June 12th 

Cisco Academy Training

The UNDP has established a computer and network training center at their Victoria Island headquarters and is currently offering a networking curriculum as a regional Cisco Academy.  This center was founded by deputy resident representative Ali Ensha and is managed by Mr. Francis Ukoh.
	Mr. Francis Ukoh

A Cisco Academy trains new network technicians through a curriculum designed and donated by Cisco Systems, the leading manufacturer of network routers and switches.  In becoming affiliated with Cisco, academies are required to deploy a classroom with 24 or more networked computers, purchase (at a significant discount) Cisco switches, and send trainers for training and certification.  The entire Cisco Academy curriculum consists of two levels of training (See Least Developed Countries Initiative,  Cisco Networking Program Brochure, and Publicity of Cisco)  Many U.S. technical schools offer the Cisco Academy as a two-semester, 2-3 credit course that is a part of a larger, more comprehensive network support curriculum.

Last year, the UNDP/Nigeria sent two instructors for training in Ghana and founded the first Nigerian Cisco Academy.  (Both Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Jos are also contemplating adopting the Cisco Academy curriculum.)

UNDP/Nigeria has just graduated the first batch of 30 students from the first portion of the training, many of whom are continuing into the second semester soon.

Already, a batch of 40 new students have signed up for the next iteration of the first semester training.

The classes are comprised of students from local schools, youth corps members, and private individuals, most paying out-of-pocket the fee of N30,000 ($250 USD) per semester.  According to Mr. Ukoh, most of their students are hoping to land local jobs when they graduate, although few have solid leads. Some students express the hope that their new skills will assist  them to find work in the U.S.

Each semester consists of nine weeks, or 70 hours of classroom training.  UNDP/Nigeria offers the first semester training for 2.5 hours three times a week  (MWF) and second semester training for 4 hours twice a week (TTh.)

Mr. Ukoh reports that the students uniformly provide very positive feedback.

UNDP's Training Center

UNDP/Nigeria has the finest training center I have seen in Nigeria.  The classroom is roomy, well-lit, and comfortable.  The computers are new and well-maintained.  The servers and network equipment are of the best quality and well laid out for instruction and management. They have good standby generators and a dedicated staff.

I asked and Mr. Ukoh seemed to think that UNDP could also deliver on-site training or an intensive one-week program.  They are also considering offering a weekend program.

Their training center is available for hire at $500 a day, although they might make it available for programs that fit within their mission.

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