One of Africa’s most enterprising Information Communication Technology (ICT) companies, Computer Warehouse Group, has disclosed plans to construct a building dedicated for the appreciation and development of IT at the University of Lagos, Akoka. Austin Okere, group chief executive officer made this known during a courtesy visit to the university’s Vice Chancellor, A.B. Sofoluwe.
Sofoluwe who was full of joy at the meeting was proud that an ex student of the university could build a great company today like Computer Warehouse. He thanked the CEO for consenting to expand internet hotspots around the institution and also institute the Austin Okere Annual Lecture which he said would encourage the younger generation of students in their pursuit of Academic Excellence.
He however asked that CWG leads the path in the construction of an Industrial park in the Institution. According to Prof Sofoluwe, “it is my dream to build an industrial park within the university. One that can be compared to what we have in advanced countries.” In responding, Okere affirmed, stating that “CWG will construct a building here in the University of Lagos to be dedicated for the development of opportunities in the vast areas of ICT for the younger generation”.
He took the opportunity to inform the VC on some of the strengths of CWG in areas of skills development and human capital development with the company’s present initiation of an academy which young individuals are trained in various areas of information technology and after their course, some of them have been absorbed into the company as members of staff.
Okere said: “CWG is going global. It would interest you to know that a case study was done on CWG by the Columbia Business School in the US and I was invited to deliver a lecture at the institution. I cannot tell our story without mentioning the key role played by our alma mater, UNILAG”. In the same vein, Modupe Ogunlesi, deputy vice chancellor (Academic and Research) commended the team for its success story so far in the corporate world and its commitment to the building which would be regarded as a laboratory for capacity building. She prayed for God’s continuous guidance and protection over CWG.
Philip Obioha, CWG’s chief operating officer, commended the university in her efforts at leading the pace in engaging corporate organizations to come into academic institutions to help in developing young individuals. “I think UNILAG’s vision in getting the industry to go back and contribute to capacity development should actually be the norm as its being practiced in developed countries.”
He explained that, the building when completed will be equipped with modern facilities that would help in software development and hardware appreciation. This move by CWG, an indigenous ICT company would encourage other corporate organizations to give back to society in ways which aid the professional development of young individuals.
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