Learning Center Commissioned

A MICROSOFT Technology Learning Centre wasb commissioned at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede,Owerri recently.The Technology Learning Centre, which was established at the institution by Microsoft Nigeria in conjunctionwith the Federal Government, is designed to foster computer literacy and increase information technology skill and competency within the South Eastern zone.In his welcome address, the Rector of the institution,Dr. Onyekwere I. Nwankwo, disclosed that thepolytechnic now has two major digital centresestablished through a build, operate and transfer(BOT) model, adding that the institution now has over700 PCs in various centres on campus. The rectore mphasised that ICT is the institution' s main stay,adding that it has established ICT centres in variousschools. In achieving this, he said the polytechnicworked in partnership with the American Embassy, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Abuja.While commending Microsoft Nigeria for choosing theinstitution as a centre for Microsoft Certification,Training and Examination, Nwankwo also explained thatMicrosoft Certificate, Microsoft Certificate is not only a stamp of authority but also a veritable passport to high brow employment in the competitive national and international markets. "We hope to realise our dream, which is to transformthis institution into a real centre of excellence,which will produce relevant manpower that cansuccessfully face the challenges of increasingi ntellectualism in this era of globalisation, " therector said.Speaking also, the General Manager, Microsoft WestAfrica, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzukwu, said that,"information technology is the bedrock for national survival and development in a rapidly changing global environment. " He also reminded government that, "wecannot be where we ought to be if we do not improve onour educational facilities, as well as our teaching and learning environment. " He opined that, "the rector has worked with Microsoftand other organisations to lift this institution to greater heights and all it remains is for the staffand students to maximally exploit the opportunity. "In a message delivered on behalf of Imo StateGovernor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Clothy C.Obinna, the governor explained that government will"invest enormously in capacity building in order toposition the human capital to brace up for the demands of modern development trends." He observed that, "Microsoft and the Federal Government have, with the establishment of this Digital Village, pointed the torch to a pathway thatwould lead to the entrenchment of enduring platforms and structures for the realisation of the goals ofraising computer literacy and Information Technology(IT) appreciation in Imo State."Ohakim said that in line with the imperatives of theNew face of Imo Vision, the state under his administration would create the environment that wouldbe very friendly to the growth and development ofinformation and communication technology.In a goodwill message at the occasion, a former Minister of Education, Mrs. Chinwe Nora Obaji,recalled that as a Minister of Education, she had the singular honour of commissioning the same day seven housing projects at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede,adding that one of those seven projects is the Engineering Complex housing this Microsoft Community Learning Centre.In a speech at the occasion, an Executive Director atthe National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Mr.L. U. Opara, who represented the Executive Secretary,Dr. Nuru Yakubu, described the Federal Polytechnic,Nekede as the Silicon Valley of Nigeria. (Silicon Valley is the Centre of Technology in the United States of American). He enjoined the students to aspire towards excellence.