Six Students to Represent Nigeria at Microsoft Championship in U.S.

 

Six talented students from various secondary schools across Nigeria have been selected to represent the country at the 2024 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship (MOSWC). The prestigious event is scheduled to take place in Disneyland, Anaheim, California, from July 28 to 31, 2024. This annual competition, which attracts participants from over 150 countries, is designed to test students' proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications.The six students earned their places at the World Championship after excelling in the 2024 MOS Nigeria competition, organized by ReadManna Empowerment Initiative (REI) between October 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. Speaking about the competition, Mrs. Edna Agusto, Chief Executive Officer of REI, highlighted Nigeria's impressive track record in the global event, noting that Nigerian students have consistently placed in the top 10 and even secured second and third positions in the past 15 years.The Nigerian leg of the competition, sponsored annually by Zenith Bank, challenges students to demonstrate their skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. According to Agusto, these applications are the most widely used productivity tools in the business world, and the official MOS certification program assesses and validates proficiency in these essential tools.The students representing Nigeria are:Olamiposi Ayoola Ajisafe, Excel 2019 winner from Faith Academy, Gowon Estate, Lagos, with a perfect score of 1,000/1,000.Gabari Rume, Word 2019 winner from Grace High School, Gbagada, Lagos State, with a perfect score of 1,000/1,000.Daniel Uzugbo, PowerPoint 2019 winner from Faith Academy, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, with a perfect score of 1,000/1,000.Bolurinwa Fabuyi, Excel Office365 winner from City of Knowledge Academy, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, scoring 980/1,000.Arigbabu Oluwadamisola, Word Office365 winner from Faith Academy, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, with a perfect score of 1,000/1,000.Excel Chukwuemeka, PowerPoint Office365 winner from Faith Academy, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, with a perfect score of 1,000/1,000.Accompanying the students will be two ICT teachers: Mr. Stephen Aimufua from Faith Academy, Ota, Ogun State, recognized as the teacher of the student with the highest score in the 2023 MOS Nigeria Competition, and Mr. Omotayo Adeniyi from Louisville Girls High School, Ijebu-Itele, Ogun State, acknowledged for having the largest number of certified students in the 2024 Junior ReadManna under-13 Computing Fundamentals National Competition.Agusto emphasized the significance of MOS certification, stating that it enhances users' proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, thereby improving their employability in today's digital world. The certification is globally recognized, providing certified users with the opportunity to apply for jobs worldwide and a solid foundation for advanced ICT training.The 2024 MOS Nigeria competition saw entries from secondary schools across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, and Kwara States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and three universities: Covenant University, Ota; Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State; and Top Faith University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A total of 126 students, comprising 68 boys and 58 girls, were shortlisted at the National Competition held in Uyo, Ikorodu, Ijebu-Ode, Abuja, and Gbagada.The competition is open to all students aged 13 to 22 who are enrolled in an academic institution. Agusto added that the ReadManna Empowerment Initiative, a non-governmental organization, promotes current, practical, and relevant digital literacy skills aligned with global standards among students, youths, and teachers in Nigeria through competitions and conferences.