As part of its commitment to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria, leading integrated payments and digital commerce company, Interswitch, has announced plans to donate IT equipment to five tertiary institutions across the country.
The initiative aims to provide students with hands-on experience in technology-driven fields while equipping them with industry-recognized certifications.
The donation, executed in partnership with the Cisco Networking Academy, includes network and computing devices such as routers and switches. The beneficiary institutions for this edition include the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Covenant University, Ota, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), and the University of Lagos. The curriculum covers key areas like cybersecurity, networking, and programming, preparing students for careers in ICT.
Babafemi Ogungbamila, Executive Vice President, Group Operations and Technology at Interswitch, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing STEM education through technology support. He noted that the partnership with Cisco marks a continued effort to equip students with the tools and knowledge necessary for success in the digital age. Abdel Saidu, Solutions Engineering Lead at Cisco Nigeria, highlighted the impact of the Cisco Networking Academy, which has trained over 745,000 learners in Nigeria.
This initiative aligns with Interswitch’s broader efforts to promote STEM education across Africa. The company has been actively involved in initiatives like the Interswitch SPAK National Science Competition, encouraging students to embrace STEM disciplines. The first edition of this donation drive saw Interswitch provide IT equipment to ten institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Maiduguri, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka.