BE LEADERS OF TODAY NOT TOMORROW-FORMER NIGERIAN PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO TASKS AFRICAN YOUTH
Former Nigerian president H.E Olusegun Obasanjo who served two terms as president from 1976 to 79 and again from 1999 to 2007 has encouraged youths to be actively involved in leadership today and not go by the popular saying that “they are the leaders of tomorrow.”
President Olusegun Obasanjo was speaking to Cameroon calling over the national broadcaster to CRTV as he continues his private stay in the county that first saw him as guest speaker for the 6th graduation ceremony of the ICT University last Saturday, July 30.
President Obasanjo went on to recount his stay in Cameroon during the British/French rule and also why peace is very important. Upon his military training out of the country, the former Nigeria President had his first operation in Bamenda, Cameroon. Since then, he has been in and out of Cameroon on several occasions.
“I remember we came through Mamfe and to go up Bamenda you can only go on Monday and come down on Tuesday… The road was narrow then and it is a different case today. Again, there was a tea plantation there and the pace of life was gentle,” Dr Olusegun Obasanjo said when responding to the question of how life was when he first came to Bamenda.
“I was at the border one morning with my troops and some people were passing from the British side to go to the French side of Cameroon and we said they could not go. They asked why can’t go and we said it was the border but they said it is not a border to them because the next village is part of their village.”
“That was my first practical experience of the artificiality of our borders; they do not mean anything to the local people.”
According to the former president, part of the problem with Africa when it comes to conflict or crisis is mismanagement or poor management of diversity. Diversity to him is nature and nature is diversity. “Why should we not understand that diversity is natural and should be managed and treated for what it is,”? He asked.
“I have said when people get frustrated for one thing or the other it could be real or perceived injustice, perception must not be treated with levity because to some people perception is taken as reality. When people feel frustrated either by real or perceived injustice do not just leave it unattended to; do something about it.”
“We did not do that to win a Nobel Peace Prize. We did it because it was necessary for us and our people. If any people see what I have done to influence humanity for good as something that can be rewarded, all well and good but that should not be the purpose for me to do good for my peace,” the former President said as he responded to a question on why he, Koffi Annan and H.E Paul Biya have not been awarded the Noble Peace Prize in recognition for their efforts on bringing the Bakassi Peninsular crisis to an end.
Dr Obasanjo is an ardent lover of agriculture, something many do not see a need to invest in. He jokingly says you can take him out of the village but you cannot take the village out of him. “I feel comfortable, I feel natural and belonging to where I come from when I am in the village. If we are going to get it right in Africa we have to go there (in the village and the soil).”
He added: “Education has always been my passion… What is your life worth if you cannot impact other people for good or in their own life; that is what I do. Even when I was president, I did morning devotion every day and I teach Sunday school in my church.”
The former president then went on to encourage the young people not to take the usual advice that they are the leaders of tomorrow because to him “if you wait for tomorrow, you will not have it because those who are there today are going to make sure that they destroy the tomorrow before you get there.”
Leadership is today; you be part of it today and do not let anybody destroy your tomorrow. I became head of state at 39 at 42 I had finished my term and then went on to become of a farmer…”
Association for Information Systems: Prof Victor Mbarika named first ever African distinguished member
Cameroonian-born United States-based Professor Victor Mbarika has been designated the first African distinguished member cum laude of the Association for Information Systems, AIS. The erudite Professor was named recently alongside scores of other distinguished Professors across the world. In a brief statement posted on his social media handles Monday, Professor Victor Mbarika wrote “I am happy to be the first African Professor to receive this recognition in the history of the association for information systems worldwide”. The Association for Information Systems, AIS Distinguished Member program recognizes members who have made a significant impact on the association. Qualifications for the designation include a minimum of five years of continuous AIS membership, service in a significant role in AIS or AIS-related activity, and at least one publication in an AIS or AIS-affiliated journal. The Distinguished Member – Cum Laude designation is for those who exceed the requirement by holding continuous AIS membership for at least 10 years, serving in a leadership role in AIS or AIS-related activity, and have been published in at least four publications in an AIS or AIS-affiliated journal. Meanwhile the Association for Information Systems, AIS, it should be said to serve society through the advancement of knowledge and the promotion of excellence in the practice and study of information systems. AIS is the premier professional association for individuals and organizations who lead the research, teaching, practice, and study of information systems worldwide. For his part, Prof Victor Mbarika is a Stallings Distinguished International Scholar and an MIS professor at East Carolina University, ECU