AIU Students Dive into Cybersecurity in Hands-On Industry Session with Serianu

On March 26, 2025, over 40 students from the Informatics and Information Technology (IIT) Department at Africa International University (AIU) gathered at the Tokunboh Adeyemo Academic Centre for a practical training session themed “The Evolving World of Cybersecurity.” The session, facilitated by Ms. Riara Wanjiru Muiruri, a cybersecurity lead from Serianu Limited, covered key topics including online safety, digital scams, ethical hacking, career pathways, and real-world cyber threats.

The session was not only interactive and engaging; it was a direct response to the increasing need for students to understand and defend against today’s digital risks. Many attendees described the experience as eye-opening, with several expressing a renewed interest in pursuing careers in cybersecurity.

This impactful event marks the first tangible outcome of a broader partnership between AIU and Serianu. Behind the scenes, both institutions have been working to formalize their collaboration through a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at aligning academic learning with real-world industry demands.

The MoU outlines a bold and practical framework for educational and scientific cooperation. It commits both AIU and Serianu to explore joint research, student internships, mentorships, faculty training, capacity building, and access to industry-grade tools and platforms. The core objective is to make AIU graduates work-ready—not just in knowledge, but in competence and confidence.

Unlike symbolic partnerships, this one is action-driven. Serianu is opening its tools, platforms, and professional network to AIU learners, providing direct exposure to the digital economy. The agreement also sets the stage for guest lectures, hackathons, certification programs, and applied research projects in areas that matter today and tomorrow.

A key figure behind the successful execution of the March 26 event was Mr. Rodgers Agil Jato, MSc, whose dedication to cybersecurity education and student development is commendable. His tireless coordination ensured a smooth and impactful experience for all involved.

Equally critical to this journey is the leadership of Mr. Jared Maranga, Head of the IIT Department, who continues to push for strategic partnerships that give AIU students a competitive edge. His commitment to seeking out industry opportunities is steadily transforming how students learn and engage with technology.

And this is only the beginning.

The collaboration between AIU and Serianu is part of a larger strategy by the IIT Department to bring multiple industry players into the learning environment. Plans are already underway to roll out additional training sessions in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Data Analytics, and advanced Cybersecurity, with other leading organizations expected to join the initiative. Each partner will bring unique tools, mentorship, and project opportunities to ensure students are immersed in the realities of the tech world—not just reading about them in textbooks.

This multi-partner model is deliberate. It positions AIU as a hub where academic theory meets industry innovation—where students graduate ready to build, lead, and transform.

This evolving partnership reflects AIU’s continued commitment to producing competent, ethical, and industry-ready graduates. It’s a natural extension of the university’s mission: to educate Christ-centered leaders for the transformation of society. And with industry leaders like Serianu stepping in, that mission is becoming more tangible, more practical, and more urgent than ever.

Stay tuned. This is just the beginning.

Our goal is to produce graduates who are not just qualified on paper, but who are competent, confident, and employable.

IIT Department