NEWS
PICTDA Partners 3MTT to Expand ICT Training Opportunities to Youths
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
The Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) has deepened its collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative to boost digital skills and innovation to youths in the State.
The development followed a visit by the 3MTT Community Manager for Plateau State, Victor Abel to the Agency in Jos at the new Government House Complex, Little Rayfield.
The Director General of the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) Dominic Datong said the partnership aligns with the Plateau State Government’s recent engagement with the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to explore ways of creating a more conducive ICT learning environment.
“The collaboration is also in line with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s agenda of empowering youth through skills development, ensuring they are better equipped to thrive in the digital economy.
“So far, 2,487 Plateau State residents have been trained under the 3MTT program, with cybersecurity emerging as the most sought-after skill, accounting for 533 participants.
“Impressively, nearly 48% of those trained are women, signaling increasing female interest in ICT. Despite these strides, Plateau State currently ranks 17th in the nation for program participation.” He stated
The DG noted that the agency has identified lack of synergy between the state and the initiative as a major obstacle, which it intends to resolve during the 3rd cohort of the program in addressing the ranking.
“Our goal is to close this gap and ensure that Plateau State maximizes the opportunities offered by the 3MTT program. To streamline communication and enhance coordination, PICTDA has provided an office space within the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, for the program’s focal person.
“This initiative is designed to foster better alignment between PICTDA, the state government, and the 3MTT project, ensuring more effective program implementation.” The DG explained
Dominic further highlighted the significance of the collaboration in driving meaningful skill development in the state. “This partnership will help reduce duplication of efforts. The 3 Million Technical Talents initiative is robust enough to drive substantial skills development in Plateau State. By working closely together, we can ensure the program has a far-reaching impact,” Datong stated.
He disclosed that PICTDA has set an ambitious target to train an additional 5,000 residents in the 3rd cohort to boost participation and ensure Plateau State becomes a leader in ICT skill acquisition.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to equipping Plateau residents with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy. Our vision is to make Plateau a hub for digital talent in Nigeria.
“As the 3rd cohort of the 3MTT program unfolds, Plateau State is poised to scale new heights in ICT development, empowering its residents and paving the way for a digitally-driven future,” Datong noted.
NEWS
Bill to Rename Benue Varsity Passes First Reading
A bill to rename the Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi to Moses Orshio Adasu University has passed first reading at the Benue State House Assembly.
The bill was read during Wednesday plenary by the acting Clerk of the House, Mr John Hwande.
Also during the plenary, a bill for the establishment of Benue State University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, Ihugh, in Vandeikya local government area also passed first.
Daily asset reports that three other bills also passed first reading.
The bills include a bill for a law to amend a free and compulsory basic education and a bill for a law to establish a task force on quality healthcare and prevention of quackery in the state.
Report says that two out of the bills, which were from the executive, were presented to the house by the Majority Leader, Mr Saater Tiseer.
The others were presented by the member representing Gboko East Constituency, Mrs. Becky Orpin, and that of Kwande West, Mr Thomas Dugeri.
The Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, who presided over plenary, referred them to the House Standing Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative scrutiny. (NAN)
NEWS
Tinubu Approves Leadership Changes for Oye-Ekiti, Lokoja Varsities
President Bola Tinubu has approved the swap of Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of the Governing Councils of Federal University Oye-Ekiti and its Lokoja counterpart.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
“In the reshuffling, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, the Pro-Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, will move to Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, while Mr Kayode Ojo, who previously held a similar position at Oye-Ekiti, will assume same role in Lokoja.
“This strategic change is part of Tinubu’s initiative to foster diversity and national cohesion in the management of the country’s universities,” he said.
(NAN)NEWS
NYSC Gets new State Coordinator in Delta
Mr John Kwaghe has assumed duty as the new Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Delta.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Stella Ogbummuo, NYSC state Public Relations Officer, on Wednesday in Asaba.
The statement said that Mr Kwaghe, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Career Management hails from Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
“The new state coordinate has worked in many states and the National Directorates Headquarters in different capacities including Ekiti and Nasarawa State.
“In line with the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters’ sustained drive to optimise the scheme’s operations nationwide, a new state coordinator has been posted to take over the headship of NYSC Delta State secretariat.
“He will take over from Mr Olusegun Alao, who has been transferred to NYSC South South Area Office 1, Delta State,” Ogbummuo stated. (NAN)