Varsity challenges youths on technology advancement

As Nigeria hopes to revive the economy through the non-oil sector, especially through the Information and Communications Technology (ICT), students and youths have been challenged to take up skills in technology.

Making this charge is the Vice Chancellor of The Paul University Awka, Venerable Prof  Uche Isiugo-Abanihe, when the school joined the world to mark her first ever Computer Science Education Week.

Technological innovation is not just for computer science study, as there is hardly any sector in Nigeria that can flourish today without ICT, which is a potent tool to lift the nation out of recession if fully embraced by the youths, who make up the highest percentage of Nigeria’s population.

Isiugo-Abanihe charged the students on the need to develop keen interest in ICT, as technology plays an indispensable role in the lives and livelihoods as human beings.

He applauded the feats of the students of Paul University, who built mobile and web apps to meet the needs and solve societal problems.

While applauding the Founder of Women in Technology of Nigeria (WITIN), Mrs. Martha Omoekpen Alade, for bringing the Young Coders Club to Paul University, a hub that grooms young developers, the Vice Chancellor stressed the need for government to make the economy stable for the populace to come out with innovations that will solve peoples’ problem.

The VC commended the outstanding students, who pitched their apps to the entire university community. They include Ezewanne Chidinma, Ejimgini Ginika, Maureen Osita, Nzelu Adaobi, Isaac Ogochukwu and Ofo-muogbo Daniel, who built “RIBE – An Igbo Cuisine app”; Ibegbu Christian Amala; Anaso Ebuke Precious; Nwogu Kelechi; Nwose Benjamin Ebuka and Muanya Ugochukwu (Built “Tourist Buddy app”).

Others are William Anazodo, Bethel Nmerah, Dijeh Emmanuel, Robby Emmanuel and Eusebius Nnaemeka (Built “NCHE – Anambra Security Beacon app”); Okafor Christopher, Umejiuba Valentine, Ubochi Chiemeka, Okoro Favour and  Anthony Ruth(Built “Ezicha – a Safe environment app”) and Olisaemeaka Chukwuebuka, Muttoh Chinonso, Okoronkwo Mercy, Okaro
Kenechukwu and Emeka Anaso( built “Agroplay – An agricultural gaming app”).

Highlighting the critical role of computing to modern economy, Head of Computer Science and Information Technology department of the Paul University, Prof Paul Nosike, said apart from solving major problems, ICT also creates jobs and curb youths restiveness “because they are kept busy doing something.”

Nosike explained that as a result of the role of computer science as a driver of innovation and economic growth, the education of future generations of computer scientists is critically important.