The company is executing this vision through its dedicated training academy, i-Academy, an in-house talent development platform designed to skill and certify young African professionals.

As part of the academy’s Supplementary Technical Engineering Program (STEP), trainees recently visited the renowned Cisco Edge Centre to gain firsthand exposure to cutting-edge cloud networking technologies and professional expertise.

The 2025 Cloud and Security Cohort commenced in April with the onboarding of 100 aspiring engineers, carefully selected from over 3,600 applicants across Nigeria.

The program integrates global best practices from CompTIA, a recognized international partner, mentoring and coaching from expert instructors and exposure to industry leaders, leads to internationally recognized certificate of participation, positioning trainees to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy

During the Cisco Edge Centre visit, trainees were exposed to Meraki, Cisco’s cloud-based networking solution, renowned for its AI-driven capabilities that allow engineers to rapidly detect, diagnose, and resolve network issues. They also explored real-world cybersecurity applications and gained insights into how Meraki is used by 75% of Fortune 500 companies, showcasing its impact on global enterprise infrastructure.

But the highlight of the day was more than the tech.

Trainees were inspired by a dynamic mentorship session with Chukwudi Theodore, a seasoned network engineer, who shared his personal journey from his early days of learning to becoming a leader in the field. His message was clear and impactful: be proactive, stay committed, maintain discipline, and always push yourself beyond the ordinary.

“At Heirs Technologies, we’re not just solving today’s tech problems, we’re shaping tomorrow’s talent,” said Ivy Ikpeme-Mbakwem, VP, i-Academy, Heirs Technologies. “Visits like this form a crucial part of our mission to give African youth meaningful exposure, practical skills, and access to mentors who can guide them into global tech leadership.”

This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Heirs Holdings Group, under the leadership of Tony O. Elumelu, to unlock Africa’s potential through youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.

With the STEP programme, Heirs Technologies is positioning itself not only as a technology leader but also as a talent accelerator, offering structured learning, hands-on engagements, and real-industry experiences that prepare young Africans for success in a digital world.

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Spearheading this endeavor was Tony Ajah, the Programme Director for Nigeria Innovation Summit, who emphasized the significance of hands-on experience in nurturing innovation.

Ajah explained that the Innovation Tour was a vital component of the Nigeria Innovation Summit, a unique opportunity to witness innovation in action. The tour aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. It involved visits to companies at the forefront of incubating innovation, exploring products and services, and asking direct questions that mattered. 

“One of the experiences that we give to everybody in NIS is the Nigeria Innovation Tour. The essence of that is we go to companies that are incubating innovation to deepen our conversation to see how these innovations happens. It might be a product, it might be a service. There are direct questions you might ask.”

The tour called attention to the essence of making technology accessible and understandable to everyone, echoing a philosophy adopted by Microsoft Garage: designing products not for the smartest minds, but for the simplest understanding.

“There’s something they told us at Microsoft Garage; they don’t design any product by what the smartest mind will understand, but what the dumbest person will understand,” he said.

Tech Experience Center: Where Technology Comes Alive

Kene, the Head of Tech Experience Center, shared the vision behind this cutting-edge facility. Three years ago, the Center was established to bring technology to life within Nigeria. Historically, individuals had to travel to innovation centers in the US, UK, or Dubai to experience technology firsthand. 

However, the Center aimed to change this narrative by providing a platform within Nigeria. Its goal was to inspire innovation, nurture talent, and serve as a catalyst for technological advancements.

The Center achieved this through collaborations with leading vendors and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Microsoft, Dell, Cisco, HP, and Lenovo. It served as the focal point for initiatives like the Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, a venture designed to drive digitalization across various sectors in Nigeria.

Country Digital Acceleration (CDA): Digitizing Nigeria’s Future

Chukwudi Theodore, the Cisco EDGE Ambassador for Nigeria, delved into the CDA program, emphasizing its key role in digitalizing the nation.

CDA’s multifaceted approach encompasses healthcare, critical infrastructures, education, cybersecurity, and various businesses. The program aims to modernize infrastructures, enhance skills, incubate startups, create jobs, and ensure the security of digital ecosystems.

Cisco’s strategic investments in Nigeria were evident in its focus on modernizing infrastructures, fostering innovation, and incubating startups. These initiatives not only create jobs but also instill a sense of security and data privacy in the digital landscape.

Sustainable Future: Building Smart Spaces with Cisco Meraki

One of the highlights of the tour was the exploration of Cisco Meraki, a cloud-managed solution that epitomized simplicity, efficiency, and innovation. Cisco Meraki revolutionized the concept of network management by introducing cloud-based solutions. Its centralized management system enables users to control thousands of devices globally, all from a single intuitive dashboard.

Meraki’s impact is profound, especially in the aspect of sustainability. By integrating applications into Physical-Digital-Mobile (PDM) processes and leveraging IoT, Meraki facilitates smart buildings, conserving energy, reducing emissions, and optimizing operations. The system’s AI-driven capabilities enhance user experience and provides deep visibility, ensuring seamless connectivity and security.

Innovative Use Cases and Collaborations: Shaping Nigeria’s Future

The integration of Meraki into diverse sectors showcases its versatility. From asset tracking in supermarkets to slip-and-fall alarms in factories, Meraki’s applications are vast. Its ability to seamlessly collaborate with other technologies, thanks to APIs, opens doors to endless possibilities. Moreover, Cisco’s goal of nurturing startups through incubation programs emphasizes the company’s dedication to shaping Nigeria’s technological ecosystem.

Empowering Young Minds and Fostering Innovation

The Tech Experience Center is set to launch initiatives focusing on data, AI, cloud computing, security, and networking. These endeavors aim to bridge existing knowledge gaps, empower young minds, and provide essential skills training.

The Nigeria Innovation Tour reiterated the power of hands-on experience and collaboration in driving innovation. Bringing technology closer to home and inspiring minds, Nigeria’s tech landscape is thriving, thanks to initiatives and visionary leaders like those at the Tech Experience Center and Cisco. 

The journey is far from over, but the momentum generated during this tour laid the foundation for a future where Nigeria is energized on the global tech stage.