By Nyang’au Araka
Adoption of virtual learning got a boost on Friday following the launch of the Huawei ICT Academy at the Open University of Kenya (OUK).
The Academy is an outcome of a partnership involving Huawei Kenya, Equity Group Foundation and OUK, and, is envisioned to empower thousands of learnes through flexible, self-paced digital skills training.
A joint statement by the partners said that the initiative skills to enroll and train 10,000 students, equipping them with industry relevant ICT skills and Huawei professional certifications in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybercecurity and Coding.
“The Academy will focus on innovation-driven learning, offering dual certification- both academic and Huawei-recognized,” the statement said.
“It will also support the establishment of a Virtual Hub to foster student-led solutions to real-world challenges.”
Further, the statement said that the partnership with Equity Group Foundation under the health initiative seeks to contribute to the development of various digital initiatives.
The initiatives include telemedicine services under the Equity Group Foundation social impact model.
Huawei Kenya Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gavin Gao officially handed over the Academy plaque to OUK Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof Elijah Omwenga at Equity Centre.
“This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to nurturing digital talent in Kenya,” Gao said.
“Together with Equity Group Foundation and Open University of Kenya, we’re not just investing in infrastructure- we are investing in people.”
Present was Equity Group Foundation chairman and OUK Chancellor, Dr James Mwangi, who applauded the partnership as a powerful model for digital transformation.
“Through this collaboration, we are scaling access to global digital tech skills, particularly for young people who might otherwise be left out of the digital revolution,” Dr Mwangi said.
“We’re building the workforce of tomorrow- one that is inclusive, innovative and equipped to transform Kenya and Africa.”
Dr Mwangi noted the course content to be delivered at the Academy had been aligned to global standards.
It will be delivered online and students from across Kenya and beyond will benefit from flexible, world-class ICT training.
“We aim to reach over 10,000 learners with skills that will enable them to innovate, compete and lead in the digital economy,” Dr Mwangi said.
Prof Omwenga on his part welcomed the initiative as a model that had been attuned to global trends in higher education.
“This initiative positions the Open University of Kenya as a hub for digital innovation,” the VC said.
He added that the partnership aims at unlocking new possibilities for learners to thrive in a tech-driven world.
