The training, which is solely for some selected Nigerian Universities, is to give ICT experts the requisite capacity to operate the new system. It is also to enhance their capacity in using ICT facilities to tackle some of the challenges facing the nation. These challenges include cybercrime, poverty, security, and issues related to health and agriculture.
While declaring the workshop open on Monday, November 10, 2014, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, praised Intel for choosing FUTA for the training and said it is not misplaced.
“The choice of FUTA by Intel Corporation cannot in anyway be faulted as far as merit and standards are concerned. This is a recognition by the international community by making the University the only hub and contact center for its training in Nigeria. What is more interesting to note is the fact that there are a total of 129 Universities in Nigeria and based on merit, FUTA was chosen out of this lot, then this is a great feat and outstanding achievement,” the Vice Chancellor said.
Daramola further reiterated the University’s unrelenting effort in local and foreign collaborations, which are yielding dividends and enhancing the image of the institution.
He said the collaboration FUTA has with the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, FAMU, which has been extended to German and South African Universities are boosting the local and international rating of the institution.
He commended the donation of 40 Galileo boards to the University by Intel and said the partnership between FUTA and Intel will further contribute to the realization of his administration’s vision of taking FUTA to the market place and creating a hub of academic excellence in ICT.
In a brief welcome address, Dr. Kayode Alese, the Chairman, Committee on Intel Galileo Board Training Workshop, appreciated Intel’s choice of FUTA and said, “I know this workshop will help our nation to right some wrongs. The aim is to train people on how to use ICT to solve some challenges in human endeavors.”
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Intel team leader, Tayo Akanni said, “We saw potentials in what Nigerian Universities can offer and FUTA is the ideal place to start.”
