NCS Decries Marginalization of IT Professionals

Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has cried out against the marginalization of Information Technology (IT) professionals in the country, especially, at the corridors of government.

NCS said, although, IT is the driving force and contributor behind the digital economy, the Professionals are yet to be fully recognized by the Nigerian government in critical aspects of the economy.

NCS particularly frowned at situation where other professions are represented on the constitution of IT related bodies, whereas the later are left to their fate.  

Professor David Adewumi, president, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) made the remarks during a maiden press conference by his administration in held in Lagos on Thursday.

He said that both past and present administrations, seemly, shied away from incorporating IT professionals as part of boards and management of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) hence the attitude has damped the pursuit of local content in Nigeria.

“The profession and industry must therefore be appropriately rewarded, recognized and strengthened. Local content needs to be enforced practically and those working and providing services in IT in Nigeria should be encouraged and supported in providing the much needed innovative solutions for job creation, security, governance, health and our country’s many issues.

“The nation is not fully harnessing the growth opportunity of the IT sector-industry, academia, profession, entrepreneurs and other Stakeholders. Appropriate recognition, policies and legislation still needs to be put in place. It is imperative that the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue fully face this reality. The National Dialogue must grasp the need to incorporate and prioritize the role of the IT sector if Nigeria is to be a key prayer and fulfill its promise in the 21st Century,” he said.

Adewumi, however, cautioned that continued in that line implies that Nigeria cannot create jobs massively nor have a sound educational system, especially with analogue mindset and actions. “Without strong IT profession and industry it will be impossible for Nigeria to drive change and unleash Nigeria’s growth promise.

Earlier, the President noted that NCS is committed to the advancement of IT sciences and practices in Nigeria.

“NCS is committed to shaping the future of IT, supporting people who make IT work and employing IT to drive positive change in the society.

Also speaking, Professor Adesola Aderounmu, deputy president, (NCS), said that the body is particularly interested in collaborating with stakeholders to embark on the promotion of IT development in Nigeria, adding that governments, practitioners, corporate bodies, the academia, journalists, among others, are needed to champion the course. 

Adewumi extolled the magnanimity extended to the Society by Zinox Computers, which donated a bus to NCS. He called on other corporate entities to emulate the gesture, adding that his administration is working very hard to achieve his eleven point agenda part of which include a construction of the Society’s new secretariat and IT park.