Pioneer ICT Institute Orients IVEI Students on Mastercard Foundation Skills Acquisition Training

The Pioneer Institute of Computer has conducted an orientation programme for students of the Innovation and Vocational Education Institute, IVEI, Kano State Polytechnic, on registration and participation in an Information and Communication Technology, ICT, skills acquisition training programme sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation.  

The orientation was held on Monday, 24th August 2026, at the School of Technology, SOT, Annex, Kano State Polytechnic.  

Speaking during the programme, the Chief Executive Officer of the Pioneer Institute of Computer, Alhaji Hassan Dankura, alongside other representatives of the Institute, said the initiative was designed to address unemployment among young people, particularly graduates of universities, polytechnics and monotechnics, by equipping them with relevant and marketable digital skills.  

He disclosed that the programme is funded by the Mastercard Foundation in collaboration with Gateway, and is aimed at providing participants with practical skills, employment opportunities and exposure to the wider global ICT market.  

According to him, the programme is being implemented across ten states in Nigeria, with three locations in the northern region: Kano, Kaduna and Abuja.  

He added that female participants would benefit from two phases of training, each lasting three months. The first three months would cover the foundation stage, while the next three months would focus on the growth pathway. Male participants, on the other hand, would participate in a three-month training programme under the pathway phase.  

The Institute also assured prospective participants that training facilities and internet access would be provided at its centre. Participants would also receive periodic logistical support to facilitate their participation.  

In his remarks, the Director of IVEI, Dr. G. A. Adamu, welcomed the initiative and expressed management’s readiness to support and cooperate with the Institute to ensure beneficiaries derive maximum benefit from the programme.  

Dr. Adamu encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that acquiring relevant digital skills would enhance their employability and prepare them for opportunities in the competitive global digital economy. He also urged the students to share information about the programme with friends and family members who may benefit.  

The orientation programme was attended by the Deputy Director, Head of Administration, Head of Student Affairs and other staff of IVEI.