FITC’s Youth Connect Pan-African Technology Summit, themed; Accelerating Growth and Development in Africa:

The Role of Technology and Innovation is happening today Tuesday, 1st December 2020 at 11:00 am (WAT)

Our exciting line-up of speakers will discuss extensively the theme of the Summit and will also be announcing the top 3 winners of the Youth Connect 2020 Essay Competition!

Financial Institution Training Company (FITC), the world-class, innovation-led, and technology-driven knowledge organization that provides learning, advisory, and research services to Financial Institutions and other sectors in Africa, has launched the FITC Youth Connect Initiative.

This initiative focuses on youth empowerment, and employability and supports youth-led innovation in Africa. To herald this, the organization is launching the maiden edition of its essay competition for undergraduates in higher institutions of learning across Africa.

Tagged “Youth Connect Essay Challenge”, the Competition seeks to promote creative talents and spur innovative thinking among young people in Africa. It focuses on the theme, “Accelerating Growth and Development in Africa: The Role of Technology and Innovation”.

Chizor Malize, CEO of FITC in a statement explained that given the wealth of talents and resources in Africa, there is an explosive opportunity for growth and development It is no gainsaying that Africa needs to embrace technology to realize the African Union’s 2063 Transformation Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Malize noted that to achieve this, technology plays a crucial role and its adoption will accelerate economic growth and development on the continent. The realities of modern civilization have shown that technology can speed up significant improvements in the social and political conditions of nations and can be a vehicle for innovative solutions to local challenges.

“Africa is now the world’s second-fastest-growing continent. Its fast-growing youth population presents exciting opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development. With the bolstering number of innovation hubs, tech solutions, tech ventures, and tech venture-builders, as well as investors in technology infrastructure, the continent can bank on its emergent tech landscape for exponential growth.

” The young tech community can help decision-makers to implement workable technology solutions from country to country.

“To support this drive and to ensure youth’s participation in the transformation of the continent, FITC is investing in the future through the Youth Connect Essay Challenge.

“This challenge is to awaken the well of ideas in young Africans and set their mind on the right course as it concerns the use of technology for growth,” he stated.

The theme ‘’Accelerating Growth in Africa: The Role of Technology and Innovation” allows young people to creatively express their ideas and explore the wealth of solutions that technology can proffer to Africa’s numerous challenges.

The objective is to develop in undergraduate students the habit of contributing to national and global issues, as well as providing policymakers with an accessible perspective.

Malize disclosed that entries will be judged on originality, creativity, and appropriateness to the theme and context. Click on this link for more information about the guidelines and registration.

The FITC Youth Connect Essay Competition is open to all undergraduates studying in any tertiary institution across Africa.

For entry format, he said entries must be written in English or French, the essay must not be less than 1000 words, entrants should show originality, creativity, clarity, and focus on the topic, plagiarized, co-written, and pre-published entries will be disqualified and each entrant is required to submit only one entry to the competition.

The first Prize winner will go home with $1000, a laptop, a leadership certification program, and a year mentorship program; 2nd prize: is $500, a laptop and a year mentorship program, and the third prize: A laptop and one-year Mentorship Programme.

The announcement date will be on all digital platforms. The competition schedule, registration details, and essay guidelines are available here.

In this insightful discussion, panelists in learning and development explore the crucial aspects of implementing e-learning and Learning Management Systems (LMS) in organizations. The conversation delves into the significance of user experience (UX) and gamification to enhance engagement. Speakers emphasize the need for interactive interfaces, incorporating gamified elements like badges and leaderboards, and creating an environment that encourages continuous learning. The discussion also touches on post-assessment tasks and projects as essential tools for reinforcing learning. If you’re interested in optimizing e-learning strategies for your organization or improving the user experience in your LMS, this conversation provides valuable insights.

Introducing Tayo K. Awosanya, the accomplished Founder and MD/CEO of Zercom Systems, a prominent technology firm based in Lagos, Nigeria. With a stellar academic background including a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Bowie State University and a Master’s in Computer Systems Management from the University of Maryland-USA, Tayo epitomizes visionary leadership and academic excellence in the tech industry.

