Dr Chimezie Amadi Holds Live Chat with SkillUp Imo Cohort 4 Learners, Outlines Cisco Certification Schedule, Angel Investor Network and Programme Guidelines

The session opened with students sharing their personal experiences since enrolling in the programme, with several participants speaking glowingly about the quality of training they have received at no cost. One student recounted being quoted between five hundred thousand and six hundred thousand naira at private institutions to learn the same course he is currently studying for free under the SkillUp Imo initiative. Others expressed enthusiasm about the standard of facilitators, the availability of gadgets, power supply, data and learning materials, all of which are provided to participants without charge.

Dr. Amadi used the occasion to express deep appreciation to the Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his commitment to funding and sustaining the programme. The Commissioner emphasised that the primary objectives of SkillUp Imo are character development and skills acquisition, with the empowerment package of startup kits upon graduation serving as an additional incentive. He urged participants to prioritise the mastery of their chosen skills and to cultivate an innovator's mindset rather than focusing solely on the material benefits that follow completion of the programme.

He challenged learners to think ahead and position themselves as successful technology startups in the near future, stressing that the foundation being laid through the programme has the potential to transform their economic trajectories significantly.

In a highlight of the session, Dr. Amadi disclosed that during a management meeting with Cisco, the global technology giant indicated that SkillUp Imo is the best performing organisation among all its partners across Africa. The Commissioner noted that this recognition extends beyond Nigeria's borders and reflects the consistent performance of previous cohorts in Cisco certification examinations, a testament to the rigour and seriousness with which the programme is being implemented.

Regarding the schedule for Cisco onboarding, learning and certification, the Commissioner outlined a structured timeline for participating centres. The Imo Digital City Limited main centre, Imo State University, Union Crest, CGC Nwangele, Nkwerre Country Club, Claretian Institute, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Amaigbo Learning Centre, and the Imo State Polytechnic Ehime Mbano Campus are to submit their certificates on the 18th and 19th of June through a link to be shared in their respective course groups.

A second group comprising the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Imo State Polytechnic Omuma, Benjamin Uwajumogu, and UISTO will submit their certificates on the 24th and 25th of June using a separate link. Different courses are designed to lead to different Cisco certifications, and participants were advised to follow the specific requirements applicable to their track. The Commissioner stated clearly that any participant who misses their Cisco certification examination would face exit from the Cohort 4 programme, underscoring the importance of the certification component to the overall training framework.

Dr. Amadi also pledged to begin sharing practical guidance with participants on how to generate income independently while still enrolled in the programme. He highlighted Adminting, a startup based within the Imo Digital City Limited ecosystem, as an example of an accessible opportunity. Through Adminting, users can register as promoters, utilise marketing links to conduct private promotions and earn income from their efforts. He encouraged participants to explore and leverage this avenue as a starting point for their entrepreneurial journeys.

The Commissioner formally introduced participants to the Angel Investor Network programme, a new initiative being developed to connect technology enthusiasts and investors with young innovators who possess compelling ideas. He explained that Imo State is building a structured network in which investors can commit resources to support individuals capable of bringing innovative concepts to life. In a significant announcement, he revealed that one investor has already pledged support for twenty-three students across the twenty-three courses offered under the programme, with each of the best-performing students expected to pitch their products to investors. The winners of the pitching exercise will each receive five hundred thousand naira as seed capital to commence their startup journey, bringing the total amount pledged to eleven million five hundred thousand naira.

On matters of programme administration, the Commissioner announced that participants who missed the orientation session have been forgiven, with their class attendance records serving as a compensatory measure. He also assured all learners that their digital learning identification cards would be issued within two weeks. All certificates arising from the Cisco exercise, in addition to the SkillUp Imo completion certificates, will be provided to qualifying participants, with submission links to be shared through the various community groups associated with each learning centre.