Microsoft, Bola Ige Centre to train 1,500 artisans on productivity skills

By Emeka Anuforo

CHIEF Bola Ige Information Technology Centre has concluded plans with Microsoft to train over 1,500 artisans on basic computing and IT skills.

The training, which is said to align with internationally recognised certification requirements, are free and provide step-by-step course in IT-skills, including computer literacy, information literacy and productivity applications.

Officials of both agencies said that the purpose of the training was to showcase the excellence of people in deprived communities such as pottery makers, market women, fisherwomen and many others by introducing ICT to enable them enlarge their market scope, when exposed to wider community of people engaged or interested in their trade.

Specifically, the Microsoft sponsored computer appreciation course targets the physically challenged people selected from across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

Noting that Microsoft was committed to helping people realise their full potentials, Centre Director of the Bola Ige Centre, Mr. Manny Emecheta, told newsmen in Abuja that through the Microsoft Unlimited Potential Programme and by working with the Bola Ige Centre, the over 1500 artisans would have the opportunity to gain new IT skills by using the Unlimited Potential Community Learning Curriculum, which offers basic to intermediate technology skills in a hands-on manner.

Throwing more light on the level of involvement of Microsoft, he stressed that Microsoft Inc. has approved a grant of $90,000 for the centre and five other Community Resource Centers to teach basic IT course for selected groups in six geo-political zones.

According to him, the geo-political spread of the training covers the physically challenged persons, women in shea butter project, women in weaving business, tie and die, women in purdah, fishermen and women, mechanical spare parts dealers, including artisans involved in trade and farming.

Emecheta said, "Designed for use in Community Resource Centres, the curriculum will help individuals gain critical 21st century workforce skills required by employers and needed in today's 'knowledge economy."

He said the Bola Ige Centre had trained over 4,000 persons, including 52 visually challenges persons.

The Chief Bola Ige Information Technology Centre (BIITC) was established and funded by United States Government in 2002 through its Education for Development and Democracy Initiative (EDDI) scheme launched in 1998 as United States Government's commitment to strengthening African educational systems.

The centre, named by the U.S. government after late Chief Bola Ige, a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, in recognition of his contributions to law, education and democracy, was the first of six Community Resource Centres (CRC) established in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

In a presentation at the briefing, Public Sector Manager of Microsoft Nigeria, Mr. Okey Ikpe, explained that Microsoft Unlimited Potential is a global community-based learning programme focused on extending IT skills and economic opportunities to enable young people and adults to realise their potential.

"Through cash grants, software donations, technology solutions, and specialised curriculum, unlimited potential supports projects around the world, creating opportunities that can transform communities and help bring the benefits of technology to a quarter billion under-served people worldwide by 2010," he added.