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Innovative, Dynamic IT Policies are Key for Development- Shehu

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Mr. Sikiru Shehu, registrar, Computer Professionals (Registratio
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Mr. Sikiru Shehu, registrar, Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) (CPN) has over a decade experience in the information technology industry.
Shehu has served as a fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and chartered member of the Information Technology professionals, an executive board member, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), and a member of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG). He spoke to chike onwuegbuchi on plans by the government agency to revolutionize IT education among others.

Supervising Computing Practice in the Country
It is true that there are computer companies and even individuals that are practicing   computing in Nigeria without registering with CPN. We all know that Information Technology is a profession that cuts across other professions. Therefore, it is a profession that makes substantial input into different disciplines and aspects of our life. Therefore, there is need for caution and awareness programme so that members of public will be able to differentiate between a computer user and a professional. This is necessary because we have find ourselves in a situation in which Information Technology practice is becoming an all comers affair.  Therefore, as a step towards solving the problem, the Council instituted an awareness generating programme that is known as IT Stakeholders forum. The programme is taking place in all the geo-political zones in Nigeria.  The thinking behind this programme is that we want to make sure that we educate the masses on the need for regulation of IT profession, CPN and its activities as well as professionalism in the IT industry. We have held the programme in South-West in Lagos, and South- East in Owerri as well as Abuja. We look forward to hold the programme in other geo-political zones. By the time enough awareness is provided. Then, we can now start applying force by bringing the full weight of the law to bear on recalcitrant people. That is why we still have some people practicing without registering with us. It is a temporary thing. It is not a situation that will continue like that.
 IT Training Institutes and Required Standard 
CPN is doing a lot on the issue of standard and quality control in Information Technology education. CPN, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and with inputs from different stakeholders put together the National Information Technology Education Framework (NITEF) document. We have observed that Information Technology Education, particularly in the non-formal sub-sector, has been an all-comers’ affair, devoid of a coherent framework regarding the scope, content and quality.  As a result, there is a proliferation of computer training outfits in nooks and crannies in Nigeria, offering all sorts of certificates and programmes based on curricula that are undefined in philosophy, objectives and content for relevant skill acquisition. There is therefore a compelling need to design a specific framework for the structuring and regulation of the formal and non-formal educational institutions offering training in Information Technology in Nigeria in order to ensure global standard. This is what informed the development of the NITEF document.  The Forthcoming Information Technology Assembly
CPN  Information Technology Assembly is an annual event where Information Technology practitioners from the nooks and crannies of the country and abroad gather together to  rub minds and exchange ideas on topical issues that affect the profession and the nation’s quest for greatness in IT and draw a roadmap for the future. The event is an assemblage of senior Information Technology decision makers in the private and public sectors of the economy, Information Technology consultants, upcoming entrepreneurs, start-ups, IT Teachers, System Administrators etc. The assembly is also a platform to showcase some of the industry’s most innovative technologies as well as new products and services for participants to appreciate the emerging technologies, trends and risks that are associated with transforming the various industries using Information Technology.
NCS and CPN in IT Development
The Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) is an association of professionals that come together to work towards the growth of the profession and individual professional development through professional development programmes put in place for the benefit of members. However, we work hand in hand for the betterment of the industry and the profession. The structural arrangement in the industry is such that CPN is the apex regulatory body. The Nigeria Computer Society is a non-governmental organization while CPN is a government agency.  The activities of the society are being guided by its constitution as put together by members and other interest bodies.  The interest bodies group include: ITAN, ISPON, NIG etc. NCS and its interest groups have twelve representatives in the CPN Council which means that all the interest bodies are represented in the CPN Council. The point here is that CPN is different from NCS, but we work hand in hand.
CPN has made so much impact in the development of Information Technology in Nigeria. I will want to enumerate some of the impact we have made in the Information Technology profession in Nigeria.
We have put in place a Computer Professional Examination that will enable the products to become registered IT practitioners as we have in other professions like Accounting, Banking among others. Through the exam, the profession will no longer be seen as being elitist. Then, I mention the NITEF document earlier; it is part of our achievements.
