In a way of giving back to the Society and support educational and research development, the Nigeria Computer Society has proposed “NCS Scholarship and Sponsorship fund”.
According to NCS, scholarships are the best and most effective ways for students to be granted the opportunity to realize their dreams of a quality and sustainable education.
The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) was formed in 1978 having transformed from the then Computer Association of Nigeria (COAN) to become the umbrella body of all IT professionals in Nigeria.
Presently, NCS has the following interest groups, Institute for Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON); Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN); Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT); Internet Service Providers Association of Nigeria (ISPAN) and Nigeria Association of Computer Science Students (NACOSS).
Iyiola Ayoola, director, Corporate Affairs (NCS), in a statement said that the Society is driven by its core objectives to promote the education and training of Computer and information Scientist, Computer Engineers, Information Architects, Information Technology and Systems professionals while considering the scholarship programme.
NCS is also meant to actively encourage research in the advancement of Computer & Information Science, Information Technology & Systems, and practice; and disseminate results of scientific works carried out in industry, oil and gas, military and education sectors.
“Within the context of these core objectives, NCS has a constitutional responsibility towards career development of her numerous members (Students, Affiliates, Technologists, Corporate bodies). Brilliant, committed, indigent and innovative members at undergraduate, post graduate levels as well as research fellows need to be supported, protected and empowered.
“Our strategy and in a way of giving back to the Society and support educational and research development, we propose NCS Scholarship and Sponsorship fund. Scholarships are the best and most effective ways for students to be granted the opportunity to realize their dreams of a quality and sustainable education,” the statement also available on NCS website read.
This fund, NCS believes, will be used to provide educational scholarships and sponsorship to attend conferences/workshops as well as support for high impact research.
“It will increase IT education and research achievement in the country and provide many who are presently excluded with the ability to seize IT education and research opportunities and fulfill their potentials.
“Human capital in Information Technology is a top priority for the nation because Nigeria needs people in sufficient numbers with such appropriate expertise to survive and thrive in the knowledge economy. Through this fund NCS shows exceptional commitment to the sustainable national development of Nigeria by significantly increasing opportunities for Information Technology education and research attainment nationwide,” Ayoola added.
Under the Fund, the award category 5 Undergraduate shall receive 5 years N200,000 fund making it N1,000,000 annually.
There are categories for Postgraduate, M.Sc, Ph.D. and Research grant covering Conference and Workshop Attendance (Local and International).