within the University of North Carolina System, in Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Prof Mbarika is Founder and President, Board of Trustees, of The Information and Communication Technology University, ICT University, with multiple campuses based in developing countries. He is a philanthropist and has funded multiple ICT projects and scholarships worldwide. He is the founder of the ECU International Center for Information Technology and Development. Prof Mbarika serves as Visiting Professor at several Universities worldwide and is currently Visiting Leo Endowed Professor and Visiting Legacy Endowed Chair at Legacy University. He is an ICT consultant and holds a BSc in MIS from the US International University, MSc in MIS from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Ph.D. in MIS from Auburn University, USA. He completed his BSc, MSc, and Ph.D., all in five years. Prof Mbarika is the recipient of three Lifetime Achievement Awards in higher education. He has authored over 250 academic publications in the form of books, peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters. Every year, he serves as Keynote Speaker at multiple conferences worldwide, including speeches at the United Nations—ITU, Harvard University Conferences, African Union, amongst others. Much of his research is on technology transfer in resource-poor settings. He was cited as being “at the forefront of academic research into ICT implementation in Africa, and has provided a theoretically-informed framework for understanding ICTs in less developed countries… ” His scholarly publications have appeared in several of the “Basket of Top Eight” Information Systems journals. He has received multiple grants (over $4 million) from the National Science Foundation, NASA, KPMG, Microsoft, African Development Bank, and other donors. Born in Cameroon, but now a US citizen, INSPIRE Magazine named Prof Mbarika as one of the top 10 personalities in the diaspora influencing Cameroon and one of the top 100 overall. Prof Mbarika has received the prestigious US State Department Fulbright grant five times to bring in scholars from developing nations to serve at his research center, ICITD. He is Founding Editor-in-Chief of The African Journal of Information Systems and a senior board member for several academic journals internationally. Prof Mbarika is a Lifetime Member of Beta Gama Sigma International Honor Society. He is a member of the Association of Information Systems, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEE, The Association for Computing Machinery. He holds over 30 academic excellence awards and has been featured on the cover page of several newspapers and magazines highlighting his research and consulting activities.
AIS Link to Distinguished Members List
The ICT University announces the launching of its book on COVID-19 in Africa
The ICT University announces the launching of its book on COVID-19 in Africa. Book authored by doctoral students and faculty members at The ICT University, under the mentorship of Professor Thaddeus Kabuin. So proud of our doctoral students and faculty who are part of this book publication. Book published by ICT University Press, The ONLY University Press in all of Central Africa. Proceeds from the book will provide additional funding to the Terry and Linda Byrd Research Center at the ICT University. See you at the Yaounde Hilton Hotel for the book launching on Friday July 23, 2021.
ICT UNIVERSITY’S GRADUATION CEREMONY, WITH PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER, ON JULY 31, 2021 (WATCH THE VIDEO).
A MUST ATTEND. So proud to announce ICT University‘s 6th Commencement (Graduation) Ceremony coming up next month (JULY 31, 2021). Special guests of honor, in addition to our keynote speaker, H. E. Obasanjo:
1. Representatives from the Cameroon Government;
2. Cameroon’s TWO-TIMES Olympic Gold Medalist, Ms. Françoise Mbango (still holding on to her Olympic record);
3. Cameroon’s / World’s football superstar and African footballer of the 20th Century, H. E. Roger Milla;
4. The world’s best academic mentor, Professor Terry Anthony Byrd;
See you all at the Yaounde Conference Center (Palais des Congrès.) ON JULY 31, 2021.
Precious moments traveling with my great Dad
Precious moments traveling with my great Dad: On the plane about to leave.
What a great time flying with my dad from the US to Cameroon. We are both fairly frequent travelers. However, I was only two years old the last time I flew with him. Decades later, we are on the same flight. We literally owned the entire first-class cabin— only about five of us in the whole cabin 🙂. Corona is bad, but what a great time to fly with WAY fewer people 🙂. God bless you friends as I appreciate these precious “priceless” moments with my Dad AND HERO.
ICT Varsity Foundation Fellow Designs Web-App to Aid Persons With Disabilities
A Mobile Application which seeks to promote inclusive learning is now up for use.
Developed by a fellow of the ICT University Foundation USA, Iboro Inyang, the web App dubbed Inclusive Learning Hub, experts say, is a huge relief to students with disabilities across the continent and beyond.
Iboro Inyang, was amongst some 20 fellows selected in 2020 for the ICT University Foundation USA fellowship program.
The initiator of the web Application says the Inclusive learning hub is a platform built with the student in mind, the Nigerian student in particular.
The Nigerian-born designer said “Our education system, especially in Nigeria has largely ignored the fact that not all brains are wired the same and for the most part has used a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching which puts students with learning disabilities at a disadvantage”.
“A Learning disability or difficulty is described as an issue with the brain’s ability to process information” says Iboro.
