The prestigious National Association of Computing Students (NACOS), representing over 300,000 members from universities across Nigeria, recently bestowed the coveted title of “Champion of Nigeria Digital Economy” upon Mr. Tim Akano, the Managing Director and CEO of New Horizons. The award was a highlight of the NACOS yearly conference held at Nile University in the capital city, Abuja, and it marked a significant recognition of Akano’s extraordinary contributions to the information and communication technology (ICT) landscape in Nigeria.
During the well-attended NACOS conference, the student leadership extolled Tim Akano as one of the foremost pillars in the ICT transformation of Nigeria, especially with respect to empowering the nation’s youth and creating job opportunities. This distinction underscores Akano’s pivotal role in shaping the digital economy and technology sector in Nigeria.
Chihurumnanya Nwanevu, the President of NACOS, expressed deep appreciation for Tim Akano’s groundbreaking initiative, which introduced ICT certification-based training into university academic curricula approximately 18 years ago. This pioneering decision has had a profound and lasting impact on the technological landscape of Nigeria, effectively altering the trajectory of the country’s ICT sector. By integrating ICT education within the university system, Akano has helped bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry demands, ensuring that students are better prepared for careers in the technology field.
Moreover, the New Horizons initiative, spearheaded by Akano, has been instrumental in empowering over 100,000 youths in Nigerian universities. NACOS President Chihurumnanya Nwanevu described this program as “incredibly rewarding” and a “game changer” for the nation’s youth, emphasizing its significant role in fostering skill development and career opportunities within the ICT sector.
In addition to his contributions to New Horizons, Tim Akano’s commendable efforts extend to the establishment of the One Africa Initiatives Academy, a non-governmental organization with a pan-African focus. The primary objective of this academy is to nurture the next generation of African leaders, with a particular emphasis on four key areas: Entrepreneurship, Technology, Leadership, and Good Citizenship. The Academy boasts a diverse membership of over 10,000 young individuals hailing from 50 African countries. Members of the Academy are afforded unique opportunities to attend monthly online Masterclasses organized by OAI, further enhancing their skills and knowledge in critical areas of development.
New Horizons Nigeria, as a franchise of New Horizons International, is part of the world’s largest ICT training organization, with a presence in 90 countries. The organization plays a vital role in Nigeria, annually training over 100,000 students from various universities and schools. Notably, New Horizons Nigeria also stands out for its exceptional provision of technical courses in more locations than any other training company in the country, cementing its reputation as a leader in ICT education and training in Nigeria.
Conclusion: NACOS
In essence, the recognition and accolades accorded to Tim Akano reflect not only his personal achievements but also the significant role of New Horizons and its associated initiatives in advancing the digital economy, empowering youth, and transforming the technology landscape in Nigeria. It underscores the critical importance of fostering a skilled and empowered generation of ICT professionals in the nation’s quest for technological advancement and economic growth. Tim Akano’s dedication and vision continue to have a profound impact, providing a beacon of inspiration for those working in the field of technology and education in Nigeria and beyond.
Source: The guardian
