DBI’s FOCUS ON INNOVATION

November 15, 2018

“……People may ask you further question about your Alma Mater and how it is transforming itself. Please tell them that your Alma Mater which was originally preparing skills for the Nigerian economy has transformed into an Institution for mainstreaming skills into the global ICT market place”

ADDRESS BY ENGR. TITI OMO-ETTU, CHAIRMAN, GOVERNING BOARD OF THE DIGITAL BRIDGE INSTITUTE AT THE 2ND MATRICULATION CEREMONY OF STUDENTS ADMITTED TO THE NATIONAL INNOVATION DIPLOMA (NID) PROGRAMME OF THE INSTITUTE HELD AT THE DIGITAL BRIDGE INSTITUTE, KANO CAMPUS ON THURSDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER, 2018.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the Second Matriculation Ceremony of Institute at which students admitted to the National Innovation Diploma programme in the 2017/2018 academic session are being formally inducted.

The world is changing rapidly due to advances in information and communications technology. The acquisition of ICT knowledge and skills is no longer an option, but an imperative young people must aspire to if they have take their rightful place in global development. The Digital Bridge Institute is a place where you can fulfil that aspiration.

The commencement of this National Innovation Diploma programme two years ago marked an important milestone in the Institute’s mandate to contribute to the advancement ICT knowledge and skills, especially of the young people. The programme offers five specialised courses, namely Computer Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Networking and Systems Security, Multimedia Technology and Telecommunications Technology. From the progress report I have received, I am happy to note that our students are excited about being on the programme and that in a couple of months we shall be graduating the first set of students who were admitted in 2016/2017 academic session.

From the Administrator’s address I understand that majority of you who are matriculating today are beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme of the Kano State Government. I congratulate the Kano State Government for this crucial intervention as it demonstrates in practical terms the commitment of the Government to affordable digital education for the young people of the State. It is also worthy of note that by the deliberate policy of the State Government the gender distribution of the students in the programme gave more preference to females, who account for sixty percent of the total admission.

You must count yourselves lucky to be part of a unique programme of this nature, because the curriculum of the NID programme has been deliberately designed to offer students a rich blend of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills which combines classroom work with intensive laboratory and workshop modules, as well as industrial experience using the project-based learning approach.

From the Administrator’s speech, I understand that the first set of students are just completing the mandatory Students Industrial Work Experience scheme which is an integral module of the programme. I am particularly excited to learn that most of you have, within the first year, successfully completed a Microsoft Certification course. This is a remarkable aspect of the programme which will place our graduates over and above their peers from other Institutions.

It is my expectation that upon completion of your two-year course of training at the Institute you would have been equipped with the requisite ICT knowledge and skills to progress in your chosen fields. For those of you who chose to work, I feel certain that you will find a place to fulfill your dreams within industry or in government.

Nigeria is in dire need of ICT skills to solve the myriad of problems facing her in transportation, agriculture, health, education, security, power and other sectors. As has been attested to by ICT innovation and developments around the world, young people abound with abundant talents and hold the key to the technological breakthroughs of the modern age. I therefore urge you to embrace the opportunity of the NID programme with your head and mind by applying yourself conscientiously to your studies. This is the only means by which you can become a mainstream player in the new digital age. You can be the next ICT innovator with that great breakthrough idea that will change not only Nigeria but the world.

Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen, I will like to thank His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Umar Ganduje for supporting this programme. Our appreciation also go the various State Government officials who in their various capacities have continued to support the State Institute. I commend the Management and staff of the Institute who have worked very hard to ensure the success of the NID programme.
Once again, I congratulate you, the students and wish you a very rewarding learning experience as you pass through Institute.

People may ask you further question about your Alma Mater and how it is transforming itself. Please tell them that your Alma Mater which was originally preparing skills for the Nigerian economy has transformed into an Institution for mainstreaming skills into the global ICT market place.

Thank you and God bless.

Engr. Titi Omo-Ettu FAEng; FNSE.
Chairman, Board of DBI
November 14, 2018