Nasco Tech, an initiative of Nasco Feeding Minds, celebrated the graduation of its second bootcamp cohort yesterday, awarding certificates to 14 graduates who completed a three-month intensive training in coding, programming, and app development.
During the ceremony, Banasco Nuhu Seidu, CEO of Nasco Tech and Executive Director of Nasco Feeding Minds, highlighted the institution's success in training 30 individuals over the past three years, many of whom have found employment with Spanish companies.
Seidu emphasized the critical need to address the digital skills gap in Africa, stating that Nasco Tech is dedicated to empowering young Ghanaians to bridge this gap.
"Our primary focus is on training and upskilling young people, ensuring they can apply their knowledge in real-world settings. We are thrilled to see our graduates use their skills to earn a living and support their families," Seidu remarked.
The graduation event in Adenta, Accra, also included discussions on relevant issues. Seidu commented on the ongoing debate regarding the value of a Dutch passport and a PhD in Ghana, suggesting that both can be beneficial depending on the skills and how they are used.
"A PhD or a Dutch passport can be valuable based on the skills acquired and their application. Both have their merits when used effectively," he said, noting the importance of proper and purposeful travel abroad.
Dr. Rosina Foli, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, commended Seidu for his efforts in IT education, urging the graduates to utilize their new skills to address societal challenges.
Hajia Shamima Muslim, Founder and Convener of the Alliance for Women in Media Africa, underscored the necessity of enhancing IT literacy across the continent.
"Africa is a resilient and resource-rich continent. With technology advancing rapidly, we must harness its potential to lead globally," she encouraged, calling on the graduates to share their knowledge within their communities.
Benjamin Owusu Ansah, one of the graduates, expressed his gratitude to Nasco Tech for the training, acknowledging its significant impact on his career prospects.
"I'm excited to have participated in this training. I can now program, code, and develop apps, which is a good thing considering how technology and digitalization are advancing in Africa. I'm happy to be part of this bootcamp, and I would like to say thank you to Nasco Tech for the opportunity," he said.
The event was graced by Wonder Victor Kutor, a lawyer and National Executive Committee member of the NDC; Benedict Addae, NPP Regional Youth Organizer, Western Region; and the Deputy National Coordinator of the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme for Illegal Miners.
Also present were Princess Linart Osman Kundaribuo, General Secretary of the Mandela Washington Fellows Alumni Association; Hajia Fawzia Karim, Founder of the Maltiti Foundation; Philip Gyamfi, Executive Chairman of Prep and Pave LPG; Nuuru Muslim, CEO of MacBancy Perfumes; Ewura Adams Karim, 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow and the Executive Director of the Maltiti Foundation.
About Nasco Tech
Nasco Tech is a Spanish-Ghanaian technology company committed to bridging the digital divide in Africa. The company provides IT services to businesses around the world, creating job opportunities for young people in Ghana, especially in rural areas.
Through bootcamps and other training programs, Nasco Tech equips young individuals with essential ICT skills and connects them with European companies for employment.