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Computer Society tasks INEC on improved use of technology

By EDITOR
24 February 2015   |   11:00 pm
. Seeks prioritization of ICT sector’s growth among candidates’  PROFESSIONALS in the country’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector under the aegis of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to underestimate the importance of ICT in the forthcoming general elections.      Speaking through its president, Prof.…

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. Seeks prioritization of ICT sector’s growth among candidates’ 

PROFESSIONALS in the country’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector under the aegis of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to underestimate the importance of ICT in the forthcoming general elections.

     Speaking through its president, Prof. David Adewunmi, yesterday in Lagos, NCS advocated for improved and innovative utilization of IT in the organization of free, fair and credible elections this year and in the future. 

    Adewunmi said the professional association recognized and acknowledged the IT contributions and initiatives of the INEC, the most recent being the introduction of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in the electoral process, “there is a need for improved project management in the deployment of IT as well as security management. Logistic issues and delays in PVC distribution being experienced are painfully not ideal in today’s 21st century. Further innovation of the electoral management process is required with inputs from NCS and stakeholders, most especially in terms of considering electronic voting for future elections.”

     According to him, NCS, an advocacy group, believes in the future of one Nigeria, stressing that the role of IT is critical to its development and growth. 

    The NCS president, who said though there has been improvement in IT adoption, stressed that a lot still needs to be done.

    “As the 2015 election approaches, NCS challenges present and aspiring political leaders to prioritize IT sector productivity as well as improved impact and depth of IT development’, he stated. 

    Adewunmi said the NCS is worried that those seeking votes are not addressing these critical matters. He urged the electorate to ask questions and raise issues at all levels (state, federal) with all parties and their candidates about their plans for building an innovative economy to create jobs and address the nation’s developmental challenges. 

   In particular, he said answers are needed about what they will do to strengthen important government agencies in IT, most especially National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN). 

   “Quite importantly what will they do about legislation to foster the development of IT and IT enabled activities, growth of the profession and industry, Professionalizing the industry (Having IT professionals on the boards of MDAs) and preferential usage of Nigerian professionals in IT projects”, he stated.

     The NCS president, who said the body was ready to assit INEC, sued for violence free and issue based campaigns, improved and innovative election management and the election of innovative and informed leaders. 

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