Over 40 students of the University of Uyo, were trained recently in different skills designed to usher them into the world of Digital Technology. The programme covered Web Development and Digital Marketing.
The training was sponsored by the Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on ICT, Engr. Solomon Eyo, through the Office of the Vice President, Students Union of the University and is intended to equip the students with the much needed skills for self reliant upon graduation.
The one-month intensive programme was flagged off by the Governor’s Aide at the State Ministry of Science and Technology Headquarters, Uyo .
In his speech, Engr. Eyo told the students that “web design encompasses a multitude of variables, including layout, content, graphics, search engine optimization and conversion rate optimization.”
Engr. Solomon Eyo who is a graduate of Civil Engineering, acknowledged that in “digital marketing, there is the need for consistent branding, search engine optimization and content planning, great user experience and advertising which he identified as some key components of effective web design.
First impressions count, how does your website stack up? The look and feel of your website should be consistent with all other marketing materials including white papers, product sheets, etc.
Is your branding communicating the right message about your business? Your website is the representation of your products or services that you offer. It’s the place where most people will interact with you for business. Your website is often the first point of contact potential customers have of your company and your brand” He said.
The Governor’s Aide explained that the idea for the training “is to deepen the knowledge of the students and equip them with the latest technology skills. At the end of the one-month training, we will execute some projects for you and you will also learn practical skills such as coding/programming with the understanding on web development and digital marketing.”
The facilitator of the programme and Vice President, Student Union of the University of Uyo, Miss Blessing Jaja thanked Engr. Solomon Eyo for his passion for the development of youth and students in the digital driven economy.
She said she was inspired to give back to the students who gave her the opportunity to serve, expressing that the skills garnered would enable the students to contribute to economic growth by enhancing employability and labor productivity.
At the event, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr identified ICT as the new oil money, encouraged students to discover their talents for self development instead of waiting for white collar jobs.
“Low skills perpetuate poverty and inequality. When done right, skills development can reduce un- and underemployment, increase productivity, and improve standards of living.
To succeed in the 21st century labor market, you need a comprehensive skill set composed of: Cognitive skills, which encompass the ability to understand complex ideas, adapt effectively to the environment, learn from experience, and reason; socio-emotional skills, which is the ability to navigate interpersonal and social situations effectively, technical skills, which is the acquired knowledge, expertise, and interactions needed to perform a specific task and digital skills, which are cross-cutting and draw on all of the above skills.”
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It must be noted that most Nigerian graduate rely more on certifications and eventually seeking jobs when they ought to be job creators in their communities.
With such selfless effort as exhibited by the SA to the governor, more youths will have the opportunity to have entrant skills to the tech industry.
