that they can compete favourably with their peers anywhere in the world.

Acting Director of ICT, Dr. Friday Nwalo speaking during the workshop

Nwalo further stated that the digital workshop, if properly digested, is expected to launch the students into global relevance.

Speaking in the event, the Executive Director of SANSTONZ Consulting, Mr. Chima Uba noted that the 21^st century is the age of Information Technology, adding that anyone that wishes to succeed in his career should imbibe digital skills.

MD, SANSTONZ Consulting, Mr. Chima Uba emphasizing the benefits of digital skills

He further explained that the era when information was primarily sourced from books, television and radio was over; stressing that from 2010, information and knowledge sharing have witnessed dramatic change because Internet has become the epicentre of knowledge.

Various papers were presented at the 2-day workshop on the practical approaches, procedures and methods of using digital skills in developing on-line presence, for advertising and marketing. These when properly utilized could cushion the effect of joblessness among Nigerian graduates.