By Islamiyyah Adekanbi

Nigerian students wish-ing to make a career in some information technology fields, including Computing and Data Analytics, Animation or 3D Animation for Games and Films may have the opportunity to do so easily and cost effectively because an IT training institution, Aptech, is slashing the cost by 50 per cent.

The initiative comes as demand for skilled professionals in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, software engineering, data analytics and animation continues to rise across Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.

Under the programme, holders of Aptech’s Advanced Diploma will qualify for direct entry into the final year of selected Bachelor’s degree programmes at Middlesex University London, including Information Technology and Business Information Systems, Business Computing and Data Analytics, Animation, and 3D Animation for Games and Films.

The initiative is part of its recently flagged off 18th edition of Career Quest programme, which offers prospective students scholarships of up to 50 per cent on selected United Kingdom degree pathways.
Aptech says the gesture was part of its contributions towards developing Nigeria’s digital workforce and bridging the country’s growing technology skills gap.

The annual career seminar, organised in partnership with Middlesex University London, will hold early August across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Enugu, Calabar, Abeokuta and Ota, with virtual participation available for students nationwide.

Speaking on the initiative, Executive Vice-President, International Business, Aptech Limited, Kallol Mukherjee, said”Career Quest was designed to prepare young Nigerians for globally competitive careers by making quality technology education more accessible.

He said: “Aptech Career Quest reflects our commitment to empowering students with affordable access to globally recognised education and future-ready careers. Through this initiative, we continue to bridge ambition with opportunity by enabling students to make informed academic and career choices that prepare them for success in an increasingly digital world.”

Mukherjee said Aptech’s partnership with Middlesex University has expanded international opportunities for Nigerian students through globally recognised qualifications and industry-relevant competencies required in today’s technology-driven economy.

According to the organisers, participants attending the physical seminars will enter a lucky draw to win scholarships of up to 50 percent on eligible UK degree programmes, while additional discounts will be available on selected professional and short-term technology courses.

Aptech disclosed that more than N621 million worth of scholarships were awarded during the previous edition of Career Quest, while over 1,200 Nigerians have studied abroad through its international degree pathway over the past two decades.

The company, which has operated in Nigeria for 25 years with more than 70 training centres nationwide, said this year’s Career Quest would also provide students, parents and young professionals with career counselling, international study guidance and insights from industry experts to help them prepare for opportunities in the global digital economy.