In continuation of its efforts to prepare students for their future careers in Information and Communications Technology by creating a direct interaction with the organization, representatives of Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited, visited the University of Lagos to host a one-day campus talk and job fair at the Afe Babalola Auditorium.
Kenneth Igwe, Huawei Channel Training Manager (ICT Talent Ecosystem Development) in Nigeria, in an interview with the press stated that “this event is organized by Huawei to meet with students from the Huawei Authorized Information and Network Academy universities and related colleges (Huawei ICT Academy), interact with them, then select excellent students through two evaluation process, test and interview for employment in Huawei and Huawei partners.”
He added that “the program completes the circle of the Huawei ICT talent ecosystem development, where Huawei trains and certifies students, and then provide them with work and experience opportunities.”
Professor Ben E.A Oghojafor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos commended the visit of Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited stating that “the program is highly beneficial to the students”. He also encouraged more of these activities by the company.
Speaking at the event, he said “we are indeed very proud that Huawei has taken this step in the right direction by partnering with all other stakeholders for this event. The students are assembled and enthusiastic as they look forward to a better future. Soft skills are not taught in the classroom or at home. This platform gives students the opportunity they need to sharpen their soft skills”
Dr. Sennaike Oladipupo, a lecturer at the Department of Computer Science, University of Lagos, said “the effort by Huawei is very commendable and we hope to have it periodically. Now our students will have the opportunity to get employed through the program. This event also enables the students to prepare for the labour market.”
Afam-Akpor Daniel Onyekachukwu, a student of Computer Science, University of Lagos, responding to press interviews on the event said “this is highly engaging and motivating. It taught me a lot personally given that this is the first time I am attending an interview. I hope Huawei will continue this next year.”
When asked about how this affects his future career ambition, he said “like it was said at the event, a time is coming when BSc. will no longer be sufficient. This job fair and campus talk increased my hunger for more certifications and more programs like this that can help me focus not only my academics but developing myself in other professional skills”.
Adegoke Ahmad Kehinde, a student of Electronic Electrical Engineering said “the event was fascinating, interesting challenging and enlightening. It is an amazing and priceless opportunity. Feel lucky to be here”. When asked about how this affects his future career ambition, he said “This has a huge impact on me. I am more motivated to explore more and invest more in myself. I learnt that everything I aim at is available.”
Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited has continuously positioned itself in Nigeria at the forefront of driving ICT skills development through knowledge transfer schemes and partnerships with universities and academic institutions.
The organization recently celebrated the achievement of some Nigerian students for their remarkable performance (emerging among the top three winners competing with 49 other teams and a total of 147 students representing 30 countries) at the Huawei Global ICT Competition held in China, as well as launch and sign the MoU (between Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited and National Information Technology Development Agency) for the participation of Nigeria in the 2019/2020 national ICT competition edition.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, M.F. Istifanus, represented by the Director of ICT, Federal Ministry of Communications, Dr. Moni Udoh, during the Huawei ICT Award Ceremony had recently applauded Huawei Technologies for an increased partnership with universities and colleges across Nigeria in the last twelve months which has resulted to “more than 55 MoUs signed with partners to be Huawei ICT Academies and giving more than 13,000 students opportunities to participate in the recently concluded Huawei 2018 – 2019 ICT Competition.”
“We appreciate the attention Huawei has paid to this program, by focusing not only on the students but also, building the skills and capacities of our Universities and lecturers. We strongly believe that the skills transferred through this programme will enhance the quality of our educational system and provide economic opportunities to individuals as well as the broader economic development of not only Nigeria but the whole of Africa.”
The Media and Communications Manager, Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited, Emmanuel O. Adereti, said “this year marks the 20th Year of Huawei operating in Nigeria. Huawei through our many CSR programs aims to reach many lives in Nigeria, especially through the education sector. For example, we also have the Seeds for the future Program, where we send 10 students from Nigeria to China for 2 weeks on core ICT skills training and to mix with other international students, all expenses covered by Huawei. We have done this for the past 4 years now.”
“Huawei will continue to invest in collaboration with universities and continuously supply excellent candidates to Huawei’s ICT talent eco-system. Huawei’s vision in Nigeria is to create an ICT talent Ecosystem that will form the foundation in the digitalization plan for the nearest future.” He added.
The Huawei job fair and campus talk team that visited University of Lagos was made up of 8 members led by the Deputy Human Resources Director, Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited, Dorothy Johnson, who said that “this is the second campus talk and job fair we are holding this year and in the coming year we plan to visit more universities across the country which are part of the Huawei Authorized Information and Network Academy universities and related colleges (Huawei ICT Academy)”
“Huawei places a great emphasis on selecting the best Nigerian Students with Huawei Certificates through the job fair program. So far, after 2 rounds of interviews, there are over 20 candidates who have passed the first screening, among whom 10 are expected to get an offer for industrial training, NYSC placement, among other opportunities”. She added.