By Kgothatso Monono
Providing third-year students with a networking opportunity with industry professionals while gaining hands-on experience, an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, as well as enhancing their skill sets and preparing them for their future careers, were at the core of a Project Presentation session hosted for third years from the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) recently.
Bringing industry representatives from various sectors on board, further enriched the event aimed at bridging academic learning with real-world applications.
“The purpose of this visit was to enhance partnerships between academia and the world of work. Demonstrations and exhibitions of a diverse range of projects, professionals from industry professionals could give students a glimpse into the current trends and challenges in the ICT sector; hands-on experience and the chance to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations; enhancing their skill sets and assist in preparing them for their future careers,” explained Mr Vuyisile Memane, Lecturer and WIL Manager at the Computer Science Department.
The wide range of projects on display for students to explore, reflected the diverse fields of specialisation in the Faculty, from developing innovative software solutions to creating advanced networking systems and tackling complex cybersecurity challenges.
Prof Pius Owolawi, Assistant Dean of Industry Liaison, Special Projects and WIL
Prof Pius Owolawi, Assistant Dean of Industry Liaison, Special Projects and WIL, welcomed and encouraged students to push their boundaries: “Elevate yourself to the upper level of innovation and unlock new possibilities. You have the opportunity to harness your wisdom and expertise, working at the application layer to create something remarkable. The world is your stage, and you have the potential to compete on a global scale. I am incredibly proud of how the Faculty is reshaping the landscape and we are honoured to be part of your journey. As you continue on this path, know that we are cheering you on every step of the way.”
Prof Owolawi accentuated the importance of living in the moment: “The time to claim our place in the world is now. It is time to create something transformative for Africa. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an incredibly powerful tool, propelling us forward at an unprecedented pace. Use it wisely, it is not something you can simply compete with, but something you can leverage to elevate yourself to new heights.”