In line with thee emphasis on innovation, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) will be adopting various approaches through it most unique gathering of IT academia, industry and thought leaders to address challenges and highlight opportunities related to building a digital, prosperous and inclusive Nigeria that leverages on information technology to achieve Sustainable Development.
Speaking to the press ahead of NCS’ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Secretariat in Lagos, the President, Professor Adesola Aderounmu, described the Conference as the most important and influential event which is Nigeria’s largest event for the IT Industry and Profession, organized yearly by NCS.
NCS is the umbrella body of all IT professionals and organizations in Nigeria, with more than 20,000 members and major interest groups (ISPON, ITAN, ISPAN, WiTSoN, ITSSP, AITP, NITPCS).
Also inclusive of one hundred thousand Student body- NACOSS.
The Conference will hold from Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th of July, 2018, at International Conference Centre University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, under the theme “Digital Inclusion: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies”.
High profile dignitaries are expected to grace the event from government, private and educational sectors, as well as from the international and global IT environment with President Mohammadu Buhari, Commander in Chief of the Armed forces of Nigeria is Guest of Honour, while Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Governor of Oyo State is the Chief Host. Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu and Director General of NITDA will be in attendance, Prof. Aderoumu said.
“NCS is preparing for the best ever conference and has assembled an impressive line-up of leading researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, industry experts, thought leaders, international scholars and subject matter experts as speakers and resource persons to share their extensive knowledge and experience on the theme and sub themes”, the NCS President disclosed.
Their experiences and expert opinions will be of immense benefit to attendees.
The conference, he explained, will focus on important issues related to the theme and sub themes such as: Poverty Eradication and Job Creation in the rural Economy.
“Internet and Broadband for All, e-agriculture, e-health, e-education for inclusion: Software and Local Content. Digital Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Tech Startup, SME and Youth Enterpreneurship. E-Voting and Election Management. New Technologies for Economic Growth and Diversification.
“Digital Literacy, Knowledge Culture and Human Capital Development. Policy and Regulatory Framework. E-government, Citizen Engagement and Open Government. Fintech, e-Commerce and Financial Inclusion. Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Innovative Collaboration and partnership. Cyber security: Awareness, Threat, Protection and Digital Rights. Innovation for the Elderly, Internally Displaced Persons and the Vulnerable, are subthemes to be discussed at the conference”, he said.
Setting the National Digital Inclusion Agenda: Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies and Networking
“The strategic and transformatory role of IT in the economy and society is well recognized. In the fast paced digital era, there is a need for strategic actions and innovative practices to ensure the nation is competitive, engaged and prosperous”, Prof Aderoumu said.
He said that the opportunities tech creates for employment generation, efficient and accountable governance, wealth creation and social development cannot be underestimated.
Meanwhile, the NCS cautions that as the nation must invest in technology, “we must not widen existing divides in society. The sustainability of our efforts requires inclusion.
“The excluded, the vulnerable, the rural populace all need to be part of the digital revolution for Nigeria to fulfil its immense potential. For example, can we really have e-government if the majority of citizens lack access to digital infrastructure and fall short in terms of required digital skills?”
“Through this conference, NCS and its members will again seize the initiative and play a major role setting the National Digital Inclusion Agenda.
“The multi-stakeholder forum will highlight challenges, opportunities and strategies. Networking avenues will be provided to share innovative ideas and research possibilities, examine existing interventions and create new initiatives and practical projects.
“The conference comprises plenary, parallel and technical sessions, networking meetings, panel discussions and special focus forums”, he said.
Specifically highlights include: Plenary and Parallel Sessions, Technical Sessions, Seminars, Research Consortium, Induction of New Members, Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Platform, Exhibition and Products Launch, Social Media Masterclass, Mentor-Mentee forum, NITDA session, National IT Competitions, Fellows’ Forum and Annual General Meeting, according to report by TechEconomy.ng.