USIU-Africa and Cisco Systems Inc. have launched the Cisco Networking Academy. This academy is a global education program offering professional certifications leading to ICT careers such as network security and administration, technical support, and healthcare IT; and higher education in engineering, computer science, and related fields. The Academy will not only give the students an opportunity to enhance their understanding of the networking field , it will also be a platform for the students to experience and engage with rich content through the integration of technical skill training in their curriculum to achieve a holistic outlook. This adds to another partnership as USIU already offers certification programs in partnership with IBM, Microsoft, Linux, and EC – Council.
Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Zeleza says that this new partnership acts as interlink of learning between the degree courses and practical skills that prepares the students for the dynamic ICT world. He also adds that the new partnership cements the varsity’s commitment to invest in offering of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs which will fundamentally improve Africa’s competitiveness in technology development, and in turn transform our society through new inventions.
The Cisco Networking Academy has equipped more than 5.5 million students in 165 countries and this move is seen as a vital long-term solution in the form of creating a highly-skilled and well-trained local work force. Having courses that are in touch with the needs of the market then means that we can find our home grown solutions for problems in Kenya and the rest of Africa. Other Universities should also seek to partner with more companies (locally or globally) to equip students with necessary skills which then eliminates the need to have to go abroad to acquire an education in the various fields.