Babcock partners ThinkCyber to bridge cybersecurity talent gap

Nigeria’s Babcock Business School has announced a partnership with ThinkCyber Nigeria, aiming to bridge the country’s critical cybersecurity talent gap as businesses face escalating cyber threats.

The partnership, unveiled recently in Lagos, underscores the pressing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria and across Africa, where digitalization has exposed financial institutions and businesses to sophisticated cyber threats.

They said the initiative marks a significant investment in cybersecurity education, promising to equip the next generation with the expertise needed to protect Africa’s digital future.

The collaboration will also offer Babcock University students a one-year training opportunity in Poland, allowing them to gain international experience with global cybersecurity challenges while retaining a focus on Nigeria’s unique landscape.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Babcock Business School, Prof Akintoye Ishola Rufus, highlighted the school’s ongoing efforts to address the skills gap shortage.

“We deeply believe in the power of experiential learning. Our graduates are not just armed with degrees; they emerge as industry-ready professionals who can contribute value from day one. With our 70-30 model, we’re adapting to meet global standards and bridging skill gaps from local workplaces to cloud-based operations,” he said.
The academic noted that a recent cyber incident involving a major Nigerian bank further underscored the need for rigorous cybersecurity training.
“The breach revealed vulnerabilities in internal controls, demonstrating an urgent need for improved defenses across all sectors. Effective cybersecurity training is essential to build robust systems that can detect and prevent such incidents,” he added.

He advised financial institutions to focus on continuous training and skill development, stating, “Cyber threats are constantly advancing, and a stagnant approach won’t provide adequate protection. By promoting a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, banks can greatly bolster their defenses against cyber threats.”

The Chairman and Country/Operations Director of ThinkCyber Nigeria, Ikem Michael Uche, emphasized the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable cybersecurity training.

He said the goal is to empower each trainee with the tools needed for a successful cybersecurity career, whether they aim to work locally in Nigeria or internationally.