The Federal Government has reached an agreement with Huawei which is one of the leading Chinese technology companies to have 2000 young Nigerians trained on Information and Communication Technology, (ICT). The memorandum of understanding was signed by the federal government with the Chinese company on Thursday.
Based on the agreement, Huawei will train 2,000 Nigerians on ICT through the company’s “Seeds for the Future Programme.”
Speaking about the program, the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described the MOU as an absolutely important. According to him, one of the quickest ways of getting a decent employment is ICT.
Vice President Osinbajo said that the programme introduced by Huawei will not only create job but also advance technology in the country. He thanked the company for their initiative.
President Buhari’s administration is predicated on change. While talking about the change agenda of the administration, Prof. Osinbajo mentioned its three important aspects, namely, the enhancement of the economy, the creation of ICT hubs, and supporting the existing one.
The Vice President noted that the country has a poor rating in the global rankings of business environments. President Buhari according to VP Osinbajo has obligated the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment to address the challenges of doing business in the country.
While calling on Chinese investors and business leaders to consider establishing manufacturing plants in Nigeria, the VP said that the relationship between Nigeria and China is a strategic one.
He urged the Chinese investors to also invest on manufacturing of products rather than encouraging only the selling of products.
A Chinese envoy who was present during the signing event of the MOU mentioned that China has planned to get involve in areas such as agriculture, industrialization, modernization, infrastructure, trade, poverty alleviation, investment, peace and security and others as it identified with the change agenda of Buhari administration.
According to him, Huawei would not stop in contributing to and providing training programs in Nigeria as it hoped to partner with the government of Nigeria in the future ICT planning and development.
The 2000 trainees would be chosen by the Ministry of Labour and Communications that signed the MOU for the federal government. On the part of Huawei, the VP of Huawei West Africa, Mr. Richard Cao signed for the company.
The signing ceremony was attended by top government dignitaries such as VP Pro. Osinbajo, Dr. Chris Ngige, the Minister for Labour and Employment, Adebayo Shittu and the ministry of Communications. The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie and other top management staff of Huawei were also present during the signing ceremony.
