3,000 NACOSSITES converge @ UNIJOS

Over 3,000 youths and members of the Nigerian Association of Computer Science Students (NACOSS), have converged at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) for the group’s 12th Annual National Convention and the first-ever Nigerian Information Technology (IT) youth assembly that commenced on Monday.

NACOSS is the umbrella body for all students studying Computer Science, Information Technology (IT) and other related courses in Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education (Federal, State and Private).

The convention with the theme “Harnessing Youths Potentials for ICT Convergence and National Development (HAPIDEV 2008)” has been scheduled to hold at UNIJos between June 9 and 14, 2008.

A press statement made available to ITRealms Online endorsed by the duo of National President, NACOSS, Mallam Bayo Mohammed Onimode Jnr. and National Secretary, Mr. Aminu Femi Enesi informed that the week-long event has been formally approved by the management of UniJos, as the institution is supporting the association to ensure that the event is a success.

The event, they further said, would throw up an opportunity for all those involved in the state of ICT development in the country to come together in the discussion, dissect and demystifying the issues surrounding the current trends in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development in Nigeria.

According to NACOSS, rather than be just another talk show, it hopes to offer attendees a genuinely valuable experience via the convention.

Adding that the theme also has some sub-themes like: Securing a digital Future for Nigerian Youths through ICT, Building Confidence and Security in the use of ICT, Web Business: An untapped goldmine, Improving ICT Education for Entrepreneurial Development, Delivering Citizen Centric Public Services through e-Governance, The Role of Financial Institutions in ICT Infrastructural Development, Discovering the Future of Technology led Government, Outsourcing and its impact on Nigeria’s Economy, achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria through Digital Access.

The group said its focus is on the importance of technology in developing Nigeria as a country ready to belong to the top 20 world economies by the year 2020.

NACOSS pointed out that by using the perspective of infrastructure vendors, service providers, regulators, corporate end-users and the would-be employees, key issues will be considered in a manner that drives discussion and forms valuable action plan.

“Today, technology has become sacrosanct with development; the corporate and the public sectors need to adopt standards that promote optimal use through corporate social responsibility,” they stated.

Speakers, NACOSS officials said, would include President, Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria, Prof. (Mrs.) Adenike O. Osofisan; President, Nigeria Computer Society, Prof. Charles O. Uwadia; Dr. Olu Agunloye –EVC/CEO, National eGovernment Strategies Limited, Abuja; Mr. Chris Uwaje –MD/CEO, Connect Technologies, Lagos; Prof. Manny C. Aniebonam– President/Chief Executive, AfriHUB LLC, USA; Mr. George K. Idiaghe –HR Manager, GCOML Nigeria Limited, Jos and Mr. Ismaila Abdul Hakeem –Unity Bank Nigeria Plc, Abuja.; Dr. Ishaya Tanko –Director of ICT, University of Jos, Jos; Mr. Lanre Ajayi –MD/CEO, PiNet Informatics Nigeria Limited, Lagos; Mr. Kayode Shobajo – Chairman/CEO HIIT Limited, Lagos; Mr. Austine Okere –MD/CEO, Computer WareHouse Group, Lagos; Mr. Tim Akano –MD / CEO, New Horizon ICT Limited, Lagos and several others.

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