NITMA Reinforces NCS Unique Values, Professionalism- Adewumi

Professor David Adewumi, president, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has identified the Society’s annual award- National Information technology Merit Awards (NITMA) as pivotal in reinforcing its values anchored on professionalism and consistency.

Adewumi made the remark while address the media on the criteria for 2014 edition of the awards, adding since 2009 it began, NITMA has afforded NCS opportunity to honour and reward excellence and outstanding contributions in the Nigeria’s Information Technology Industry.

“It is an event to honour those who have made a giant stride and significant impact in expanding the frontiers of Information Technology in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that the Nigerian nation has moved forward because of the contributions of the individual and organizations to be recognized at the award ceremony taking place at Mosun Centre Onikan Lagos on Friday November 14, 2014.

The NCS President said, “NITMA event reinforces the unique values NCS promotes by combining this prestigious long-standing awards ceremony with unparalleled networking opportunities in a highly celebratory environment that will include IT professionals, innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs, as well as policy and decision makers in the private and public sectors of the economy.

“It is a credible event that is forward looking and important in promoting the long term sustainability of the IT sector and developing Nigeria’s knowledge society. This is a responsibility that defines the essence of Nigeria Computer Society

“The Awards are categorised and based on IT specialisation, NCS standards and global best practices. Among the categories of awards is the distinguished IT Personality of the Year Award. Expectedly this is already generating immense interest within IT community as the most prestigious IT award.

“Also attracting serious attention is Professional fellowships that will be conferred on deserving practitioners. Other category of award is the Special Recognition Awards that will be given to individuals and organizations who have been most consistent over time in moving the IT industry and profession forward. Outstanding individuals in society will be honoured with Honorary Fellowship awards”.

On the award categories, he said there the IT Personality of the Year award which is the NCS President’s award acknowledges and celebrates the year’s most outstanding IT contributors over the year.

The nominees are Austin Okere, CEO of Computer WareHouse Group; Aneilkan Etiebet, Managing Director of Data Sciences; Collins Onuegbu, Managing Director of Signal Alliance and Segun Akano, Managing Director Upperlink limited.

During the ceremony, deserving individuals who have distinguished themselves with exceptional achievement and service that have accelerated IT development in Nigeria will be honoured with Honorary Fellowships.

They include Dr. Toga Gayewea Mcintosh vice president of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) for his continuing and outstanding contribution to Information Technology development in Nigeria and the West Africa Region and Dr. Engr. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, Chairman House Committee on ICT.

IT professionals who have excelled and have achieved significantly through their work in IT will be honoured with Professional Fellow grade of the NCS.

Professional fellowship conferment is the highest recognition of professional excellence anyone can receive in IT practice in Nigeria. Being the highest grade of the NCS professional cadre, Professional Fellowship awards are for IT role models who have made significant impact to the growth of information technology in Nigeria.

On special recognition awards, the beneficiaries are Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman ZINOX Technologies; Chief Don Etiebet, chairman Data Sciences; Mrs Ibukun Odusote, permanent secretary Federal Minisry of Agriculture; Mr. John Obaro, CEO Systemspec and  Mr. Austin Okere, CEO CWG.

Others are Prof.  Vincent Ado Tenebe, vice chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria; Sidmach Technologies and Mobile Knowledge Solutions.

Adewumi added that the criteria for the awards varies from category to category, but core to each category is demonstrated excellence, local and international recognition, significant contribution to the development of IT, National Impact and Innovation.