Nigeria Computer Society Seeks Inclusion in National Confab

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has called on the Federal Government to include its members in the National Conference.

Prof. David Adewumi, NCS President, told newsmen in Lagos that reviewing the composition of the confab delegates would add value and quality to the dialogue process.

“Nigerian Information Technology professionals, through their umbrella body, Nigeria Computer Society, are very uncomfortable with their lack of representation in the composition of the National Conference.

“How can we be part of a 21st century that is building a digital economy without inputs from the Information Technology industry and profession,?’’ Adewumi wondered.

He said that the country was not harnessing the growth potential of the IT sector, like industry, the academia, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.

He noted that appropriate recognition, policies and legislation were still needed, adding that the IT sector must be prioritised, if Nigeria was to be a key player in the 21st century.

The NCS president said that the society would continue with constructive engagement and building of strategic partnerships with its members and important stakeholders, this year.

According to Adewumi, stronger stakeholder partnerships with the NCS would help to build an inclusive, globally competitive and prosperous Nigeria that would be the envy of other African nations.

He disclosed that this year’s edition of the NCS annual conference with the theme: “Building a Knowledge-Based Economy in Nigeria: The Role of IT,’’ would take place in Enugu from July 23 to July 25.

“The annual conference is the largest annual assembly of high level stakeholders from all walks of life. It is the key networking and professional event for advancing Information Technology for development and promoting the interests of IT stakeholders in the country. It always provides standards and direction for IT development in Nigeria. In recent years, some of its standards and solutions have been cashless, e-government and national security,’’ the NCS president said.

He said that as part of the NCS corporate responsibility, there would be an IT Research and Development Workshop at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, during the year.

Adewumi promised to make 2014 a year of innovative vision and opportunities for the sector.