UDOM:It’s cyber-security drive to fight crime

DODOMA: THE University of Dodoma (UDOM) has launched a special cyber-security programme tailored to equip students with essential skills which will enable them to detect, combat and mitigate cybercrime.

The programme, described as the first of its kind in Tanzania and Africa, was launched amid reports indicating that the continent faces a shortage of four million cybersecurity professionals, with fewer than 10,000 experts currently in the field.

Speaking recently during the launch of the training programme, the Associate Director from the Africa Programme for Cyber Technology based in the United States, Mr Edward Sundberg said the programme is the first to be implemented in Africa and the training will take one year.

“This is the first programme of its kind to be implemented in African countries, so it is a great opportunity for Tanzania,” he said.

He noted that the launch of the programme opens doors for many youths to gain knowledge.

“I am impressed with the progress of the students taking this training. They have shown great readiness to learn. We will ensure that those who complete the programme help Tanzania in the broader field of cybersecurity,” he said.

On his part, UDOM Vice Chancellor, Professor Lugano Kusiluka said that this is an important opportunity to build awareness on cyber-security.

“UDOM has been privileged to become the first university in the country to offer this course so that Tanzanians can gain knowledge and skills,” he said.

Professor Kusiluka emphasised that Africa has a shortage of about four million cyber-security experts, with the existing number not even reaching 10,000.

He pointed out that access to cyber-security training had long been a major challenge, as such training was mostly offered by large corporations and major institutions in developed countries, with very high costs.

He explained that in developing countries, UDOM is fortunate to receive this training from internationally recognised cybersecurity experts.

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He further said that the partnership with the Africa Programme for Cyber Technology came after President Samia Suluhu Hassan held discussions with one of the company’s leaders, who was tasked with selecting a university in the country to offer the programme and UDOM was chosen.

“President Samia chose UDOM. It took eight months of preparations, and today we have officially launched the training with world-class experts,” he said.

He added that the programme currently has 76 students and is expected to accommodate up to 200, with priority given to women. Additionally, he said the university is building the capacity of its internal experts to ensure the sustainability of the programme.

“The training cost is no less than 1m/-. Successful participants will receive recognised certificates, which will mark a major milestone in the country,” he said.

He mentioned that the criteria for joining the programme include having ICT skills.

“You don’t need a degree to join. We’re encouraging our students here at the university to enroll,” he said.

One of the programme participants, Rebecca Lubanda, said the programme is a great opportunity for them. The varsity has introduced this new course as it is envisioned to become a centre of excellence that offers value added training, research and public services.

The UDOM’s mission is to provide comprehensive, gender sensitive and quality education to a broad segment of the population through teaching, research, and public services in the fields of education, health and allied sciences, natural sciences, earth sciences, information and communication technologies, business, humanities and social sciences.