The Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) has reflected on years of partnership and mutual support with New Horizons and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tim Akano, at its annual end-of-year meeting held on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
The meeting, hosted at a New Horizons training facility in Ikeja, Lagos, provided members the opportunity to revisit the company’s entrepreneurial journey and the role of the IT media in its growth. The venue was made available at no cost after NITRA’s Secretary, Chidiebere Nwankwo, reached out to Mr. Akano, a gesture members described as consistent with his long-standing support for the association.
Over the years, New Horizons has repeatedly opened its doors to NITRA, hosting meetings and offering IT reporters access to professional technology training. In fact, journalists covering the technology sector were among the earliest beneficiaries of the organisation’s world-class IT training programmes introduced about two decades ago.
Addressing members, Mr. Akano acknowledged the critical role played by IT journalists in amplifying his vision during the company’s formative years. He reaffirmed his commitment to the media, pledging continued access to free IT skills training for journalists.
NITRA Applauds New Horizons’ Growth and Support for IT Journalists
Reflecting on the company’s growth, Akano noted that New Horizons, which started operations with a small team over 20 years ago, has grown into one of Africa’s leading IT skills training organisations. Today, the company employs about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
He added that New Horizons has trained more than 500,000 youths across Nigeria, with a strong focus on students in tertiary institutions. According to him, the organisation has established partnerships with several universities to bridge the skills gap, with its most recent collaboration signed with Afe Babalola University.
Beyond business success, members also recalled Akano’s personal gestures of support to the media community. Veteran IT journalist and publisher, Aaron Ukodie, recounted how Akano assisted his daughter, a graduate of Accounting from the University of Johannesburg, by offering her NYSC placement and a scholarship for IT skills training at New Horizons.
Similarly, Mr. Yemi Adeyemi of The Guardian shared how Akano stepped in to provide IT training opportunities for a child after several ICT firms declined the request.
Participants described these acts as clear demonstrations of Akano’s commitment to human capital development and his enduring appreciation of the media’s role in the success story of New Horizons.
The Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) is an umbrella body for journalists reporting Information, Communications, and Technology activities in Nigeria.
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