Mkpoikana Udoma
12 June 2018, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt — As part of its capacity development initiatives, the Nigerian Content Development and Management Board, NCDMB, has flagged off the training of students on Information and Communication Technology in its newly built ICT centre at Community Secondary Grammar School, Ebughu, Mbo LGA of Akwa Ibom State.
Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote said the setting up of the ICT centre was in line with the overriding mandate of the NOGIC Act which created NCDMB, namely capacity building in infrastructure and human capital in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
Represented by the Board’s General Manager Corporate Communications/Zonal Coordination, Dr Ginah. O. Ginah, Wabote said the flag off of teaching at the centre commenced a day after it was assessed and accredited by the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria.
He witnessed students receive practical instructions in computer appreciation.
“We are here today to flag-off teaching in one of our ICT Centres in Mbo LGA, Akwa Ibom State. The purpose of this initiative is to catch them young.
“We believe that by introducing children to computer learning at this age they will be able to pick up very fast and use the knowledge they have gained in the development of Nigeria’s capacity in the Oil and Gas Industry.”
The NCDMB Boss further explained that at the end of the six months of training, the students would be issued a certificate in computer appreciation that is approved by the CPN.
“This certificate would enable those of them who are interested in pursuing a career in ICT to seek jobs in that sector. So it’s a big step for these students as they would graduate from the Secondary school with an added certificate in Computer.”
For his part, the Principal of Community Secondary Grammar School, Ebughu, Mbo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Eka Etuk, commended NCDMB for setting up the ICT Centre for the school.
Etuk explained that access to a computer by students has previously been a major challenge in the school, especially with the introduction of computer-based-test, CBT by the Joint Admission and Matriculations Board, JAMB.
He added that with this initiative from NCDMB, Ebughu community is now one of the only rural communities in Akwa Ibom State that has an ICT Centre.
