The Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano, has reaffirmed his company’s long-standing commitment to the continuous skilling and reskilling of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) journalists in the country.
Speaking during a meeting of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) held at a New Horizons training facility, Akano reflected on the company’s 20-year journey and the pivotal role media practitioners have played in its success.
The event, which was hosted free of charge by New Horizons following a request from NITRA’s Secretary, Chidiebere Nwankwo, served as a homecoming of sorts. Akano reminded attendees that ICT reporters were among the very first groups to benefit from the firm’s world-class training programs when it launched two decades ago.
“I am committed to ensuring that the media community, which supported my vision during the company’s early years, remains at the forefront of the digital revolution,” Akano stated. He subsequently pledged to continue providing free IT skills training for members of the association to ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Since its inception, New Horizons has transformed from a small startup into a continental leader in ICT education. During the event, Mr. Akano shared several key milestones regarding the company’s footprint in Nigeria.
The organization has achieved significant workforce expansion, growing from a handful of pioneers to a staff of approximately 500 employees nationwide. In terms of youth empowerment, the company has successfully trained over 500,000 individuals, primarily within the tertiary education sector. Furthermore, New Horizons continues to establish practical IT training collaborations with numerous academic institutions, including a recent landmark agreement with Afe Babalola University.
The meeting also highlighted Akano’s personal history of philanthropy toward the media. Veteran journalists shared testimonials of the CEO’s intervention in the lives of their families.
Publisher Aaron Ukodie recounted how Akano provided his daughter with both an NYSC placement and a full IT scholarship, while Yemi Adeyemi of The Guardian noted that Akano was the only industry leader who opened his doors to provide mandatory IT training for a colleague’s child when other firms declined.
Participants at the meeting characterized these actions as a testament to Akano’s dedication to human capital development and his deep appreciation for the journalists who documented the rise of New Horizons.