Yvonne Kageha

October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global annual awareness campaign that advocates for digital safety, resilience, and responsible use of technology. This year’s celebration comes as the School of Science & Technology celebrates 284 new graduates: 238 undergraduates, 44 master’s, and 2 doctoral, who were conferred during the recent 47^th Commencement Ceremony, and are entering the workforce as digital defenders, innovators, and problem-solvers addressing complex challenges and shaping a safer, smarter, and secure online world.

As cyber-threats evolve in complexity, the USIU-Africa remains committed to innovation, industry-relevant programs, and rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cyber-defense capabilities. The university offers a range of technology and AI-based academic offerings that underpin this focus. A key program is the newly launched Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence Robotics, designed to equip students to design intelligent systems, including computer vision, speech and audio recognition, autonomous vehicles, and smart infrastructure.

Furthermore, the Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology program focuses on IT infrastructure, hardware–software integration, and emerging areas such as distributed systems and mobile computing. The Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics program, which includes courses in software such as Power BI, SPSS, R, and STATA, equips learners with skills for careers in machine learning, big data, and decision-support systems. Other related programs include the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems & Technology and the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, among others.

Recently, Cyber Shujaa hosted the graduation of 234 students who completed the Microsoft ADC Cybersecurity Skilling Program, specializing in Cloud Security, Security Engineering, Security Operations, Data Protection, and Software Security. Additionally, the institution offers short courses and bootcamps aimed at securing digital systems and exploring AI-driven defense tools. These initiatives reflect the institution’s philosophy that cybersecurity is not merely awareness, but a lifestyle, part of how students, staff, and graduates engage with the digital world.

Other than the programs and short courses, the university, in an effort to ensure students gain hands-on experience, established an Innovation and Incubation Center (i2C), which serves as a launchpad for workshops, innovation nights, and industry-led training in cloud security, threat intelligence, and ethical hacking. Through the center, students convert knowledge into capability and gain practical exposure to cyber-threats and defense methods. On October 22, the university announced receipt of USD 50,000 from Interledger Foundation to support the FinTech Innovators Program, a hands-on, one-year-long project designed to equip 40 USIU-Africa students with the skills to navigate and innovate within the new financial landscape.

By integrating advanced technology programs, fostering practical training environments, and promoting responsible digital citizenship, USIU-Africa continues to reaffirm its role in building a safer, smarter, and more secure future.