By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
As part of its broader efforts to support the advancement of Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Interswitch has concluded plans to donate IT equipment to five tertiary institutions across the country.
Through this initiative, Interswitch will donate network and computing devices, including routers and switches, to tertiary institutions in the country, a statement by the company announced the plan.
The donations will provide students with hands-on experience, while Cisco equips them with the training needed to earn industry-recognized certifications. The curriculum, delivered through the Cisco Networking Academy, covers key areas such as cybersecurity, networking and programming courses, empowering students to pursue careers in information and communication technology.
The beneficiary institutions in the first batch of the initiative include Federal University, Owerri (FUTO); University of Benin (UNIBEN); Covenant University; Yaba College of Technology and the University of Lagos.
Commenting on the donations, Executive Vice President of Group Operations and Technology at Interswitch, Babafemi Ogungbamila, said the technology company is committed to improving learning, especially in STEM fields.
“As a technology company, Interswitch understands the vital role that STEM-focused education plays in advancing a country. We also understand that this field of study requires the availability of IT equipment. This informed our decision to donate the devices to academies with the belief that more students will be equipped as they improve their skills in STEM-related fields.
“This milestone underscores the strength and consistency of our collaboration with Cisco in driving digital skills development. For the second time, we are coming together with a shared vision, to equip the next generation with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in the STEM field,” he stated.