NCS Berates Political Candidates for Neglect of IT Developmental Agenda

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has expressed concern that those seeking votes in the forthcoming general elections are not addressing critical information technology development matters.

The Society has therefore urged the electorate to ask questions and raise issues at all levels -state, federal- with all parties and their candidates about their plans for building an innovative economy to create jobs and address the nation’s developmental challenges.

In a presentation titled, “Election 2015: IT Development and IT Sector”, Professor David Adewumi, president, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), expressed the interest of the Society is for the addressing of relevant Information Technology (IT) development and IT sector issues in light of the ongoing 2015 electoral process to position and sustain democracy in Nigeria.

As the umbrella association of all IT professionals and stakeholders facilitating the development of Nigeria’s digital economy, he said, NCS is committed to playing its ADVOCACY role to ensure our nation receives the very best in processes, technologies and people.

Adewumi said, “With the highest professional regards, NCS makes the following observations and recommendations regarding Election 2015 and Election Management in Nigeria:

“NCS advocates for improved and innovative utilization of Information Technology (IT) in the organization of Free, Fair and Credible elections in 2015 and in future elections in Nigeria. While our professional association recognizes and acknowledges the IT contributions and initiatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the most recent being the introduction of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in the electoral process, there is a need for improved project management in the deployment of IT as well as security management.

“Logistic issues and delays in PVC distribution being experienced are painfully not ideal in today’s 21st century. Further innovation of the electoral management process is required with inputs from NCS and stakeholders, most especially in terms of considering electronic voting for future elections.

“The 2015 elections are about the future of Nigeria. And the role of IT is critical to development and growth. Though there has been improvement, a lot still needs to be done. As the 2015 election approaches, NCS challenges present and aspiring political leaders to prioritize IT sector productivity as well as improved impact and depth of IT development.

“NCS is concerned that those seeking votes are not addressing these critical matters. We urge the electorate to ask questions and raise issues at all levels (state, federal) with all parties and their candidates about their plans for building an innovative economy to create jobs and address the nation’s developmental challenges. In particular, answers are needed about what they will do to strengthen important government agencies in IT, most especially National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN)”.

He pointed out that, quite importantly include, “what will they do about Legislation to foster the development of IT and IT enabled activities, Growth of the IT Profession and Industry, Professionalizing the industry (Having IT Professionals on the boards of MDAs) and Preferential usage of Nigerian professionals in IT projects”.

He said therefore, with respect to the 2015 Elections, NCS calls for violence free and issue based campaigns, improved and innovative election management and the election of innovative and informed leaders. Continuing with the status quo is not in the nation’s best interests.

He said, Nigeria Computer Society is ready and willing to partner with INEC and other stakeholders in these matters towards the upliftment of our dear nation Nigeria.