NOUN's ACETEL set to begin internship programme for master's students

By Ambrose Bernard Gowon
acetel

The Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL), a World Bank –assisted project in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), is set to commence the first phase of hands on experience skill acquisition training for its master's students.

The four-week training  will run from 26th July to 20th August 2021 for the first phase  while the second phase is expected to commence October 11th, 2021.

ACETEL Director, Prof. Grace Jokthan, while briefing stakeholders on the expected learning outcome of the interns in Abuja, said the Centre as a world class bakery of  quality postgraduate students in Artificial Intelligence, management information systems and Cyber security would be exposing its M.Sc. students to training in major organisation so as to gain requisite practical experience that will satisfy requirements for qualification for the award of its certificate.

According to Jokthan, the Centre has outlined a number of expected learning outcome which the interns be exposed to
within the given period.

“The Centre hopes that there should be tangible evidence and display of the interns’ ability to apply, theoretical to practical knowledge. Interns should have an understanding of the transferable skills and knowledge that are required for success in a professional work setting with respect to their discipline, " she said.

Speaking further, Jokthan added that the interns are also expected to gain knowledge on maintaining a deep focus in a specific field of interest and should be encouraged to join a professional body as well be guided on the understanding of the qualifications and duties required in a specific profession or career path.

“The intern should equally displays at the end of the engagement some level of maturity and posses some decision-making skills, self-confidence, business savvy, ethic, and teamwork required for success in a professional work environment.

“Intern is expected to have a detailed record of the skills and experiences gained in the course of the internship, which should be properly documented by the onsite supervisor and endorsed by the organisation where the intern was assigned, " she said.

The Centre Director reiterated that this learning outcome “is achievable within the stipulated period”, adding that towards the realization of these objectives, ACETEL held a virtual orientation with the interns where every responsibility expected of them were clearly spelt out.

According to her, the Centre held meetings with institutions where the interns would be trained, saying the move was aimed at  putting every relevant persons on the same page of understanding of the programme.

Jokthan  also revealed that ACETEL had embarked on a facility visit to National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Forensic laboratory and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, among other institutions, to appraise their facilities in preparation for a hitch free exercise.

Recall that Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a common feature of undergraduate hands on experience scheme, but ACETEL being a World Bank-assisted Centre, is also ensuring that graduates fully fit into specific cut-out jobs.

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