“Unveiling Innovative technology”
… Taxila American University Introduces Dynamic IT Programs for Zambia’s Digital Evolution!
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 (18-04-2024) – Texila American University (TAU) was proud to unveil its new IT degree programs, designed to equip students for success in today’s digital landscape. Vice Chancellor Prof. Ajay Poddar stressed the vital link between education and industry within Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
“Institutions had to foster a research culture to arm graduates with practical skills,” Prof. Poddar asserted. TAU not only offered professional certifications but also embedded hands-on experience into its curricula to boost graduates’ employability.
He underscored the need for collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation, instill ethics, and ready graduates for the workforce. The freshly introduced programs prioritized practical learning, covering areas such as computer programming, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
Prof. Poddar highlighted the importance of engaging stakeholders, from government bodies to industry players, to ensure program relevance and effectiveness. The aim of ICT education was to cultivate graduates capable of generating employment, particularly in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit.
Ethical considerations, especially in cybersecurity, were paramount, according to Prof. Poddar. He stressed the values of integrity and responsibility, shaping professionals who prioritized ethical behavior.
TAU sought to establish a resilient workforce for the digital era, emphasizing research, collaboration, entrepreneurship, ethics, practical skills, and professional growth.
These programs were tailored to empower students with the competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly tech-centric world. TAU also offered online webinars and publications to disseminate knowledge within the ICT domain.
Chewe Mutale, Manager of Digital Consumer Education, highlighted the importance of marrying practical skills with theoretical knowledge in TAU’s innovative ICT program. He emphasized the significance of partnerships with institutions like TAU to drive value and stimulate economic growth.
Mutale recognized the pivotal role professionals played in driving innovation and enhancing cybersecurity. He showcased initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide and expanding communication services for sustained economic development.
Mutale lauded Texila American University for its dedication to educational excellence and underscored the transformative potential of ICT through collaborative efforts and investments in human capital, charting a path toward progress and prosperity.
Dr. Clement Sinyangwe, President of Zambia’s ICT Association (ICTAZ), highlighted Taxila American University’s pivotal role in advancing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The university’s School of ICT was striving to become a leading Center of Excellence in Zambia, fostering research and innovation.
Sinyangwe underscored Taxila’s dedication to fostering groundbreaking research and innovation within the ICT sector, with a focus on addressing industry needs through tailored degree programs.
Noteworthy was Taxila’s introduction of new degree programs aimed at meeting industry demands, particularly in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, empowering individuals and organizations to stay abreast of technological advancements.
The Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) played a crucial regulatory role, with plans to establish a student chapter at Taxila, nurturing the next generation of ICT professionals.
Taxila American University’s efforts in advancing ICT education had been commended, particularly for its new-age IT degree programs, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in Zambia’s ICT landscape.
The official launch of Taxila’s IT degree programs signaled a collective effort towards a brighter future for Zambia’s ICT sector.
Paul Chikubwai, IT Director at Airtel Zambia, emphasized Taxila’s role in meeting the increasing demand for skilled ICT professionals through specialized programs, ensuring the country remained at the forefront of technological evolution.
Stone Ligomeka, Chief Technical Officer at ZAMTEL, highlighted Taxila’s efforts in bridging skills gaps and preparing youth for the digital economy, stressing the importance of collaboration across sectors for national digital transformation.
Taxila’s commitment to leveraging technology for positive change was evident through initiatives promoting digital literacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, ensuring equal access to opportunities in the digital age.
Dr. Balamurugan Easwaran, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Taxila, believed the newly introduced programs would drive innovation in Zambia, representing a strategic collaboration with the Zambia Computing Technology Association (ZCTA) and garnering support from over 10 million customers.
The comprehensive IT curriculum offered by Taxila reflected a commitment to equipping individuals with skills necessary for success in today’s digital age.
Dr. Easwaran emphasized the importance of education in empowering individuals to innovate and succeed in a technology-driven world, aligning with Zambia’s national development plans.
The launch of these IT programs served as a call to action to support initiatives aimed at promoting education and empowering IT professionals, crucial for driving innovation, economic growth, and societal development in Zambia.
Taxila American University’s initiative to introduce new IT programs represented a significant step forward in advancing education and technology in Zambia, aiming to shape the future of IT education and innovation through collaboration and excellence.
