Victor Ezeja
Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation has entered into a partnership with Decagon Institute to train not fewer than 100 youths in Anambra State on digital technology skills particularly, software engineering.
The gesture has caused a wave of excitement to sweep through the state as VCO Foundation seeks to use this opportunity to chart new frontiers in digital tech skills acquisition with the overall goal of eradicating youth unemployment in Anambra State.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe partnership which was announced in mid-June, completed the selection process of the top 100 candidates, who will undergo extensive training in software engineering beginning in July 2023 (this month).
According to a statement from the foundation, over 1,700 applicants from Anambra registered for the Decagon Software Engineering Training Program, facilitated through a VCO Foundation’s N400 million guarantee.
It said a meticulous selection process that was adopted culminated in 100 fortunate individuals, comprising 27 females and 73 males, all under the age of 30.
Decagon Institute’s acclaimed training programme has garnered attention for its PAY AFTER YOU LEARN option. It imparts essential software engineering skills and provides accommodation, meals, laptops, and a vibrant community of fellow software engineers.
Founder of the VCO Foundation, Valentine Ozigbo, spoke about the partnership’s achievements saying: “We stand today at the threshold of a new dawn for Ndi Anambra. Through our ground-breaking collaboration with Decagon Institute.”
“We are empowering the dreams and aspirations of our youth through this transformative journey,” Ozigbo, who was the People’s Democratic Party governorship candidate in the Anambra 2021 election stated.
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“The sheer brilliance of the 1,700 applicants is a testament to the boundless potential in Nigeria’s youth.
“What we are marking here with this partnership with Decagon is not a milestone but an awakening of possibilities, a celebration of the talent that resides in every corner of our beloved land.
“Anambra is unimaginably wealthy, and its greatest treasure is its people, and the creme-de-la-creme of us is our youth.
“We are humbled to be sowing the seeds of technology and education in our greatest treasure and waiting eagerly for the harvest of progress that is sure to follow,” Ozigbo declared.
CEO of Decagon Institute, Mr Chika Nwobi, said: “VCO Foundation’s N400 million guarantee is a game-changer, ensuring this enriching programme is accessible to talented individuals irrespective of their financial standing. We are grateful for the generosity of Valentine Ozigbo, a true trailblazer and champion for the youth.”
The first batch of 70 trainees is set to commence their training at the Decagon Edo Campus on 13 July 2023 with the remaining 30 joining in late August or early September.
Candidates selected represent the 21 local government areas of Anambra. The females hail from Aguata (six), Awka North (three), Awka South (three), Idemili North (three), Idemili South (three), Ihiala (one), Njikoka (two), Oyi (two), Nnewi North (one), and Ogbaru (one). The male contingent comes from: Aguata (seven), Anaocha (seven), Awka North (two), Awka South (five), Ayamelum (two), Dunukofia (two), Ekwusigo (three), Idemili North (seven), Idemili South (five), Ihiala (four), Njikoka (three), Nnewi North (four), Nnewi South (four), Ogbaru (one), Orumba North (three), Orumba South (two), and Oyi (two).
This initiative represents a monumental stride towards bridging the skills gap and fostering diversity in the tech realm for the indigenes of Anambra.
The combined prowess of the VCO Foundation and Decagon Institute seeks to catalyze the emergence of a battalion of proficient tech professionals.
This cadre is destined not only to be the vanguard of technological innovation and economic development in Anambra State but also to etch an indelible mark on the global technology landscape.
For more insights into the trailblazing journey VCO Foundation and Decagon Institute are embarking upon, please visit www.vcofoundation.org and www.decagon.institute.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