The National Information Technology Education Framework (NITEF) is the first attempt to provide a roadmap for the development of IT education in Nigeria.  NITEF is targeted at ensuring that appropriate skills, competencies and attitudes are imparted to enable Nigeria take advantage of the global opportunities in Information Technology. Also, we have set up e-Learning and e-Campus platform to jump-start open and distance learning programme in Information Technology. This has made it possible for people to study from the comfort of their homes through the virtual school on our CPN online campus. Then, we try to ensure quality control and standards.
Additionally, we put in place an accreditation programme of formal and informal institutions offering computer studies. We have visited Universities to accredit their Computer Science programmes and we also signed an agreement of joint accreditation of Polytechnics and Monotechnics in Nigeria with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).  This is part of our statutory duty as spelt out in Paragraph 2(1A) of Act 49 of 1993. The signing of the MoU became important to cut out the issue of double accreditation and by extension duplication of resources by the two bodies, and much more importantly, so that standards would be consistently the same. Similar arrangements are being worked out with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Council for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
CPN, in conjunction with National Education Research and Development Council (NERDC) developed the Computer Studies curriculum for Primary and Junior Secondary Schools. The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is handling the distribution of the document to schools. Then, the Register of registered members of the profession is been published periodically to advise employers of labour in the public and private sector of the need to employ the services of qualified IT personnel. This is in addition to providing a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for registered members of the profession. This is done with the aim of promoting professionalism and good practice in the industry. Also, we have put in place Mandatory Continuing Development Programmes (MCPD) for registered members in order to enable them update their knowledge in IT. There are host of other things which time cannot allow me to mention.
Implementation of National ICT4D Action Plan
CPN is currently working with stakeholders in the Information Technology profession to make the dream of the nation as encapsulated in the national ICT for development programme a reality.  We are of the opinion that with innovative and dynamic IT policies, a country could leapfrog from being an IT consuming nation to an IT producing one. A good example is the Asian Tigers, Malaysia, Singapore, India etc who have recorded giant strides in Information Technology. Through proper policy direction on Information Technology, the aforementioned Asian countries were able to leapfrog from the status of a backward nation to that of the fastest developing economies in the world.  Our own story could be the same if we put our acts together. Therefore, we have a robust working relationship with Nitda.  Once there is proper understanding and harmony in the profession. We will be able to work with government to actualize the vision of implementing the contents of the ICT 4 development programme for better result.
University Curriculum Meeting Current Trends in the Industry
We all know that Information Technology is a very dynamic profession. In fact, it is the fastest developing profession in the world now. Therefore, there is need for proper update of knowledge and skills in order to keep abreast of new developments in the profession. CPN is conscious of the need to update the Computer Science curriculum in our higher institutions and some steps are being taken to address it.  That kind of project will require the assistance and incorporation of people from the  Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (Nitda), National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and it will definitely take sometime for the result to manifest.  In fact, CPN, Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Nitda and Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST) have embarked on a collaborative process to commence IT curricula review immediately, with all stakeholders inclusive.
About e-library of CPN
CPN in its desire to assist the people especially the youth in having access to study materials in the comfort of their homes set up e-Learning and e-Campus platform to jumpstart open and distance learning programme in Information Technology. This has made it possible for people to study from the comfort of their homes through the virtual school on our CPN online campus. Access to our e-campus could be got through the purchase of our e-transact pin from any Zenith Bank branch. The price of the e-transact pin is very affordable.
The Computer Professional Examination has different entry points for different categories of candidates depending on the candidates’ background. Candidates with less than five ordinary level credits have their entry points, from which they can gradually move up while those with five credits and higher qualifications also have their entry points. The examination was designed in such a way that candidates who want to exit from the examination at any stage or level, for whatever reason, can do so and still have a certificate for the skill and knowledge acquired. Every stage or level of the examination has a corresponding recognition approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Graduates of the examination are expected to be industry-ready and immediately employable, and will enjoy similar status and benefits like graduates of other professional bodies like Ican, CIBN, and Coren among others. Therefore, the examination is not elitist at all. It is open to all and sundry.

