As global cyber threats continue to escalate, with billions lost annually to cybercrime, countries worldwide are increasingly prioritizing cybersecurity capacity-building through strategic partnerships, training, and interventions. Amidst this pressing need, ThinkCyber, a renowned global leader in cybersecurity training, has stepped up to fortify Africa’s defenses. Recently, ThinkCyber launched a groundbreaking partnership with Babcock University in Nigeria, encompassing the School of Computing and the Business School, to cultivate a new generation of cyber defense experts primed to tackle Nigeria and Africa’s unique cyber challenges.
In a recent media session, Ikem Michael Uche, ThinkCyber’s Country/Operations Director, shared insights into the partnership’s objectives and ThinkCyber’s commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s cybersecurity resilience. “ThinkCyber,” he began, “ThinkCyber is a global cyber simulator training company, recognized among Africa’s top three. Our focus is on delivering advanced cybersecurity training and simulations to develop elite cyber professionals for the continent.” This partnership, Uche noted, aims to equip Nigerian students and professionals with cutting-edge cybersecurity skills tailored to the local threat landscape.
The collaboration with Babcock University, initiated through the School of Computing, offers a structured cybersecurity program that introduces students to complex cyber simulation and defense strategies from their third year. The first cohort, which started in early 2024, has excelled, advancing into the final year with commendable skills in cybersecurity. Following the program’s success, ThinkCyber extended its reach to Babcock Business School, thus expanding its impact to graduate professionals aspiring to pivot into cybersecurity. This program began in September, with a unique approach designed to cater to the specific needs of Nigeria’s digital security landscape.
Bridging the Cybersecurity Gap
The program’s curriculum is uniquely crafted to address Nigeria’s pressing cyber threats. It covers essential domains such as penetration testing, Security Operations Center (SOC) analysis, and digital forensics, with an emphasis on skills critical to combating local fraud and cybercrime. “Forensics, in particular, is an area where we’re seeing a real shortage of expertise,” Uche emphasized. “Quality professionals with the knowledge to trace fraud and secure digital evidence are essential, especially in Nigeria’s growing financial and telecom sectors, which are frequent cyber targets.”
Graduates of the ThinkCyber program enter the workforce as multi-capable cybersecurity professionals, ready to operate across various roles from penetration testing and incident response to forensic investigation. “We’re not just filling entry-level positions,” Uche clarified, “we’re creating mid-level experts with competencies spanning multiple cybersecurity domains.” As a testament to the program’s rigor, many graduates have secured permanent positions in Nigeria’s financial sector, where their seven-figure salaries underscore the value of their expertise.
Addressing Nigeria’s Evolving Cyber Threats
Uche explained that Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, mirroring the nation’s digital transformation. The country’s financial sector, in particular, faces sophisticated attacks, further compounded by emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. As the digital landscape expands, so does the attack surface, particularly with telecom companies now offering banking services.
To address these challenges, ThinkCyber emphasizes a triad of cybersecurity components: technology, human capability, and process. “The technology we deploy, the processes we implement, and the expertise we cultivate must all align to effectively counter cyber threats,” Uche remarked. ThinkCyber’s training model integrates these elements, ensuring that students are well-versed in both the theoretical and practical aspects of cybersecurity.
Pioneering Real-World Simulation Training
ThinkCyber distinguishes itself through its advanced simulator and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools, which are pivotal in its training approach. “We utilize Spectre, an AI-powered EDR, to record and analyze real-world cyber-attacks across the globe. By studying these recent attack patterns, we prepare our students with the most relevant, up-to-date threat response capabilities,” Uche explained. The simulator-based training ensures that students engage in practical, real-life scenarios rather than hypothetical exercises.
Moreover, ThinkCyber’s proprietary tools, such as the patented CYBERIUM ARENA, provide students with hands-on experience in managing complex cyber threats. “Our training includes real-time hacks,” Uche noted. “We equip students to navigate sophisticated cyber threats, preparing them to secure critical sectors like finance and telecom.”
“We’re not just training experts; we’re preparing defenders for the digital frontier,” Uche concluded, reflecting ThinkCyber’s long-term vision for a secure digital future. With real-time, hands-on training and an unwavering commitment to quality, ThinkCyber and Babcock University are paving the way for Africa’s next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
The Road Ahead: Expanding Training Access
Despite ThinkCyber’s success in developing highly skilled cybersecurity professionals, Uche acknowledged that cost remains a barrier, limiting the program’s reach to only a select few. “Our ambition is to train thousands, but without sufficient funding, this is a challenge. We hope to partner with multinationals, such as Mastercard, to support large-scale training initiatives,” he added. By expanding access, ThinkCyber envisions building a vast pool of cybersecurity experts who can uphold Africa’s digital security needs and contribute to a safer cyberspace for all.
Building a Safer Tomorrow
ThinkCyber’s collaboration with Babcock University marks a significant step toward closing Africa’s cybersecurity talent gap. Through this partnership, Nigeria gains a competitive edge in the global fight against cybercrime, and local industries can access a robust pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals. For ThinkCyber, the mission goes beyond merely training individuals; it’s about fostering a culture of resilience and adaptability in the face of an ever-evolving digital threat landscape.
“We’re not just training experts; we’re preparing defenders for the digital frontier,” Uche concluded, reflecting ThinkCyber’s long-term vision for a secure digital future. With real-time, hands-on training and an unwavering commitment to quality, ThinkCyber and Babcock University are paving the way for Africa’s next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU
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