The Tezza Academy, Nigeria and Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) Ghana are in talks for the partnership to foster knowledge and talent exchange, research advancements, and cultural understanding between the two institutions.

During his visit to Nigeria last month, President of AIT, Professor Clement Dzidonu, had the opportunity to explore the Tezza Academy’s facility. He was warmly welcomed by the Tezza team, including Equity Partner, Jide Modele; Managing Director, Jide Adams and Facility Manager, Damilare Dairo

Dzidonu described the academy as a fitting model for instilling industry-required skills into young people especially graduates of tertiary institutions who are often not well-kitted by their academic background to the relentlessly changing dynamics of the workplace.

Dzidonu speaking after a facility tour of the academy in Lagos, said a partnership could open opportunities for the two organisations in both countries leading to internships, job opportunities for students and graduates as well as industry-sponsored projects to address one of the growing challenges on the continent for closing knowledge gaps and nurturing highly skilled IT professionals across sectors.

On his part, Modele, the academy has committed to tackling the drain of highly skilled IT professionals, locally referred to as the ‘japa’ syndrome by “discovering, equipping, and training self-motivated youths in conjunction with our global partners in specialised IT disciplines.”

Modele said by retaining talented individuals and providing them with cutting-edge IT skills and opportunities, the Academy seeks to transform the brain drain into brain gain thus contributing significantly to Nigeria’s Global Value Chains (GVCs) as an important human capital export nation.

He said Tezza Academy offers free tuition and residency programmes empowering young Nigerians with high-end IT skills and ensuring job placements upon completion of a three-month intensive training.

Dzidonu, a professor of Computer Science, further expressed keen interest in introducing a Tezza initiative in Accra while laying the groundwork for a potential partnership with the Academy in a way that allows AIT to leverage its well-regarded status and vast network in Ghana to facilitate placements for program graduates.

According to him, the AIT will, among other things, explore a Ghanaian Immersive Program in Accra with the same class size as Tezza Academy’s current cohort; and work out placement facilitation in recognition of the challenges faced by university-taught programs in engaging graduates.

Dzidonu said that the strategic alliance aims to connect the brightest talents from various universities in Ghana to Tezza Academy’s immersive program, ensuring career pathways for young professionals. He added that this exchange program could further promote cultural diversity and provide students with a broader perspective on technology and innovation in different contexts within Ghana and Nigeria.