Babcock University has taken a significant step in addressing the growing concerns of cybersecurity by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sycom Integrated Solutions, a UK-based cybersecurity firm.
The MoU, signed September 18, 2025, establishes a five-year industry-driven partnership aimed at creating a hands-on platform for students to gain practical experience in cybersecurity and bridge the knowledge gap between the academia and industry.
Under the MoU, Babcock students will have access to a modern and fully equipped Cyber Laboratory, exposure to trained faculty who will run courses alongside Sycom as well as opportunities for both local and international internships.
Additionally, it will provide a platform for exchange visits for Babcock faculty to Sycom’s headquarters in the UK.
The programme, which is the first of its kind in any tertiary institution in Nigeria, will be mandatory for Cybersecurity students and position them for global relevance while students from related fields such as IT, Computer Science, Information Systems and Software Engineering and others can take it as options to build their skill set.
Babcock President/Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, described the MoU as a “game changer and huge step in the right direction,” noting that “cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a response to a real threat.”
The Dean of the School of Computing Science, Prof. Adewale Adebayo, expressed optimism that with this collaboration, Babcock can build students who will become Cybersecurity consultants.
The CEO of Sycom Integrated Solutions, Mr. Abdulraman Akanbi, and the Head of the Cybersecurity department, Prof. Ajaegbu, noted that the partnership will not only provide practical training but facilitate information sharing between academia and industry to make Babcock students “job-ready and highly sought after.”
The MoU will position Babcock as a reference point for excellence and innovation in cybersecurity matters as well as contribute to building a safer Nigeria through digital security awareness.
Key representatives from both institutions, including Dr. Joseph Agada, Assistant Director of Legal Department at Babcock University, and his team, as well as Barrister Momooreoluwa Adisa, representing Sycom Integrated Solutions were present at the signing underscoring the commitment of both parties to combat the global threat of cybersecurity expected to cost $10.5 trillion before the end of 2025.
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