One country that I have often referred to here is Taiwan because of how it has evolved over the years to become a technology powerhouse now. I believe that there is a lot Nigeria can learn from them as we continue to grow local capacity because that is simply the way to go.
It is totally unacceptable to import every single solution we need, whether hardware or software. This informs why I’d like to use two recent developments as the foundation for today’s piece and they both neatly tie with the mission of the National Information Technology Policy which seeks to make Nigeria an IT powerhouse in Africa and a key player in the information society by using IT as the engine for sustainable development and global competitiveness.
So the story begins. A few weeks ago, I got a call from Sunday Folayan, President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association. He informed me that he had made a Facebook post condemning a communal clash that occurred in his community due to yams and farms.
The post had said that such communal clash at a time man was planning to explore mars was simply a shame.
Following the post, Folayan’s community decided to take him up on the challenge he posed to them that instead of fighting over yams, they should work towards empowering dwellers, particularly the youths to become IT compliant and ‘netizens’ in the information society, by using IT as the engine for sustainable development and global competitiveness.
Consequently, his community association decided to initiate, sponsor and execute a 40 computer-capacity Digital Literacy Centre at a cost of N10m, a rare feat these days! That is, however, the way to go if we are serious about promoting digital literacy.
In Sunday Folayan’s words, “The Imode ICT Vision will be achieved by reliance on technology, carefully backed with traditional methods that are functional. A significant number of indigenes will continue to live outside the community or the country, and their needs and requirements to stay connected to their roots will continue to inform the community’s development policies. ICT will be used to solve practical problems, such as educational deficiencies, as well as the security of lives and properties.”
Owing to experience, one of the fears I expressed was sustainability but I was sort of comforted to learn that Paradigm Initiative, founded by Gbenga Sesan, had been partnered to conduct training and capacity building for users of the centre.
Imagine for a moment the impact this project can make in the lives of the young folks residing there? Yes, they may not have as much exposure as their — Finish Reading on the Punch
