Lagos, Nigeria – October 30, 2024 – Babcock Business School, a subsidiary of Babcock University, has entered into a strategic partnership with ThinkCyber Nigeria aimed at bridging the cybersecurity skills gap in Nigeria. The collaboration seeks to equip both students and professionals with the practical expertise needed to address the growing cybersecurity challenges in an increasingly digital world.
The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Babcock Business School in Lagos, where Professor Akintoye Rufus, Head of Babcock Business School, highlighted the urgent need for industry-aligned training in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity sector.
“This partnership with ThinkCyber is transformative,” Professor Rufus said. “It provides an immersive, hands-on learning experience that prepares our students and industry professionals to effectively address current and emerging cyber threats. As the world becomes more interconnected, it is critical to have skilled professionals who can tackle complex cybersecurity issues.”
At the heart of the partnership is the implementation of ThinkCyber’s CYBERIUM ARENA, an advanced cyber simulation platform designed to offer real-world, practical training. The platform will allow both students and corporate professionals to engage in dynamic cyber simulations, sharpening their skills in a controlled, immersive environment.
Babcock Business School, which opened its doors in September 2022 in Ilishan, Ogun State, employs a unique 30/70 training model. Seventy percent of the curriculum focuses on practical, hands-on experience, while 30 percent is dedicated to theoretical learning. This model is aimed at addressing the skills gap in critical sectors, such as technology and accounting, by ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the job market.
“Our approach is centered on experiential learning,” Rufus continued. “We want our graduates to be industry-ready from day one. Through this collaboration, we are not just providing academic qualifications but fostering professionals who can create value and solve real-world challenges.”
In addition to enhancing local training, the partnership with ThinkCyber also offers students unique international exposure. As part of the agreement, students will have the opportunity to participate in a one-year training program in Poland, where they will engage with global cybersecurity issues while gaining insights into the international cybersecurity landscape.
Rufus emphasized the importance of this international experience in shaping well-rounded cybersecurity experts. “Our mission is clear: to nurture top-tier cybersecurity talent that can navigate and respond to any situation with excellence,” he said.
This partnership underscores Babcock Business School’s commitment to producing skilled, practical, and globally aware cybersecurity professionals who are equipped to meet the demands of the digital age.
