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The IEEE HAC Skillup Technology Hub was on 16th September, 2019 established in Nasarawa State University, Keffi. This event marked the commencement of a one month (from 16th September to 15th October, 2019) training program which will center on Networking, Systems Engineering, Embedded systems and Robotics. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Suleiman Bala Mohammed flagged off the exercise. In his own words, he thanked the IEEE Nigeria Section and Dr. Kennedy Okafor (Project Manager for the IEEE Skillup Technology Hub) for considering the Institution fit for the Hub. Furthermore, the Vice Chancellor gave an assurance that he will ensure that the Hub is sustained.

Before his speech, brief remarks were made by Dr. Uche Mbanaso and Gilbert Aimufua, who have put in lots of energy to ensure the successful establishment of the Hub in the Institution. Also, the IEEE Africa Council Chair, Prof. Gloria Chukwudebe made an opening remark that was focused on introducing IEEE to the participants while intimating them on the Skillup Technology Hub.

Immediately after the Vice Chancellor’s speech, Reginald Ogu; unveiled the training kits and materials to the participants and University management. Immediately after this, Dr. Kennedy Okafor while commending Dr. Uche Mbanaso for his efforts, officially presented sets of integrated Embedded Systems and Robotic Kits amongst other training materials to the Vice Chancellor, to encourage the sustainability of the Hub. Concluding his speech, the Project Manager solicited for the establishment of an active Student Branch Chapter in Nasarawa State University.

Reacting to the above, Dr. Uche Mbanaso stated that the Institution is already putting up a structure that will be dedicated for the Hub. Also, he made known the plans of the University to procure additional training materials to ensure that the center is fully functional.  However, he promised that there will be a functional SB chapter in the University before the end of the Skillup program.

For statistical checks, there were over 200 attendees at the opening ceremony of the Hub. One of the participants gave a vote of thanks, as he stated that they are expecting to be skillfully empowered by the establishment of the Hub.

Update

Four days later, the Vice Chancellor was pleased with the exhibited projects by the participants (host communities). Among the projects displayed are: IOS configuration of CISCO Routers/Switches (2960 & 2611); and Autonomous Obstacle Avoidance robots (AOAR).

In response, he VC stated that one of the most trending topics on Campus is the IEEE HAC Skillup Technology Hub. While confessing that the Skillup program is not “one of those events” that is branded about; he directed the Director for Cyberspace Studies, Dr. Mbanaso to bring up modalities for the University and IEEE HAC Skillup Technology Hub to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in order to ensure the sustainability of the program.

Consequently, the facilitators thanked the University management for their supports and hospitality. The participants expressed gratitude on the success of the program so far while soliciting for the continued support of the management in positioning the IEEE HAC technology Hub to a greater height. The Vice Chancellor swiftly informed the IEEE Skillup HAC team that they have become major stakeholders through the well thought collaboration.