Interswitch, a leading digital payments and commerce company, has deepened its commitment to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria by donating IT equipment to five tertiary institutions. This initiative, in collaboration with Cisco Networking Academy, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing students with practical experience in cybersecurity, networking, and programming.
The beneficiary institutions in this phase include the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO); the University of Benin (UNIBEN); Covenant University, Ota; and Yaba College of Technology. These schools will receive essential IT infrastructure such as routers and switches, enabling students to gain hands-on technical skills.
Speaking on the donation, Interswitch’s Executive Vice President of Group Operations and Technology, Babafemi Ogungbamila, emphasized the company’s long-standing dedication to empowering students with relevant digital skills. “As a technology company, Interswitch understands the transformative role of STEM education in national development. Access to quality IT infrastructure is crucial in equipping students with the necessary skills to compete in the digital economy. This donation reflects our commitment to supporting innovation and technological advancement in Nigeria,” he stated.
He further noted that the initiative aligns with Interswitch’s broader corporate vision of building a digitally inclusive Africa. “We believe that by supporting education through technology, we are investing in the future workforce that will drive economic growth and digital transformation across the continent,” Ogungbamila added.
Cisco Nigeria’s Solutions Engineering Lead, Abdel Saidu, highlighted the impact of the Cisco Networking Academy, which has played a crucial role in developing Nigeria’s tech talent. “Through Cisco’s Networking Academy courses, students gain access to globally recognized certifications that enhance their career prospects. Since the program’s inception, we have trained over 745,000 learners in Nigeria through 228 institutions, with 44% female participation. This partnership with Interswitch further strengthens our mission to build a digitally skilled workforce,” Saidu said.
Interswitch’s initiative is part of its broader strategy to nurture a sustainable pipeline of technology professionals across Africa. The company has consistently promoted STEM education through various programs, including the Interswitch SPAK National Science Competition, an annual contest designed to encourage young students in Nigeria and East Africa to pursue careers in science and technology.
The first edition of the IT equipment donation initiative saw Interswitch extend support to ten institutions, including Igbinedion University, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Maiduguri, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. By expanding its outreach, the company aims to reach more students and empower them with the digital skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Despite Nigeria’s growing digital economy, access to quality IT training remains limited for many students due to inadequate infrastructure. This initiative seeks to bridge that gap by equipping institutions with modern technology to enhance learning. The program also ensures that students receive industry-relevant training, making them more competitive in the global job market.
The donations are expected to boost research, innovation, and entrepreneurship among students, encouraging them to develop tech-driven solutions for societal challenges. The collaboration with Cisco Networking Academy ensures that beneficiaries not only receive equipment but also gain access to expert-led training, increasing their employability in fields such as cybersecurity, software development, and network engineering.
Education stakeholders have commended Interswitch’s efforts and called on other technology firms to invest in similar initiatives. Experts believe that industry-academia collaboration is crucial to addressing Nigeria’s tech skills gap and preparing students for the digital future.
Interswitch has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the initiative, with plans to reach more institutions in subsequent phases. “This is just the beginning. Our goal is to make a lasting impact by ensuring that students across Nigeria have the tools and knowledge they need to excel in STEM fields,” Ogungbamila stated.
As Nigeria works towards a digitally inclusive economy, partnerships between the private sector and educational institutions will be instrumental in driving progress. Interswitch’s ongoing support for STEM education signals a positive step toward creating a tech-savvy workforce capable of driving innovation and economic development in the country.
