As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Zenith Bank plc has recognised and rewarded students and teachers competing in the 2018 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship Award in Nigeria.

Speaking during the ceremony, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Office of the bank, Peter Amangbo stated that the bank’s sponsorship of the award was part of its corporate social responsibility projects.

Amangbo, who was represented by Mrs. Adobi Nwapa, a General Manager in the bank, urged stakeholders in the education sector to work together to equip students with digital skills.

“I also would like to encourage our schools to include the acquisition of the commonly used desktop productivity Microsoft Office tools in their curriculum.

“Zenith Bank is proud to be a partner in this laudable project that is designed to provide the students with computing expertise they need now and after they graduate. As a bank, we are committed to youth empowerment which is at the core of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

“While we leverage on cutting edge technology to deliver world-class products and services that have been acclaimed at home and abroad, our corporate social investments have equally been commended”, he said.

He further stated that Zenith Bank has over the years undertaken notable corporate social responsibility initiatives that have impacted schools, cities and the youths.

“These include the sponsorship of the Nigerian Female Basketball League, the National Under-13 and Under-15 Football Teams.

“Others are Delta State Principals Cup as well as the donations of ICT Centres to major higher institutions and cities in the country. The partnership between Zenith and ReadManna has produced world winners in various categories in the past”, he added.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Edna Agusto, the Chief Executive Officer of ReadManna, the partner of Zenith Bank in the project expressed gratitude to the management of Zenith Bank for its decision to grow the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship in Nigeria.

Augusto said the bank’s support would help every Nigerian student to know the importance of acquiring basic digital skills at an early age.

“The Computing Fundamentals Competition enables schools to evaluate their ICT curriculum. It gives an independent assessment of your student’s ability in basic ICT that is taught in the school, and it is aligned to school curriculum and international standards.

“Students, who compete in this competition, stand a good chance of getting ‘A’ in Computer Studies in all national and international exams”, she said.