BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

Networking and technology company, Cisco has enrolled at least its 1 millionth concurrent student for its corporate social responsibility program, the Cisco Networking Academy.

The students are to go through the tutelage under CISCO’s “World’s Largest Classroom”, which is said to have delivered information and communications technology education and skills to nearly four million students since 1997. This is the first time the technology company is enrolling such number since the programme started four year ago.

The programmed is to be delivered through a partnership with educational institutions, government administrations and community based organizations around the world.

The Networking Academy delivers information and communications technology (ICT) education through effective in_classroom learning combined with innovative cloud_based curricula and tools to prepare students for careers in the 21st_century global economy.

The Cisco Networking Academy program started in Nigeria in 2002. Today there are 68 active academies in Nigeria; 7,593 active Students; 683 new students within the last one year (CCNA, ITE, and CCNP); 3,750 graduates till date and 143 active instructors.

The Networking Academy began in 1997 with 64 schools and has grown to become one of the “world’s largest classrooms” with 10,000 academies in 165 countries, and nearly 4 million students having participated in the program to date.

“Networking Academy is truly the world’s largest classroom. The unique delivery model combines the power of the network and the cloud with the global need for ICT skills_based education to address the critical need for networking professionals around the world” says Chinedy Dibor, Area Academy Manager, Nigeria, West and Central Africa.

A pioneering example of cloud_based education delivery, the Networking Academy teaches students how to design, build, troubleshoot, and secure computer networks for increased access to career and economic opportunities in communities around the world. Students who complete the program often go on to secure entry_level career opportunities, participate in continuing education and achieve globally recognized career certifications.

Networking Academy courses are delivered in multiple languages through a cloud_based learning system. Courses are supported by classroom instruction, hands_on learning activities, and interactive online assessments that provide personalized feedback. Networking Academy instructors receive extensive training and support to help ensure a consistently_enriching learning experience for students around the world.

Cisco said it is celebrating this milestone by offering Networking Academy students and alumni the chance to show the benefits of this unique classroom experience through a video contest titled “Why is The Cisco Networking Academy Classroom Like No Other?”