KENET and IBM have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that allows IBM to deliver advanced online hands-on certification courses to faculty and students of participating universities over KENET’s broadband network. These certification courses aim to develop and/or enhance entry-level job skills among university students and shall be facilitated by both IBM online trainers and certified faculty in the participating universities. ALL KENET member institutions will benefit from the certification program. KENET is the first sub-Saharan National Research and Education Network to sign such MoU with IBM that allows.

This program addresses two national and global crises, namely; unemployment or underemployment among ICT and engineering graduates and the critical entry-level skills shortage. Initially, IBM shall offer modules in; Mobile Applications specialist, Cyber security, and Business Analytics that are in high demand both in industry and public sector all over Africa. The courses are 80% hands-on with required e-books and other reading materials.

To enroll for the program, students just need an entry-level laptop and Internet connection from the lab setup at the university campus (access to the IBM Cloud lab only from university campus labs). The courses can be taken by senior computer science, information systems, engineering, or business students. The fees for the courses and subsequent certification have been waived for the participating universities!

“As global IT companies operating in Africa search for cost-effective ways to address the shortage of ICT skills, KENET shall continue exploring opportunities that benefit its member institutions’  students and faculty and ways of reducing the total cost of operating using appropriate information systems for these members” stated Prof. Meoli Kashorda, KENET Executive Director.