IBM Helps Ekiti State Improve Governance, Education Capabilities

A team of IBM specialists completing a month-long pro bono consulting assignment yesterday  presented recommendations to Ekiti State Government (EKSG) for strategies that will improve its efficiency and engagement with citizens. 

The team also completed projects and plans that will make students and administrators at some of the state’s universities more productive and successful.

The 15-person IBM team, hailing from 10 countries, was the sixth group since 2009 to provide assistance to Nigeria as part of IBM’s Corporate Service Corps,  which provides problem-solving assistance to educational institutions, small businesses, non governmental organizations, and governmental agencies in emerging markets.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State Governor, personally thanked IBM team members at a ceremony marking the project’s completion.

He said, “Our partnership with IBM will be a crucial performance enabler and game changer for Ekiti State, as effective application of information and communication technology will certainly help our state build a more accountable system.  The collective vision of my administration for Ekiti State is to create a society that everyone will be proud of. We must eradicate poverty and develop the human capital we are known for.”

Working with the state’s Bureau of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, the IBM team suggested the establishment of an inter-governmental paperless system for official documents, making it easier to share information and collaborate internally. 

Externally, the team developed a blueprint for a system to make it easier for citizens to obtain information.  Transparency and accountability were the themes underpinning these projects.

IBM also reviewed the Internet and computing technology assets of the Ekiti State Ministry of Education and and state-owned University of Ado-Ekiti, where the IBM team worked on databases and Web sites that will make promotional, student and administrative information more readily available and shareable.

IBM’s work will make it easier for the state to work with non governmental organizations such as the New Initiative for Sustainable Development, which promotes the effective use of technology in the academic, commercial and public sectors.

“Technology combined with sound management strategies have the power to unlock underdevelopment and boost economic activities in many ways,” said Taiwo Otiti, IBM’s Country General Manager for West Africa.

“IBM’s intention is to assist the people and government of Ekiti State to lay a solid foundation for future growth and the enhancement of its human development programs and initiatives.”

Ekiti is one of Nigeria’s 36 states. About two-thirds of its population of 2.5 million is involved in agriculture, producing a variety of cash and food crops, including, timber, cocoa, coffee, citrus fruits, and vegetables. 

“Putting People First” is the theme of the EKSG’s 2010 – 2014 fiscal blueprint, which aims to to ensure that efficient management of the state’s natural and human resources yields social and economic dividends.

Previous IBM Corporate Service Corps teams in Calabar, Cross River State and Abuja have worked on government projects for education, healthcare, finance, poverty eradication, forestry research and electric power policy.

IBM’s Corporate Service Corps provides access to sophisticated expertise to help improve local conditions, enhance government services, and foster job creation.

Team members, who are among IBM’s top talent, offer skills in areas that include information technology, research, marketing, finance, consulting, human resources and law.

Africa is a significant focus for the initiative. Since 2008, IBM’s Corporate Service Corps has deployed more than 500 IBM employees on 50 teams to South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt.  Worldwide, more than 2,000 IBMers from 50 countries have participated in Corporate Service Corps, deploying completing more than 700 assignments in 30 countries.