American University, Cisco team up to creat networking academy

The American University of Sharjah and Cisco Systems has signed an agreement to set up a Regional Cisco Networking Academy at the university. It will enable students to study advanced Internet and networking technology and prepare for high-skilled jobs in Information Technology.

Cisco Systems has a regional office in Dubai. The Cisco Networking Academy Programme, or CNAP, began in 1997. The curriculum combines the theory and practice of designing, developing and implementing networks.

The main objective will be to meet increasing market demand for skilled networking professionals and prepare the next generation for the Internet age. The curriculum is designed to help high school and college students develop problem-solving skills and nurture a lasting interest in networking technology.

"I welcome the partnership with Cisco Systems that will create a Regional Cisco Networking Academy on our campus," said Chancellor Roderick French. "The university has followed an ambitious development plan over the last few years and this agreement with Cisco gives us an added facility to provide our students with a truly excellent education, mixing the best aspect of theory and hands-on practical training," said Dr Donald McDonald, Dean of the School of Engineering.

Dr Abdurrahim El-Keib, Director of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Division and Director of the AUS-Cisco Project, said, "The Network Academy Programme fits in extremely well with the university's objective to prepare students for entry into the work force.

Since so much of our world relies on Information Technology today, preparing students for jobs in the technology sector is a priority to give them the greatest chance of success when they leave the university."