“This means that the brain processes information differently than what would be expected traditionally. This does not mean that the individual is less smart or less gifted but rather that the individual needs to be communicated to or taught in a manner that acknowledges his or her unique differences” added the ICT University fellow.
He says “A child that has consistent issues in math, coordination, communication or spelling may not necessarily be lazy but rather may have learning disabilities which stops him or her from learning at the same pace”.
Iboro says he was inspired to build the Application after noticing that as a significant number of learning institutions in the country “do not even acknowledge the condition and most parents or guardians do not even know that their child award may be having this disability or how to handle such disabilities”.
The aim of this platform is to shed light on these disabilities and hope to get more people involved in the conversation, he said stating that “The platform provides some major services at the moment”.
“It is a repository of information where parents Guardians and school administrators can come and learn more about these disabilities so as to be able to provide better help. It as well provides a curated list of schools across the country that cater for the needs of the students with special learning needs” he says.
“Anytime the school repository and information repository will be expanded significantly so as to provide more of the much needed help to both parents and educators. The platform also provides various free, online and certified tests, to tell if your child, ward or student suffers from any of these learning disabilities” he explained further.
In the future, he has announced that the platform should have a Frequently Asked Questions, FAQs page which answers most common questions about the disabilities, ranking for the schools to help parents decide which is best and which best suits their needs and also email updates to parents educators and whoever else needs to learn about these disabilities.
About the Fellowship Program
The ICT University Foundation USA fellowship program equips young minds who are committed to change and community development with the necessary skills to become the next generation of leaders.
The fellowship supports young minds who are working with their communities to create transformational change and addressing sub-Saharan Africa’s most pressing problems.
The highly competitive program selects 20 change agents from around sub-Saharan Africa to inspire a wave of innovation.
The program is an intensive 3-months policy training and leadership development program which enables fellows to receive hands-on public policy and leadership training.
Addressing Cybersecurity Skill Gaps & what it means to have a Doctorate in Cybersecurity
Dr. Jerry YONGA (Dr. J), is the best at what he does— Cybersecurity. Leaving Silicon Valley, California, to serve as one of our great Deans. We are so honored to have him as Dean of ICT and Engineering at The ICT University. Click below to watch him. Let’s unashamedly and unapologetically fight hard for Africa’s Development— rather than specialize in criticizing the continent. No one else will do it for us. God Bless. Prof. V. Mbarika.
ICT University Awards Scholarship To Families Of Kumba School Massacre
Some three family members of the Kumba school massacre victims in Meme Division of Cameroon’s Southwest Region have been awarded scholarships to study at the Information Communication Technology, ICT University in Yaounde.
The scholarship offered to the family members of the victims of the Kumba school massacre was announced on Monday, November 30, during a matriculation ceremony at the Yaounde campus of the US-styled institution.
The event was chaired by the representative of the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Prof Augustina Fongod.
The award of scholarship to the family members came as a realisation of a promise earlier made by Prof Victor Mbarika, President of the ICT University Board of Trustees.
Speaking at the event via video conference from the United States of America, the erudite and versatile Prof Victor Mbarika said they were not only shocked by the news of the gruesome killing of the young students in Kumba, but “it is time for action in assisting the students”.
“ICT University decided that we will not be quiet about this… While we cannot bring back those kids, the least we can do is to be able to offer scholarship to members of their families such that they can get a good education and turn around to help those families,” Prof Mbarika said.
Other students with physical challenges from the Cameroon Rehabilitated Young Blind Club, CEJAC, and a host of others selected by the Ministry of Higher Education were also offered scholarships to study at the institution.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the ICT University, Rev Prof Emmanuel Anyambot Anya, said the scholarship is one of the innovations at the institution for the current academic year.
“We have introduced the Francophone section of the ICT University. It is an American university following the Anglo-Saxon system of education, but this year we felt that, since it is in Cameroon and it is a bilingual country, we must give an opportunity to have Francophone students to also study ICT in French,” he stated. He added: “our hope is that, though they’re studying in French, by the time they graduate they will be perfectly bilingual in English and French.”
The Board of Trustees was equally hailed for the measures implemented during the previous academic year to ensure studies unfolded hitch-free despite the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March this year.
The Vice Chancellor explained that, with the facilities they have on site and online, none of their programmes was interrupted, unlike other institutions of learning in the country.
He also called on Government to support their efforts in giving the best training to Cameroonian students by galvanising support for the construction of an access bridge and tarring of road leading to the campus located in the Nyom neighbourhood in Yaounde.
Officials of the ICT University equally pleaded with Government for the institution’s share of the 25,000 presidential laptops to universities and higher education students across the country.
Meanwhile, it was also announced that intake of students for the spring semester, beginning next February, has been opened for applicants wishing to obtain Master and Doctorate degrees in various fields of study.