The “INCLUDE PROJECT” of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) IT Hub (NITHub), University of Lagos (UNILAG) has expanded its empowerment gesture to thirty (30) students of the Computer Science Department, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos.
Tagged “INCLUDE 2.0” being the second in the series, the presentation ceremony which held recently at the NITHUB Building, according to the Director of the Hub, Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa was targeted at lending a helping hand to indigent but digitally skilful Computer Science students by equipping them with high-speed computing devices to enable them learn, collaborate and innovate.
Dr. Odumuyiwa said the beneficiaries who are 100 and 200-level students, were shortlisted after taking tests to verify their level of problem-solving skills as well as their state of needs for computing devices.
While appreciating the donors and sponsors of the INCLUDE PROJECT who are all alumni of the Computer Science Department, Dr. Odumuyiwa implored the beneficiaries to see the gesture as a seed and a challenge which should spur them to explore and carve a niche for themselves in the tech-space.
In her remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development Services, Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa applauded the INCLUDE PROJECT, describing it as another testimonial of the robust relationship which the university is fostering with its alumni body.
While highlighting the university management’s efforts to support students, Prof. Atsenuwa recalled the philanthropic gesture of the founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank PLC, Jim Ovia who donated 3,000 units of Palmtops to support indigent students of the university as well as the Laptop loan which is being made available at the University Library.
She noted these milestones have brought respite to many students.
She gave thumbs up to Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa and his team at the NITHUB, describing the “INCLUDE PROJECT” as another plus which would further seal the place of UNILAG as a leading light in the comity of ivory towers in Africa and globally.
Prof. Atsenuwa implored beneficiaries of the INCLUDE 2.0 to see the computer laptops given to them as an investment which should enable them to break barriers and grow their skills in the tech space as well as become job creators even before the completion of their studies.
There were remarks by the donors: Felix Ikeh, Akinwande Alagbe, Solomon Amadi and Awal Elegbede.
They were all full of gratitude to successive managements of the University of Lagos for building UNILAG into an enviable brand with global recognition and for instituting an enabling environment for students to learn and hone their skills.
The four alumni were also thankful to Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa and other egg heads in the Department of Computer Science for being vessels of grooming and motivation.
They implored the beneficiaries of the INCLUDE 2.0 Project to be consistent , disciplined and commit themselves to learning.
One of the beneficiaries of INCLUDE 1.O, Miss Adetayo Boluwatife, shared an inspiring story of how the project launched her into the tech-community. She was grateful for the quality of friends and support network at NITHUB.
Miss Adetayo who also smiled home with a computer laptop courtesy of INCLUDE 2.0 noted that with her unforgettable experience, she hopes to join the league of donors towards the INCLUDE Project in no distant future.
Powered by a group of alumni of the Department of Computer Science, University of Lagos, the “INCLUDE PROJECT” debuted in February 2022 with just 10 (ten) beneficiaries who all smiled home with a computer laptop each.
The Include 2.0 which is the second edition recorded 30 beneficiaries who all got Core i7 laptops each with a pouch and other necessary accessories. Just like the beneficiaries of Include 1.0, the 30 beneficiaries have also been scheduled for software development training with mentorship opportunities by software developers from top global tech companies.
