Profumo: How OPIT Plans to Support Africa’s Digital Transformation Efforts
Funmi Ogundare
Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), an EU-accredited online institution, has stated its readiness to expand its degree programme options for 2024, designed to prepare a new generation of leaders for Africa’s much-spoken digital transformation.
Through these new options, OPIT, renowned for its expertise in IT education, is looking towards welcoming more African students from countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.
According to the Rector, Prof. Francesco Profumo, the institution has introduced four specialised tracks for its B.Sc in Computer Science programme for 2024, including Cybersecurity, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Software Development and Cloud Computing, Metaverse, and Gaming.
“Additionally, a new B.Sc in Digital Business has been launched, catering to students interested in blending digital business with core computer science principles,” said Profumo.
Profumo stated that in addition to the existing MSc Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programme, OPIT now offers other Master’s degree options, including, M.Sc Enterprise Cybersecurity, M.Sc Applied Digital Business and MSc Responsible Artificial Intelligence, at the postgraduate level.
Speaking on the objective behind creating these new degree programmes, the rector noted, “In an era marked by an inevitable acceleration towards the most urgent transitions impacting society in the digital age, OPIT’s mission is to focus on quality online education in technology.
“The starting point is the awareness of the misalignment in the labour market between what is taught in most universities and what companies are looking for today. That so-called mismatch, accelerated by the advent of AI, is generated by too much theory and too little practical approach. We have identified the skills that will guide this change and translated them into our innovative degrees.”
He recalled that the World Economic Forum projects a surge in AI-related job opportunities, estimating 97 million new positions by 2025 (with a 58 per cent rise in roles demanding AI expertise), while Deloitte’s research highlights a significant AI skills gap, with 68 per cent of executives acknowledging its impact.
“In this dynamic landscape, OPIT stands ready to revolutionise higher education, addressing the pressing need for upskilling and reskilling in the global workforce through a holistic integration of AI across all its programmes.
“By blending a global, competency-driven approach with a diverse array of degrees spanning AI, computer science, cybersecurity, and digital business, OPIT provides students with a comprehensive online learning journey, equipping them to thrive in today’s fast-paced and competitive job market,” Profumo stressed.
The rector said students at the institution benefit from a rich tapestry of global perspectives, with peers and professors hailing from 38 different nations.
Profumo added, “Embracing a student-centric ethos, OPIT offers robust support mechanisms, including round-the-clock tutor availability, dedicated class coordinators, and career services. Faculty members bring a wealth of real-world expertise from leading technology firms and esteemed academic institutions worldwide.
“OPIT’s curriculum is meticulously crafted to align with the evolving needs of high-tech industries, ensuring that graduates receive not only a top-tier education, but also a clear pathway to professional success.”
