The Lagos Chapter of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCSLAGOS) recently held a stakeholders’ forum in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
Bringing together experts from government, academia, and the technology ecosystem to push forward digital transformation in the state, the event took place at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa, Ikeja.
Themed “Partnering Lagos State Government to Advance the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda through Technology, Skills, Innovation, and Inclusive Digital Growth” the Forum focused on how technology can support the state government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda.
Dr Adesina Adewale, chairman of NCSLagos, said stronger collaboration between government, professional bodies and industry is key to building a sustainable digital economy.
He listed the forum’s priority areas to include digital skills development, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, cybersecurity, growth of the startup ecosystem, and the use of technology to improve public service delivery.
Adewale said one of the key outcomes of the meeting was a joint commitment to strengthen cooperation between NCS Lagos and the Lagos State Government, particularly in areas of innovation and capacity building.
He also announced the creation of the NCS Lagos Youth Skills and Startup Development Committee, to be chaired by Prof. Chika-Yinka Banjo.
The committee will work with the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) to support youth development and startup growth.
(Mrs.) Ibilola Kasunmu, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Engr. said the state plans to establish a Science Experience Centre where young students can gain early exposure to emerging technologies.
She explained that the centre will run structured programmes covering areas such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, giving students hands-on experience.
She stressed the importance of introducing technology education early, noting that the future workforce must be prepared from a young age.
Kasunmu also called for a review of how Computer Science is taught, suggesting it should be broken into specialised areas like AI, robotics and cybersecurity to better equip students with practical skills.
She added that the ministry will continue to support innovation by encouraging and funding startups in tertiary institutions, including the University of Lagos.
During a panel session, Director of ICT at the Ministry of Finance, Mrs Oluwabunmi Onafowokan, said broadband access, digital inclusion and accessibility must be prioritised in any IT framework to ensure balanced growth.
Also speaking, Mr Lateef Alani, LASRIC’s lead coordinator and head of e-Government/PMO Unit, highlighted the council’s role in funding startups and helping technology-driven businesses scale within Lagos.
In her remarks, Prof. Chika-Yinka Banjo pointed to ongoing work in artificial intelligence and robotics at the University of Lagos as a sign of Nigeria’s growing capacity in advanced technologies.
Meanwhile, Mr Jide Awe, the managing director of Jidaw Systems Limited, said improving digital systems goes beyond functionality, stressing the need for efficiency, proper optimisation and stakeholder engagement.
NCS Lagos said it will continue to provide leadership in technology development and support the state government’s drive to build a competitive digital economy.
The Nigeria Computer Society Lagos Chapter (NCS Lagos) is a professional body for computing and IT practitioners in Lagos, focused on promoting capacity development, innovation and industry standards.
The Nigeria Computer Society Lagos Chapter (NCSLAGOS) is the premier professional body for computing and information technology practitioners in Lagos State, dedicated to promoting excellence, capacity development, and innovation within the technology ecosystem.
