Nigeria Computer Society announces plans to celebrate 40 years of existence, impacts
The leadership of the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), weekend rolled out plans and activities lined up for the celebration of the society’s 40th anniversary towards the end of the year.
Addressing the press Friday at the corporate head office of the body, President, Nigeria Computer Society, Prof Adesola Aderounmu said “Based on the vision and aspirations of the initial members, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) was formed in 1978 and was initially called Computer Association of Nigeria (CAN). The name was soon changed to COAN.
COAN was established as the umbrella body of all IT professionals in Nigeria. It was later changed to Nigeria Computer Society with the ammonisation of 2005 involving ISPON, COAN, ITAN and ISPAN.
NCS noted that whereas the 40th celebration will come up during this year’s 2018 National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA) night, Special Recognition Awards will come the way of Past Presidents of NCS and CPN, Past Provosts of NCS, Past Registrar and Executive Secretary of CPN and NCS respectively and several Corporate organizations that have been supportive of the activities of NCS during the years in different categories.
Business Hilights recalls that NCS is the umbrella association of IT professionals, interest groups and stakeholders in Nigeria’s tech sector. I welcome you as friends and partners, who are jointly working towards advancing and accelerating IT development in Nigeria.
While noting that “It has been growing and waxing stronger day by day and year by year with a lot of landmark and memorable achievements,” Prof Aderounmu averred that “Since it was launched in 1978, NCS has laid a very solid foundation for the country to have the level of ICT awareness, use, applications and achievements we are witnessing today in all sectors of Nigerian economy and society”.
He traced several roles so far played by NCS in shaping Policies and Laws (Acts) provided by the Federal Government for the development and growth of ICT in Nigeria to include Computer Professional Registration Council (CPN) Act 49 of 1993 which is now the apex regulatory body for IT practice in Nigeria.
CPN was therefore established by Act 49 of 1993, promulgated on June 10 and gazetted on August 9, of that year to regulate, supervise and control the practice of the profession. This is a landmark achievement of founders of Nigeria Computer Society.
Other policy decisions that largely saw the inputs of NCSA include National Information Technology Policy 2002, Tele-Communications Act 2003, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act 2007, National Software Policy 2011, National Information and Communications Policy 2012 (Harmonized).
According to him, “The Ministry of Communication Technology is a Ministry created by the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2011 through the advocacy of NCS.
“NCS’s proposal that a neutral private sector-led organization be set up to take control of the administration of .ng was adopted. The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) with Board of Trustees as well as Executive members elected from different stakeholder organisations was then established to administer .ng to the satisfaction of all interested parties.
Continuing, NCS boss revealed that “Over the past 40 years, NCS has been the primary agent behind the amazing and rapid increase in IT deployment in Nigeria. With regard to achieving sustainable development through IT, NCS has been the advocacy champion behind local content development, Cashless and Fintech, IT in Government, IT for National Security, use of IT for productivity in all spheres of life, IT Education and so many other critical that are changing Nigerian society dramatically”.
Explaining more on the NITMA awards, Prof Aderounmu said the key areas and issues affecting growth in the sector and society are addressed. For all awards, key criteria include IT specialisations, NCS standards and global best practices.
“Professional fellowships will be conferred on members of NCS who are recognized as authorities in their field of computing and have distinguished themselves through significant contribution to the growth of Information Technology through their professional expertise and activities.
“Honorary Fellowship will be conferred on the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede for their dedication and exemplary service to IT growth and development in Nigeria.
“The IT Personality Year Award also known as the NCS President’s award will acknowledge and celebrate individuals that have excelled in our tech sector during the year.
“In 2018, nominees for this most prestigious award are: Mr. Adebayo Atekoja – MD/CEO Power soft Integrated Solutions Limited, Adedoyin Odunfa – MD/CEO Digital Jewels Limited, Mr. Charles Emembolu – CEO Crestsage Limited, Mr. Peter Arogundade – Managing Director Sidmach Technologies and Mr. Tunde Badejo – MD/CEO Soft Alliance and Resources Limited
The President further revealed that “Other individuals and organizations will be recognized and honoured with Special Recognition Awards for their undeniable and huge contributions in the IT and related areas”.