Tayo’s journey began as a Senior IT Service Manager at BAE Systems, where his exceptional leadership propelled the agency’s IT service compliance rating to over 90%, a milestone achieved in just six months. In 2008, he embarked on a transformative journey founding Zercom Systems, revolutionizing the digital landscape with innovations like Tangerine LMS, Veritos Address Verification, and Terminoxx ATM Monitoring Solution.

Beyond boardroom confines, Tayo is a highly respected figure in the tech industry, regularly sought after to share his insights at prestigious conferences and events such as OLXD, Education & Technology ICTEL Expo, Youth Connect Technology Summit, and Emerging Technologies conference. His visionary leadership and commitment to digital transformation have not only positioned Zercom Systems as a trusted innovator but have also left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s technology sector and beyond. Tayo’s passion for empowering individuals and organizations through technology underscores his status as a luminary in the global tech landscape, driving positive change and shaping the future of technology.

How could you share your insights on the role of EdTech in addressing today’s socioeconomic challenges, particularly in the Nigerian context?

Certainly. In the context of the Nigerian economy, EdTech plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the skills needed to navigate the unique challenges we face. As our economy evolves, EdTech becomes a cornerstone for empowering the workforce to adapt to the ever-changing job market by equipping individuals with essential skills to navigate today’s business requirements. Notably, professionals in the technology sector utilized online platforms for continuous learning, ensuring their relevance in an evolving digital environment. In agriculture, farmers embraced EdTech to adopt modern techniques, fostering sustainable practices and boosting rural economies. Entrepreneurs capitalized on online resources to gain insights into e-commerce and financial management, contributing to business innovation and adaptability. Overall, EdTech played a transformative role in empowering diverse sectors, driving economic growth in Nigeria.

How does EdTech contribute to entrepreneurial empowerment in Nigeria, especially given the dynamic nature of our economy?

Entrepreneurship is a key driver for economic growth in Nigeria. In this context, Tangerine LMS, our innovative EdTech platform, becomes a crucial catalyst for empowering individuals to embark on entrepreneurial ventures. It provides the necessary insights and skills, fostering a spirit of innovation and adaptability crucial for success in our dynamic economic landscape. Take, for example, a young entrepreneur in Nigeria leveraging an online course on Tangerine LMS to understand e-commerce strategies. This not only empowers them to establish an online business but also enables them to compete on a global scale, transcending the boundaries of the local market.

That’s fascinating, Mr. Awosanya. Could you tell us more about Tangerine LMS and how it specifically addresses the needs of entrepreneurs in Nigeria?

Tangerine LMS was meticulously created to satisfy the various needs of Nigerian business owners. Tangerine LMS provides a comprehensive range of courses, including entrepreneurship-focused modules, that are specially designed to handle the subtleties of the Nigerian business environment. The goal of these modules is to provide prospective and seasoned business owners with the fundamental know-how and abilities required to succeed in Nigeria’s fast-paced marketplace. The platform guarantees a thorough learning experience for its customers by covering topics like financial management and digital marketing, in addition to sophisticated tactics like market analysis and company planning. Furthermore, Tangerine LMS recognizes that flexibility is essential in the quickly changing business environment of today. Tangerine LMS acts as a catalyst for the expansion and success of companies across the nation by effectively addressing the unique difficulties faced by Nigerian entrepreneurs. This enables people to overcome barriers, take advantage of opportunities, and make significant contributions to the economic development of their nation.

Now, shifting the focus to medium to large-sized organizations, how can they leverage Tangerine LMS?

Tangerine LMS extends its services to medium to large-sized organizations, with a particular emphasis on corporate online training. With a 15-year track record of providing online training solutions for major financial institutions, Tangerine LMS is a leader in the EdTech and digital learning industry. The platform has proven to enhance productivity and facilitate seamless information sharing among HR and Learning & Development teams within these organizations. Offering a comprehensive suite of courses tailored to corporate needs, including leadership development, employee onboarding, and compliance training. Tangerine LMS ensures an efficient and effective training environment. By leveraging these resources, medium to large-sized organizations can optimize their training programs, fostering continuous learning, skill development, and overall organizational growth.

