The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) recently lauded the National Board for Technical Education’s (NBTE) transformative decision. They revamped the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Science into four specialized fields.
These fields include Artificial Intelligence, Network & Cloud Computing, Software & Web Development, and Cybersecurity & Data Protection.
This move significantly advanced the skill set of Nigerian graduates, crucial for the digital age, and positioned polytechnics at the forefront of technological education.
More so, NITDA acknowledged this crucial step as a response to the IT sector’s skills gap. This acknowledgment followed the IT Skills Gap Assessment, a joint venture with CC Hub, identifying 12 high-demand IT skills in Nigeria and globally.
To support this shift, NITDA established the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI). These entities aim to nurture talent and equip interns and NYSC members with essential digital skills.
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, also emphasized the need for collaboration among educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. This collaboration ensures the effective implementation of these specialized fields.
Furthermore, NITDA commended NBTE for its forward-thinking approach and urged educational institutions to integrate digital literacy into their curricula. Aligning with the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), this strategy is a transformative step as it keeps the Nigerian educational system at the technological forefront and prepares students for the modern world’s challenges.
Conclusively, NITDA anticipates continued collaboration to foster an environment where Nigerian IT professionals can thrive. This strategic shift in computer science education marks a significant step towards establishing Nigeria as a leader in global technological innovation.
