In collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), one of the major global technology corporations, Huawei, has renewed its commitment to utilize technology to improve education in Nigeria.
Huawei said it is also making similar efforts in other developing countries; including Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt and Pakistan.
This was announced by the firm during the recent Digital Talent Summit, which was jointly organized by Huawei and the Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) in Barcelona, Spain; as part of the company’s preparations for the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2023.
Vicky Zhang, Vice President of corporate communications at Huawei, said the business is pleased to work with UNESCO to improve learning opportunities in underdeveloped nations through technology.
“Getting the right education is often the key to success in life. As a major player in the technology sector, Huawei feels it is responsible for providing technical skills in all parts of the world; trying our best to include as many people as possible,” she said.
Zhang disclosed that Huawei started the Seeds for the Future program, a subproject of the National ICT Talent Development, in 2018 by signing an MoU with the government of Nigeria. She revealed that ten talented Nigerian students are selected each year for two weeks of ICT development and Chinese culture training.
She added that the program is expected to yield significant social impact and contribution that will inspire and help students find new solutions for the future ICT development of Nigeria and help the country develop rapidly.
David Atchoarena, the director of UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), spoke at the summit and praised Huawei for its dedication and contribution to advancing the use of technology by educators in developing nations.
While inducting the company into the Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL), Atchoarena said, “our rapidly changing world calls for concerted efforts and strong partnerships to achieve quality education and lifelong learning for all. Huawei’s expertise in innovation in learning will be a great asset to the Global Alliance for Literacy. Collaborative projects like ours will ensure no one is left behind on this journey.”
Anthony Oshiobugie Ugheoke, a recipient of Seeds for Future Nigeria and one of the co-hosts of the Digital Talent Summit, regarded the program as a transformative opportunity that has extended his horizon and altered his perspectives on life; particularly in relation to ICT.
He praised Huawei for the rare opportunity and advised future program recipients to make the most use of the learnings to positively impact their lives, the country, and the continent at large.
On the opportunity given to him by Huawei to co-host the summit, Ugheoke said, “I am excited to be nominated to attend the Huawei Digital Talent Summit, which is part of the activities at the ongoing NWC23 here in Barcelona, Spain.
“This is one chance that I will forever cherish as a young Nigerian; to be on a global stage like this and share the stage with giants such as the Director of UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), David Atchoarena, and the Secretary General of the African Telecommunication Union (ATU), John Omo.”
