Nigeria Computer Society Sets IT Agenda for Buhari, Governors

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the advocacy group for the promotion of information technology advancement in the country, has once again reiterated the need for the President Mohammed Buhari’s led administration to pursue inclusive development through IT.

NCS, is the umbrella body for seven IT professionals bodies in Nigeria, namely, Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN), the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPoN), The Internet Service Providers' Association of Nigeria (ISPAN), Nigerian Women In Information Technology (NIWIIT), Nigerian Information Technology Professionals in the Civil Service (NITPCS), Academia in IT (AiIT) and Information Technology Systems and Security Professionals (ITSSP).

In this light, NCS has advocated that the Government, both at the Center and State levels should comply with the Computer Professionals (and registration Council) of Nigeria, popularly known as CPN Act (4a), in the appointment of IT experts into various boards and parastatals; while all boards of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, especially those that depend on IT to perform and fulfill their mandates, must have at least one IT expert as a member.

Speaking during a press conference in lieu of the NCS 12th International Conference holding from Wednesday 22 to Friday 24, 2015 in Akure, Ondo State, Professor David Adewumi, NCS’ President, added that setting such IT agenda for the present government has become expedient, particularly for rapid economic development of the nation.

Prof. Adewumi said that to NCS’ chagrin, previous administrations have paid little attention to the CPN Acts in its dealings with IT related appointments, project designs, and executions.

He said NCS believes, in addition to the Cybercrime Act, legislation should be enacted to foster the development of IT and IT enabled activities and growth of the IT industry and profession.

The NCS President said, “The usage of IT in Governance and Security needs to be improved through more widespread adoption of IT professionalism in the private and public sectors. NCS and its members can play a major role in improving the state of security nationwide, combating terrorism, enhancing public service delivery and accountability and boosting job creation. 

“There should be preferential usage of Nigerian professionals in major and strategic national IT projects and initiatives instead of always importing people, products and solutions and creating jobs in other countries.

NCS 12th International Conference 2015

Coming under the theme, “Information Technology for Inclusive Development”, Prof. Adewumi who doubles as the Dean, School of Science and Technology at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), added that the Conference is intended to provide a forum for Policy Makers, Public and Private Sector, Information Technology Practitioners and the Academia to keep up-to-date with technology trends in Nigeria and world at large.‎

Participants will also discover opportunities for the private sector in the process of inclusive development and avenues for public-private partnerships towards realizing the IT objectives within the context of Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

The Conference, according him, “will provide opportunities for the delegates to exchange new ideas, establish business or research relations, and find global partners for future collaborations”.

It will focus on sub-themes such as smart city & broadband penetration; innovation and Leadership in IT; cashless society & e-payment systems; critical information infrastructure protection (CIIP); cloud computing & Big data; social networks and next generation networking and the internet.

Other areas for discuss include, IT human capital development (Mentorship); e-Health/e-Education/e-Agriculture/e-Tourism/e-Government; entrepreneurship development in the IT sector; software technologies/local content issues; mobility for Inclusion; funding Nigerian IT industry and marketing and selling Made-in-Nigeria software.

Elections into NEC Offices

As expected, he said, NCS will hold its annual general meeting at the 2015 International conference.

During the period, NCS shall hold elections into various post on its National ‎Executive Council.

"Registered members of NCS will vote for few good men and women who can get into the ring and use the platform of NCS to make a difference for our dear country Nigeria.

"As the member-driven professional body that serves the entire IT community under one umbrella, NCS is continually listening to the needs of members and doing its best to help meet those needs. The conference, AGM and elections enable members to influnce where NCS, the internet groups and IT industry and profession as a whole directs their energies and efforts," the NCS President said.

NCS organises the conference annually as the powerful voice for advocating for government intervention, legislation, environmental and societal change that affects the IT sector and IT enabled activities.