Dr Jimson Olufuye is president of Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria (Itan). On December 1, 2008, he actualised for Nigeria a place of honour with the admission of Itan into the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), a body of more than 70 countries controlling more than 90% of the World IT market. He is an IT specialist/consultant with about 20years experience and member of the world renowned Evalueserve circle of consultants. Olufuye is also a leading voice on Information Technology policy issues in Nigeria and has authored many software on process control and automation. He spoke to Chris Alu, our Abuja Bureau chief on wide range of issue
Digital Inclusion
Itan and stakeholders in the IT public-private forum which latest edition took place on April 22, 2010 declared that while the vision 20:2020 is good and visible, the more critical vision should be to ensure that Nigeria is digitally competitive by 2020.
By 2020, global economy will be more digital and prohibitively competitive. So, emphasis should not just be on rising up on an economic scale rather Nigeria should be in a position of strong digital competitiveness. Itan believes that this can be done when we harness in a strategic way all our endowments with ICT.
Lets aim at putting all records, government data, (even research findings), services, school learning materials, processes on-line for more citizens to access. Lets be serious with legislation to enact laws that recognize electronic contents, cybersecurity, digital signature etc. Let there be more collaboration and consultations among stakeholders in all ramifications. Itan will continue to play its advocacy role in this regard. We would use our local and international know-how and connections to help fast-track the process. We would continue to push for more digitization of our processes to reduce bureaucracy and enthrone transparency. Of particular note is our strategy for creating jobs for our teeming (graduate) youths and expanding the economy through process, people and technology improvement in organizations with a view of creating capacities and capabilities to benefit in the over US$300b IT/BPO markets for which India, China and Malaysia are at the forefront. In this regards, Itan entered into a strategic alliance with Messrs QAI, a renown global qualify and competency certification authority.
Nigeria’s Network Readiness Ranking
I believe we can get there noting what I have said earlier. You’re aware that there are a number of infrastructural interventions going on. Fibre networks are being laid all over the country, Glo 1 is on stream. Nitda software centres and IT/BPO competitiveness programme will begin to role this year hopefully. This would boost needed capacity and ocapability for Outsourcing and for computing education in our institutions of higher learning. You may also read my research article on ICT, leadership and national development on Itan URL and Techtrend blog. I would like to list key success factors for the attainment of vision 20 2020; outstanding political leadership, clear institutional framework for program implementation, effective coordination of various ICT projects, effective and appropriate legislation to protect Intellectual Properties and promote digital access and direct support of the local IT industry. (this one is guarantee because all my toils for the past 3 years of my presidency in Itan is for all hands to be on deck to confront and kill the dragon of underdevelopment over Nigeria)
I also said that while our current GDP(PPP) is about US$ 330b with a Per capital of US$2,300 and 31.1% of services, we can actually attain a GDP (PPP) of more than US$1trillion in about 10years if our economy grows at double digits with 70+% optimal service economy, stable and transparent economy and peaceful Niger Delta.
So, with ICT and focused leadership, Nigeria will by 20 2020 be among the league of the 1st 20 biggest economies.
I.T Public-Private Institute and Role of Digital Institute
Digital Bridge Institute was an establishment of the Telecom Policy/Act with a clear mandate to build requisite capacities for the telecom industry. The Information Technology Public Private Institute proposed at the last ITPPF will be a non-governmental Public/Private entity. It would become the platform for continuous networking and exchange of critical information by public (Federal/States/local government) and private IT administrators and institutions. It would engage PhD holder researchers in all fields of ICTs and others relevant fields with the focus of harnessing all products of ICT research and providing blue-prints for local content development and commercialization for the expected Digital Nigeria 2020. I favour this model which would be like the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) structure which is a balance management devoid of rancor for the management and promotion of the Nigeria TLD. Funding for this Institute can be through grants from key stakeholders in the Public and the Private sector. Example of such Public/Private success stories is the Institute for Information Industry (III) in Taiwan that continues to be impartial, forthright and dynamic with regard to charting the continuous cutting edge innovation and technology driven economy of Taiwan
Taking Advantage of Digital Age
The process of building the infrastructure is on and we only hope that it is fast-tracked and sustained with vigor, vision and sense of nationalism. As we all know, lack of reliable electric power is our main draw back because electricity is the live blood of any 21st Century economy. I’m hopeful that the presidency of President Jonathan will turn things around. Not just with share muscle that is government throwing money at it but focusing on sound policies that will empower states, groups and individuals to invest in power (like turbines, solar panels, hydroelectric etc) for their immediate constituency.
Preference for Expatriate Engineers
Indigenes that know their salt still get jobs. I would add that most indigenes should endeavour to engage global know-how and best practices. Indigenes that know more about local terrains are more adept to discharging jobs in our environment but they must know that employers for high stake jobs in BPO are interested in best practices and I mean global best practices. Through competency schemes with QAI mentioned above, it would be possible for so called local hands to get exposed to certain standards and thus get certified in those standards to meet industry and then global standards. It is only then that there would be a level playing ground. We need to know that without meeting up with global standards we would not enjoy economy of scale in IT/BPO sector for instance.
Challenges Facing Itan
There is no entity that doesn’t have challenges. In Itan, our challenges are opportunities to demonstrate our commitment to the upliftment of our people and our national image. To lift up our living standard and prepare us for the digital challenges ahead. A major challenge is funding. Most times, and as a mathematician, I have to apply my knowledge of linear equations to minimize cost of operations and at the same time maximize benefits to the association and its members. Another is building critical mass of committed members interested in contributing to the development of our society through selfless given of talent, time and resources to the common cause.
Nigeria’s Readiness to Becoming one of the Largest Economies in 2020
Currently we’re number 38 on the biggest economy table with a GDP (PPP) of about $330b according to 2009 edition of The Economist. Government is targeting at least number 20 position with GDP (PPP) of around US$900b by 2020. By allowing ICT to drive our processes alone our economy can expand by 100% in five years. I don’t see much difficulties attaining this target but my concern is that we might attain the target and yet our people are still in poverty because of digital gab. Our main vision therefore should be to provide opportunity for all Nigerians to compete in the completely new digital world by 2020.This was a major resolution of the ITPPF Declaration. You can get your copy on our url; www.itan.org.ng.
