Intel, an international computer company, says it intends to train 150,000 teachers from Africa in computer technology under its “Intel Teach Programme” by 2012.
Intel General Manager for Africa, Mr. Devan Naidoo, said that the company had already trained 20,000 teachers in Nigeria and 15,000 in other African countries.
“It is Intel’s aim to reach 16,000 teachers in Abuja in the next few months,” Naidoo said.
He called on the Federal Government to facilitate the deployment of Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) across Nigeria to aid the programme.
WiMAX is an IT solution that enables broadband wireless network to work with high speed. It provides wireless data over a large area with the use of fixed point-to-point communication and mobile communication.
“We at Intel believe in taking a holistic approach and are working with governments, telecomms regulators, NGOs and market players to develop the ICT landscape in Africa.
“Our aim is to help enhance the lives and opportunities of Nigerians who live in rural areas by giving them access to computers and the internet,” Naidoo said.
He said that the company also intended to provide them with tools to further their education and gain access to the global community.
The Intel manager said that although Nigeria was already laying the foundation for WiMAX technology, more efforts should be made to facilitate its early take-off in the country.
He also affirmed the company’s commitment to assist Nigeria and other African countries through the Intel World Ahead Programme (IWAP).
Early this year, Intel expanded its education programme in Nigeria through the IWAP to support the deployment of Intel-powered classmate PCs in 200 schools.
This was done under the Education Trust Fund (ETF) and the Universal Provident Fund (USPF).
Nigerian Bulletin