 


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NOTAP Urges South Eastern Entrepreneurs to Embrace Franchising as Business Model  

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Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, DG/CEO, NOTAP
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Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, director general and chief executive officer, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), has advocated Franchising as a sustainable business model for the South East entrepreneurs.

NOTAP Urges South Eastern Entrepreneurs to Embrace Franchising as Business Model  

Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, DG/CEO, NOTAP

She made this call during a one-day sensitization and unveiling of the NOTAP Franchising Guidelines for south east stakeholders and entrepreneurs for a successful franchising business.

The DG who was represented at the event by Mr. Emeka Orji, head of Department Corporate Planning (CP) Department, NOTAP, said that franchising business model had globally been proven to be successfully sustainable due to low business risks associated with it.

She defines franchising as a contractual business relationship between a licensor (the franchisor) and a licensee (the franchisee) that allows the business owner to use the licensor’s brand and methods of doing business to distribute products or provide services to consumers.

She added that in essence, the franchisee pays the franchisor for the opportunity to use his established business model and brand name in running his business.

Dr. Amadiobi said the essence of the workshop was not just organised to explore the possibility of adopting franchising as a strategic platform to transform local dreams into national and global business realities.

She described the programme as an opportunity for business owners and intending entrepreneurs from the Zone  to latch into the huge and untapped potentials provided by franchising business models in becoming business and brand ambassadors.

With over 800,000 franchise establishments across the globe, generating trillions in revenue, she described Franchising as a pathway to economic empowerment.

 

 

 


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FG Launches Online Citizenship, Business Management Portal to Enhance Transparency, Service Delivery

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The Federal Government has launched a new Online Citizenship and Business Management Platform, in a bid to boost transparency, operational efficiency, and service delivery. The initiative, unveiled by the Ministry of Interior, is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The platform is designed to simplify and accelerate the processing of citizenship and business-related services, allowing individuals and corporate entities to carry out transactions seamlessly from anywhere in the world.

According to a statement issued by Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the digital platform represents a significant milestone in the Ministry’s ongoing reform agenda.

It noted that the new system would drastically reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, enhance user experience, and improve turnaround time for applications. “The Ministry is committed to promoting a more efficient, transparent, and secure framework for citizenship administration.

“This digital transformation is a testament to our resolve to improve public service delivery through the use of technology”, the statement reads.

Members of the public, private organisations, and other stakeholders can now access the platform through the Ministry’s official website: https://interior.gov.ng, or directly via the portal: https://candb.interior.gov.ng. For technical support or inquiries, users can contact: candb-support@interior.gov.ng.

The Ministry emphasised that the launch of this platform is just one of several digital initiatives aimed at transforming the nation’s administrative processes and aligning them with global best practices.

Observers believe the platform could become a game-changer in reducing red tape and promoting a more investor-friendly environment in Nigeria, particularly in areas involving citizenship acquisition and business operations.


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NITDA DG says its Community IT Centres Should be a Catalyst of Change

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Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said that the 18 community IT centre the agency has built in the past two years are meant to be a beacon of calls and catalyst of change in those communities where they are cited.

He sated this at the commissioning/handing over of IT centre at Akesan area in Lagos. He noted that the IT centres, Innovation hubs among others are part of digital literacy programme of the agency.

“This center is designed and build to help Akesan community to be part of the digital economy, because the President is big and loud when it comes to national prosperity and inclusivity.

“Our target is to build more than 1600 across the country. We want every community every Nigerian to be part of this national prosperity and inclusivity when it comes to digital economy.

“Today, we are here to commission it, to ensure and encourage you to put it in a good use, because we call it a community center means that we want everybody to be part of it. We don’t want it to be suited in a school where the school will lock it for only students and the staff.

“That’s why we located it in the community. Schools can be part of it. Our senior citizens can be part of it. Our religious centers also can be part of it to learn.

“We want it to be a beacon of call as well as a catalyst of change in this community. We want to see more information technology gurus coming from Akesan community. So, I want to encourage you to also come with a sustainability model so that the center will be on. It is on because when you invest in this kind of infrastructure, we don’t want to be called when there are small things that we should come and fix it. That’s why we are handing it over to the community so that the community can put it in a good use. The community can find a way to make it self-sustaining,” he said.

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the NITDA Community Centre in Lagos, a space that is more than just a building. It is a strategic extension of our national mission – a bridge between the Federal Government’s digital economy policies and the unmatched energy, ingenuity, and innovation that Lagos represents.

The minister who was represented by Mr. Johnson Bareyei, director, e-governmance in the ministry, added that his ministry is committed to promoting inclusivity through capacity building initiatives like the 3MTT programme.

“We are also developing the National Digital Economy & e-Governance Bill, which is a robust legislative framework that will help guide our everyday engagement online.

“Our work at the Ministry also includes Project BRIDGE, our ambitious effort to improve interconnectivity by deploying 90,000km of fibre-optic cable across Nigeria. This is a critical imperative as we work towards making Nigeria a $1trillion economy powered by innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive growth,” he said.


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