NEDC Establishes ICT Training Centres, 6bn Education Fund for N/East Youths, Indigenes
The North East Development Commission (NEDC), says it has established ICT Training Centers within higher institutions in Gombe, Taraba and Bauchi States.
The NEDC, added that its existing training centers at various universities, polytechnics and Colleges of Education (COE) across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, have also been revamped.
According to Mr. Abba Musa, the establishment and rehabilitation of the ICT Centre were in line with the vision of NEDC to build a 21st Century North East Region with a robust ICT local content-driven industry that delivers social and economic cervices, in a manner that enhances safety, stimulates wealth creation and guarantees environmental sustainability. Musa, Head, Corporate Affairs at the Commission, made this known in ‘NEDC Report card for the out-going year 2020’, obtained by PRNigeria.
He said the centers are expected to train youth, yearly, in the areas of Entrepreneurship and Computer Appreciation, Digital Graphics Design and Smartphone Management and Repairs.
The Commission, according to the NEDC spokesperson, equally embarked on a number of activities including sensitization of residents of communities and IDP camps, procurement and distribution of health sector equipment’s and consumables for protection against Coronavirus, while also supporting the treatment and management of COVID-19, within the year.
He said: “The Commission built a 20-bed facility within the Muhammad Goni Stadium IDP camp, and a 30-bed facility within the Muna Garage IDP Camp. Both facilities are fully equipped and are been utilized as Screening/Isolation centers.
“The Commission also comprehensively equipped a Molecular Laboratory in Bauchi State. The lab was certified by the NCDC and is been used for screening and testing for COVID-19, Lassa Fever and other viral diseases.”
Musa, further said, the Commission, within the year under review, established the North-East Development Commission Education Endowment Fund (NEDC-EEF) for the purpose of building the human capital of member states in the Region.
“It shall operate through the provision of scholarships to deserving and eligible beneficiaries. The Commission shall put in place a Board of Trustees to prudently manage the six billion naira set aside for the Fund. Part of the Fund shall be specially used to cater for specific groups such as orphans, youths in sports and those whose education was forcibly truncated by the decade-long insurgency.
Scholarships shall be granted to candidates at the Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate degree levels, across all the North-East States,” he revealed.
