The fifty-second episode of Technext’s podcast series –Techbytes, titled “Will the New NUC Core Tech Courses Affect Digital Skill Training Projects?” centred on the National Universities Commission’s introduction of tech-related courses, such as software engineering, Cybersecurity, and Data Science, into university curricula and the potential impact on existing digital skill training initiatives.
During this Techbytes episode, the hosts commenced by discussing trending topics from the week. These included Okra Solar securing $12 million in series A funding for mesh-grid electrification in Africa, and Microsoft’s decision to discontinue WordPad after 28 years of service.
Other news included Nigeria’s position as the home to 32% of Africa’s fintech market housing 217 companies, Jack Dorsey’s Btrust acquiring Qala, a Blockchain talent developer focused on Africa, and Nigeria’s signing of a memorandum of understanding with India to enhance educational facilities in Nigerian schools.
You can listen to the full Techbytes episode here:
Excerpts from the Techbytes conversation
Here’s a summary of the podcast if you prefer reading to listening.
The main discussion revolved around the National Universities Commission’s introduction of tech-related courses such as software engineering, Cybersecurity, and Data Science into university curricula and how it affects existing digital skill training initiatives.
Damilare Akinpelu, more popularly known as Hackdown, clarified that while it may not have a predominantly adverse impact on existing digital skill training platforms, there are limitations to what these platforms can provide, especially for a limited audience.
With traditional universities having the capacity to accommodate thousands of students in a physical learning environment with more extensive opportunities, it can be seen as a beneficial complementary approach.
Additionally, a recent Twitter space conversation explored the topic of choosing between formal education and focusing solely on acquiring tech skills. The consensus from the discussion was that formal education remains essential.
Eberechukwu, the second host on the Techbytes, emphasized that it isn’t an all-or-nothing scenario. Students have the flexibility to explore both learning paths as they see fit. Hackdown expressed optimism, stating that this development is promising, especially for students.
“It is a good one, especially for the students and I really hope it is going to be a curriculum that is current, up to date, and can compete on a global scale.”
He emphasized the importance of the new curriculum being current, up-to-date, and globally competitive. According to him, this will be a determining factor in whether it’s a worthwhile endeavour.
Check out all of the episodes of Technext’s Techbytes podcast here
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