Using ICT to Fire the Kiln of Development

The information and communication technology (ICT) revolution has been hailed as the enabling force for developing countries to become more active participants in the global economy.
Nigeria has long identified information and communications technology (ICT) as a key facilitator of economic growth.
It is a good example of country that recognizes the importance of ICT in advancing economic growth and improving quality of life.
It has therefore spared no effort including the liberalization and privatization of the industry, issuing unified licenses, and collaborating with foreign governments to overcome obstacles to build a comprehensive ICT infrastructure to fully capitalize on its economic benefits.
Unfortunately, still faces many challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure and rolling out ICT programmes that can contribute to the country’s economic and social developments.
A well known fact is that about 60per cent of people who apply for jobs these days are unemployable because they are not equipped to face the challenges of today‘s operating environment in the work place.
Across the globe, the spread of digital technology has ensured that practically everything one does is driven by technology and many of Nigerian graduates leave higher institutions of learning without touching the computer.
Going forward, developing Nigeria must first solve tough, often unglamorous, problems like illiteracy, social mobility, government inefficiency and corruption, and a lack of economic opportunities if they are to realise the potential of ICT for development
The curricula of the country’s educational system need to be changed to accommodate information communications technology and to reflect the reality of today’s working environment.
The effort of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to connect persons with all kinds of disabilities to opportunities offered by information and communication technologies is also welcomed.
It is also important to solve the power supply problem to enable ICT provide the impetus for the growth of the economy.
There should be massive improvement in improvement in infrastructure and need to imbue of the culture of maintenance on Nigerians.
But technology is only a facilitator and cannot improve the efficiency of government, or deliver critical information if there is no consensus to do so in the first place.