The pervasive applications of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) means, we live in a hyper-connected world that is increasingly becoming connected on the Internet and its associated information networks and operating space, commonly referred to as the cyberspace.

As of April 2024, 5.44 billion people worldwide were internet users, which is 67.1% of the global population. This is an annual growth rate of 1.8%.

Of those users, 5.07 billion, or 62.6% of the world’s population, were also social media users, according to Statista.

In Nigeria, it is also noteworthy that active Internet subscriptions totaled 161,977,883 as at January 2024, reflecting a substantial increase from the 156,244,368 subscriptions in December 2023.

The Internet penetration remained robust at 42.53 percent, with broadband subscriptions totaling 92,195,937 million.

Consequently, private and public organisations are continuously migrating their operations and services online, just as modern industrial facilities and production systems are also increasingly connected to computer networks for their control and security.

As the critical digital infrastructures continue to connect to computer and information networks; in the nearest future, nations would rely on these networks for essential service delivery.

Therefore, the cyberspace has become a driving force for productivity and development, which makes the protection of Critical Information Infrastructure a national security responsibility requiring government, public and private sector to collaborate and synergise.

On the other hand, increase in Internet connectivity is also associated proliferation of attack vectors, thus, increasing vulnerability of critical systems to attacks by criminals, non-state and state actors.

A Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS’) report shows that, while losses to fraud in the financial industry in the rose from N5.1billion as at first quarter to N9.5 billion as at July 2023.

37 Sent to Jail over eFraud – EFCC

In meeting Government goal of ensuring a secure cyberspace for Nigeria, Section 41 (b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 mandates (now amended) the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to “ensure formulation and effective implementation of a comprehensive National Cybersesurity Strategy and a National Cybersecurity Policy for Nigeria”.

In furtherance of this mandate, ONSA has developed an Action for implementing the National Cybersecurity Stratgy. The objective of the Action Plan is to outline government priorities, plan and direction for implementing the strategy.

To this end, the draft Action Plan identifies suggested activities, roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders with deliverables, timeline and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for measuring progress towards effective implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy.

One of such stakeholders is the Nigeria Computer Society. However, the national executive council of the Society is wondering why the Federal Government has not deemed it necessary to include NCS on the National Cybersecurity Council hence they are calling for urgent review.

This, the NCS’ NEC said, is to ensure the inclusion of the 45-year-old foremost IT Professional Group in Nigeria, on the Cybersecurity Council as stipulated in the Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act and the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act 2004 (as Amended).

Techeconomy’s researches show that the National Security Adviser’s office (ONSA) coordinates the efforts of the security and law enforcement agencies in accordance with the 2015 Cybercrime Act (now 2024 amended) while the Attorney-General of the Federation strengthens and updates Nigeria’s current cybercrime legislative frameworks.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, president of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), said that the non-inclusion of the NCS in the Cybersecurity Council, as stated in the amended Cybercrime Act 2024, is a matter of concern.

He said that NCS has been the voice of Information Technology professionals for the past four decades now.  “Presently with over 20,000 members spread across all sectors of the economy, NCS continues to expand and grow in might and relevance.

The National Executive Council (NEC) under my leadership is determined to be strategic, innovative, and forward-looking in the running of the affairs of our great society. I want to assure you that we have made NCS the only platform for promoting IT development and enhancing corporate relevance. Together we shall move the Information Technology profession to desirable heights in Nigeria.

“Thus, as a key stakeholder in Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem, the NCS is committed to contributing its expertise and resources towards enhancing national cybersecurity. We urge relevant authorities to reconsider this decision and ensure that all relevant stakeholders are adequately represented in decision-making processes concerning cybersecurity”, Dr. Aliyu said.

He said IT professionals should be involved in the implementation of the Act which offers Nigerian authorities an efficient, cohesive, and all-encompassing legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for the outlawing, averting, identifying, prosecuting, and punishing of cybercrimes.

On the Cybersecurity levy, the NCS President said,

“It is a good development that the government has reversed itself; had it been stakeholders’ inputs where incorporated, the embarrassing situation would have been curtailed”.

On his part, Dr. Charles Onyeukwu, deputy president of NCS, commended the Federal Government on the push for AI inclusion into the national development plans, through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

He however, reiterated that NCS deserves more presence and recognitions in the government sphere as they (NCS members) are expects in information technology.

“We want to see government invite us to make contributions towards IT related policies. As experts we continue to research on new ways of doing things and are always ready to contribute during policy formulation.

Prof. Adesina Sodiya, the immediate past president of NCC also said that government needs to listen more to the stakeholders.

According to him, “When the Cybercrime Act 2015 was up for a review, we were invited, but didn’t hear any time a public hearing was held. The news came as a surprise that the Act has been amended and passed.

“Any crime that affects critical national infrastructure like cybercrime must be curbed. However, you do not cut off the head to cure the headache.

“On Financial Institutions, they experience breaches almost all the time. We are interested in working with them on strategic approach to have a robust system,” he said.

