Oracle Academy empowers Sub-Saharan Africa educators with industry-relevant technology

On July 27, 2023, Oracle Academy hosted a Sub-Saharan Africa webinar tailored exclusively for higher education faculty. This ground-breaking event aimed to introduce educators to the diverse range of Oracle technologies available for teaching and learning in the Oracle Academy program.

With the theme ‘Bridging the Gap: Aligning Technology Education with Industry Needs,’ the webinar aimed to foster a stronger connection between technology education and the demands of the ever-evolving industry across the region. Oracle Academy understands that it is not just about imparting theoretical knowledge; it is about equipping educators, and thus their students with practical skills and knowledge that will pave the way for successful careers in local and regional job markets.

The event featured four remarkable Oracle Presales Engineers, each hailing from different countries, and each with expertise in a specific Oracle technology. The presentations were nothing short of enlightening, providing educators with invaluable insights into various technological domains.

Data Analytics - Benjamin Tua, Oracle Kenya

Tua, a Senior Technical Consultant, unravelled the world of data analytics, shedding light on how educators can help students understand the significance of data-driven decision-making. The session empowered educators with the know-how to align their course curriculum with the growing need for data-driven insights in the professional world.

Database Management - Olagoke Orija, Oracle Nigeria

Orija, a Principal Technical Solution Engineer, delved into the realm of database management. His presentation offered a comprehensive understanding of Oracle Database technologies, empowering educators to employ Oracle Academy curriculum, which is aligned with industry needs. The hands-on session, filled with practical projects, showcased how educators could integrate real-world scenarios into their teaching.

AI and ML with Java - Jeffry Boma Amachree, Oracle Nigeria

As a Principal Technology Software Engineer, Amachree enthralled the audience with the possibilities of artificial intelligence and machine learning in Java. His session demonstrated how educators could equip their students with cutting-edge skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven job market.

Cloud Computing - Yao Roger Kouassi, Oracle Cote d’Ivoire

Cloud Engineer Kouassi took the attendees on a journey to the cloud, exploring Oracle Cloud technologies. His presentation not only highlighted the importance of cloud computing but also illustrated ways to incorporate it into their curriculum, thus bridging the gap between academia and the cloud-focused industry.

Throughout the virtual event, experts provided educators with practical advice on how to prepare students for successful careers in local and regional job markets. The Oracle Presales Engineers shared industry best practices, providing invaluable guidance to educators seeking to enhance their teaching methodologies and keep up with the rapidly advancing technology landscape.

Oracle Academy Program Manager Lorna Juma introduced the educators to the free program’s computing and technology resources aimed at enhancing teaching and learning experiences. This includes a full curriculum aligned with industry needs, supplemented by valuable resources to create an engaging learning environment. Moreover, educators gain access to cutting-edge Oracle Cloud technologies and Oracle APEX, enabling hands-on learning opportunities and bridging the gap between theory and practical applications.

The Oracle Academy offering extends to a wide range of software, empowering students with exposure to industry-standard tools. The professional development opportunities allows educators to stay updated with technology trends and elevate their teaching methodologies. Oracle Academy members benefit from resources to earn professional certifications, solidifying their expertise and enhancing their future career prospects. Through these invaluable resources, Oracle Academy remains steadfast in its commitment to bridging the gap between technology education and industry demands, enabling educators to nurture the tech-savvy professionals of tomorrow.

One of the highlights of the bootcamp was the insightful 'Setting Up Oracle Academy Student Accounts' session, led by William McRae, Oracle Academy Principal Instructor for EMEA. His expertise and guidance provided attendees with insights into creating student accounts and navigating the Oracle Academy Member Hub, ensuring a seamless and enriching learning experience for both educators and students alike.

As the event concluded, it was evident that Oracle Academy’s commitment to empowering educators is unwavering. The webinar was not just about disseminating information; it was about igniting a passion for technology education and nurturing future professionals who will thrive in the dynamic industry.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive and includes the following:

“The bootcamp was incredibly beneficial as it provided me with practical knowledge that included databases, data analytics, AI, and cloud computing. I acquired essential skills on how to navigate and access resources within the Oracle Academy portal. This knowledge and expertise will enable me to equip students with relevant information and skills that they can apply effectively in real-world scenarios. The speakers at the bootcamp were highly knowledgeable in their respective subject domains, making the learning experience even more enriching. I extend my gratitude to the Oracle Academy team for organizing such a successful bootcamp that has significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth as an educator. I look forward to attending more bootcamps in the future,” said Samwel Kinuthia Kariuki, Lecturer and Head of the Center for Professional Certifications, Zetech University, Kenya.

“Thank you to the team for organizing the bootcamp for lecturers and instructors. All the sessions/topics were quite educative and interesting. The opportunities available to all members on the Oracle Academy platform are now much clearer than before. I sincerely look forward to the next bootcamp with the hope that more time would be allotted to each session. Thanks once again for the opportunity to participate,” said Dr. Oluranti Jonathan, Lecturer and Coordinator, Centre for Information Technology, Covenant University.

“To all the educators who joined us today, thank you for being the driving force behind our mission to align technology education with industry needs. Your dedication to nurturing the next generation of tech-savvy professionals is truly commendable. Together, we can create a future where innovation knows no bounds. With each empowered educator, the gap between technology education and industry needs takes one step closer to being bridged,” said Bekere Amassoma, Program Manager, Oracle Academy, Sub-Saharan Africa.