By Hamza Ibrahim Chinade.

The training department of the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has conducted a sensitization training for SS2 and SS3 students of fourteen (14) senior secondary schools in Kano state. The training is meant to prepare the students for the tertiary institution entry examination popularly known as Computer Based Test (CBT). Over one hundred and fifty (150) male and female students were trained on the necessary skills to properly and correctly attempt and answer the programmed computer examination.

There has recently been massive failure in the Computer Based Test especially among students that lacked computer literacy not only in Kano but in many states across the country, and this problem has resulted in many applicants not securing the required marks for admission into various tertiary institutions. Giving an opening remark, the Training Coordinator of CITAD, Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Yakasai advised the participating students to attentively listen and benefit from the training so that they can successfully write and pass the digital examination in order to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institution of their choice in one attempt.

Practical CBT Orientation session was facilitated by Kamilu Isah Ahmed who gradually took the participants through methods and techniques of attempting the examination. Apart from CBT coaching, the sensitization also invited Malam Muhammad Tahir Isa of Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSSSMB) to facilitate a session on “Guidance and Counseling” on choice of course of study and how to face tertiary education. The participating students asked many questions and sought clarifications on issues raised by the two facilitators after which concrete responses were made.

Members of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of four of the participating schools also attended the training alongside other teachers. The participating schools are: S.A.S Kano, GSS Kofar Nassarawa, GASS Yolawa, GSS Goron Dutse, GGC Kano, GGASS Tahir, GGASS Goron Dutse, GGSSS Dukawuya, GSS Sabuwar Kofa, GSS Salanta, GGSS Hausawa, GSS Tarauni, GGSS Shekara and GGSS Wailari.

The Buji Youth Development Association (BYDA) organized Accountability Forum in Buji Local Government. The activity took place at the Community Primary School on Wednesday April, 3rd 2008.

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By abdu75ng@yahoo.com

Computer Aid International (CAI) has donated a Compaq Laptop to Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on 6th May 2008. The donation was made during the CAI official visit to CITAD. Ms Gladys Muhinyo, the Africa Programme Manager for CAI and Ms. Ann Musyoki, the West African Programme Officer for CAI, represented CAI and hav–e a discussion session with the Executive Director, CITAD, in his office.

Issues discussed were the employability programme now in progress and the delay encountered for the Computers CITAD has ordered. Y.Z. Ya’u expressed his dissatisfaction over the difficulties and delays always entered during the clearing processes especially at the port, before the containers of the Computers finally reach its destination.

But in this direction, Miss Ann assured CITAD to expect effective delivery from now on, explaining that some of the reason behind the difficulties and delays experienced were as the result of some unauthorized persons claiming to be clearing agents and extort money from individual clients. Ann Musyoki provided CITAD with phone number and e-mail address for an authorized and Confide clearing agent who would ensure CITAD Computers have safely and timely reach its destination.

CAI expressed its satisfaction over the well organized Computer Training CITAD conducts, especially the on going Youth Employability Programme. Gladys and Ann went round CITAD’s various units, computer training class and recommended the organization for its job well done.

The employability programme began in Kano 5th May 15, 2008 with 124 trainees. Who have satisfactory attended the five –days work-shop organized by the LEAP Africa, and delivered at the Auditorium Hall, School of Technology Kano.

The training which is to be provided by the Centre for Information Technology (CITAD) has been categorized into three: The first category is for the trainees who are totally not computer literate, and therefore, must under go a basic certificate in Information Technology (CIT) in this category there are one hundred (100) who are currently undergoing the CIT programme. To ensure the successful conduction of the CIT, CITAD has divided the 100 trainees in to four groups of 25 trainees each. Group “A” is the morning session starting from 9-11am, Group “B” is the afternoon session beginning from 2-4pm, Group “C” is also an afternoon session starting from 11-01pm, while Group “D” is the last, beginning from 2-4pm  every Monday to Thursday respectively.

The  next category for the trainees who are already computer literate but wishes to extend their knowledge.Centre for Information Technology and Development has identified 24 trainees who satisfactory been place either in Diploma Information (DIT) or Diploma in (DCMR). Out of these 24 trainees 14 are currently undergoing the DIT programme while the remaining 12 are receiving the DCMR training. Like the CIT trainees, the DIT and DCMR trainees, receive their training four days a week (mon-thursdays). The morning session begun between 9-11am and is for the DIT trainees while the evening session beginning from 4-6pm is for the DCMR trainees.

A two- day International Workshop titled: The Kano ICT Park: from concept to reality was conducted at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano. The workshop which took place between Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th May 2008 was an official declaration for the opening of the Kano State Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Park.

The occasion witnessed the attendance of international representatives from Malaysia and Ghana, representatives of International Organization such as DFID, top governmental officials, academicians, professional ICT companies, various non-governmental organizations from all part of the nation. A number of papers were presented dealing with the Conception of the ICT Park in Kano, its development, sustainability, entrepreneurship, man power supply among other important issues. The Deputy Governor of Kano state Engineer Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo who represented the Executive Governor of Kano Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau declared the ICT Park open after expressing the state government appreciation on the workshop. Engineer Abdullahi Tijjani stated that the entire world socio-economy is moving faster due to Information Communication Technology [ICT] which is the driving force behind it. He added that Kano State Government, in its effort to catch up in the race for ICT and socio-economic developments, establish the office of the Special Adviser on Education and Information Technology under the leadership of Dr. Bashir Galadanchi which eventually metamorphosed into the Kano ICT Park from concept to reality. The Deputy Governor concluded that even though the ten storey building popularly known as investment house was not build for ICT purpose, it is now an excellent decision by the state to convert the structure into an ICT park.

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