Considering the global collaboration aspect you mentioned earlier, how does Tangerine LMS foster collaboration in Nigeria, and how does this compare internationally?

In Nigeria, Tangerine LMS facilitates collaboration by connecting learners with subject matter experts and resources worldwide. This global interconnectedness enhances our local perspectives and prepares our workforce for international standards. Tangerine LMS incorporates collaborative features, such as discussion forums and virtual group projects, creating a space for Nigerian professionals to engage with a global network of experts. However, compared to the international market, there’s still room for expansion and increased integration of Nigerian professionals into the global learning space and workforce.

That sounds like a powerful tool, Mr. Awosanya. Can you share more about how Tangerine LMS is uniquely designed to foster collaboration and prepare the Nigerian workforce for international standards?

Certainly. Tangerine LMS not only provides access to a diverse range of courses but also emphasizes interactive learning experiences. Our platform includes virtual collaboration spaces where Nigerian professionals can engage with peers and experts globally. This not only enhances their knowledge but also hones their ability to work effectively in cross-cultural teams. Tangerine LMS is a tool designed to bridge the gap between local expertise and global standards, ensuring our workforce is well-prepared for international opportunities.

Inclusivity is a key theme you’ve emphasized. How does EdTech, and specifically Tangerine LMS, ensure inclusivity in education within the Nigerian context, and how does this compare with international practices?

In Nigeria, Tangerine LMS acts as a bridge by providing accessible education to individuals who might otherwise be excluded. This inclusivity is particularly crucial in addressing the diverse educational landscape in Nigeria. While international practices share the goal of inclusivity, the Nigerian approach is nuanced to address specific local challenges. For instance, Tangerine LMS incorporates local languages and contextual examples in its modules, ensuring that learners from various regions of a country find the content relatable and accessible right from the introduction of their learning journey.

It’s fascinating to see how Tangerine LMS, with its tailored approach, is contributing to both workforce development and customer education in Nigeria. How do you see these trends evolving in the Nigerian market compared to international trends?

In Nigeria, we anticipate continued growth in the adoption of Tangerine LMS for both workforce development and citizen education. The unique challenges in our market will drive specific adaptations. Internationally, the trends will continue to advance, with an increasing emphasis on customized solutions for different regions, recognizing the importance of localized approaches. For instance, the introduction of Tangerine LMS and courses developed with options to select a native language in the Nigerian market has immediately addressed the need for accessibility and tailored learning experiences, setting a precedent for other regions to follow suit.

Speaking of local impact, how do you envision the potential benefits of Tangerine LMS, especially for the Nigerian government and its agencies?

The potential benefits for the Nigerian government are substantial. While not directly under governmental influence, agencies like the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) can capitalize on Tangerine LMS for its advanced AI proctoring feature. This technology serves to eradicate cheating during exams, thereby upholding the integrity of the assessment process. Moreover, Tangerine LMS facilitates the swift education of a widespread audience of students scattered across the country.

In addition, through the implementation of digital learning, the challenges associated with human interference are mitigated. This addresses concerns such as varying interpretations of learning concepts by different professors, ensuring a standardized and dependable education system. In leveraging Tangerine LMS, these organizations can contribute significantly to the enhancement of the educational landscape in Nigeria.

Lastly, looking ahead, how do you envision the role of Tangerine LMS evolving to meet the changing needs and aspirations of the Nigerian entrepreneurial community in the digital age?

In the future, Tangerine LMS stands to revolutionize the landscape for the Nigerian workforce and entrepreneurs alike in the digital era. It’s poised to evolve into a comprehensive platform, providing tailored learning experiences to meet the diverse needs of individuals in the workforce and those pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. Using technology such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, Tangerine LMS can enable creative thinking and progress through personalized content, networking opportunities, and mentorship that are congruent with people’s dreams.

Furthermore, it is anticipated that Tangerine LMS would prioritize accessibility for business owners throughout Nigeria while broadening its focus to include developing sectors like fintech and e-commerce. It can ensure that all entrepreneurs, regardless of geography or background, have access to the resources they need to thrive in the digital economy through partnerships and inclusive initiatives, promoting economic prosperity and empowerment.