The Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) concluded its 2025 end-of-year meeting on a reflective and appreciative note, as members revisited the growth story of New Horizons and the enduring relationship between the IT media community and the company’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tim Akano.
The meeting, held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, took place at a New Horizons training centre after the association searched for a suitable venue. Relief came when NITRA’s Secretary, Chidiebere Nwankwo, reached out to Mr. Akano, who immediately made one of the company’s facilities available at no cost, an act participants described as typical of his long-standing goodwill towards the association.
Over the years, New Horizons has consistently supported NITRA by hosting meetings and equipping IT journalists with practical technology skills. Members recalled that IT reporters were among the earliest beneficiaries of the world-class training programmes launched by New Horizons nearly two decades ago.
Mr. Akano, who attended the meeting to personally interact with members of the IT press, expressed gratitude to journalists for their support during the formative years of the company. He acknowledged the role of the media in amplifying his vision and pledged to sustain his commitment to offering free IT skills training to members of the press.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Akano noted that New Horizons started operations about 20 years ago with a small workforce but has since grown into one of Africa’s leading IT skills training institutions. Today, the organisation employs approximately 500 staff across several training centres nationwide.
He disclosed that New Horizons has trained more than 500,000 young Nigerians, with a strong focus on students in tertiary institutions. According to him, the company has partnered with multiple universities to deliver hands-on IT training, with its most recent collaboration signed with Afe Babalola University.
Beyond corporate success, Akano’s commitment to giving back, particularly to the media community, was a major highlight of the discussions. Publisher and veteran IT journalist, Aaron Ukodie, recounted how Akano supported one of his daughters, an Accounting graduate of the University of Johannesburg, by offering her an NYSC placement at New Horizons alongside a scholarship for IT skills training.
In a similar vein, Mr. Yemi Adeyemi of The Guardian shared how Akano swiftly intervened to provide IT training opportunities for a child after several ICT firms declined the request.
Participants described these acts as strong reflections of Akano’s dedication to human capital development and his deep appreciation of the media’s role in the success story of New Horizons.