The event coincided with the 2023 edition of the Chapter’s Information Technology Merit Award (OGITMA) which was held at the Simeon Adebo Library, Kuto, Abeokuta on Saturday, 2nd December 2023.

The award which was initiated by Prof. Mrs. Onashoga; a past Chairman of the association was established to encourage information technology experts who has brought tremendous improvement to the development of Information technology in the state and members who have also distinguished themselves in the Information Technology field.

Hence, OGITMA is an award of excellence for commitment. The event was attended by notable IT Legends and great public icons including the National Executives of NCS.

Dr. Charles Onyeukwu, the NCS National Deputy President; Mr. Tunde Ogunremi, NCS Southwest Coordinator, and Mr. Segun Adekunle, the NCS National Executive Secretary.

Also in attendance were, Prof. Adesina Sodiya, the immediate past National NCS President and illustrious icon of the chapter, and Abiola Ogundeko, among others.

Mr. Tola Ajagbe, the outgoing NCS chairman, welcomed guests and IT professionals across the state to the event.

He canvassed for inclusion of more IT professionals in the state as the membership drive is important to achieving goals set by any organization.

Ajagbe reeled out the achievements of his administration among others to include take off of the Chapter’s Secretariat Building. He encourages the incoming administration to ensure that the building is given priority amidst other plans.

In his address, the keynote speaker for this year’s OGITMA, Dr. Niran Oyekale, Chief Executive Officer, Commit Technology and Consult Ltd. emphasized the importance of IT Education as an impetus for digital economy and National advancement. In his words: “Embracing Versatile IT Education is not merely an option; it is an imperative. It is the compass guiding us through the ever-changing terrain of the digital landscape, ensuring that we not only keep pace with technological advancements but also lead and innovate.”

He charged all IT Professionals in all spheres of life to work together to lay good foundation for digital economy that is not only robust and efficient but one that empowers every individual to thrive in the digital age.

The Incoming Chairman who also doubles as the Chairman, 2023 OGITMA Planning Committee, Prof. Mrs. Rebecca Vincent lauded the achievements of the Tola Ajagbe-led administration especially for sustaining the OGITMA programme.

She listed the award categories and the winner in each category as follows:

1. IT Legend of the Year: This award category is for doyen in the IT Profession (within the Academics or Industry) who has tremendously imparted on the use and application of IT with iconic impressions over the last 35 years.

 Winner: Professor A. T. Akinwale

2. IT Company of the Year: An award designated for the most innovative IT firm with client centric and cutting edge solutions deployed in the State.

Winner: Upperlink Systems

3. Most IT Driven Computer-Based Test Centre: This award category is for a Computer-Based Test Centre with state-of-the-art IT infrastructure for testing and examination in line with global Prometric Test Centres.

Winner: Gateway Polytechnic an Igbesa CBT Centre

4. Most Outstanding Member: This award is specially for member of the State Chapter of NCS with unparalleled contributions, commitment and resourcefulness to the Society.

Winner: Mrs. Elizabeth Emuegubi Badejo

5. Most IT Driven Microfiance Bank: The award designated for a recipient Microfinance Bank that has transcended the traditional micro banking with the deployment of diverse IT platforms to ease its banking operations.

Winner: Lavender Microfinance Bank Plc., Abeokuta.

6. IT Human Capital Enabler: This Award is for a personality, who naturally is not an IT Professional but has immensely deployed IT resources to enhance the service of his/her Organisation or Institution, in the process, reshaping the mold of Nigerian Society.

Winner: Alhaja Selimotu Ottun (Retired Head of Service, Ogun State Government)

7. IT Innovation Driven Personality: This award category is for a personality who has shown unwavering support for the ideals and vision of the State Chapter; including a visionary contribution in the development of IT industry.

Winner: Dr. Ademola Adenubi (Founder/CEO, Edutams)

Earlier, the newly elected state executives had their investiture and swearing-in. The NCS National Deputy President, Mr. Charles Onyeukwu, FNCS.

The new Executives of NCS, Ogun State Chapter is to be led by Prof. Olufunke Vincent, Chairman. Mr Olatunde Tijani emerged as the Vice  Chairman while Mr. Onaolapo Sodiq is the General Secretary.

Others include Mr. Taiwo Raji, Treasurer, Mr. Neye Adesola, Financial Secretary, Mr. Opakunle Victor – PRO, Mr. Adekunle Temitayo, Welfare/Social Secretary, Mr. Tunde Oyeledun – Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Badejo,  Auditor and Mr. Tola Ajagbe, IPC.

In her acceptance speech as Prof. Olufunke Vincent, the Chairperson, emphasized her commitment to the vision of the Society through the instrumentality of teamwork with her executives and forming strategic partnerships with the government at various levels, organizations, well-meaning philanthropists, and individuals while building on the existing ones to achieve tremendous success for the Society and the IT professionals in the State.

She thereafter beckons on all members for their support, encouragement, advice, and prayers to succeed in her tenure.

Personalities at the event:

Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella organization of all Information Technology professionals, interest groups and stakeholders in Nigeria, has taken a bold step to securing a better future even for kids with interest in technology.

The 45-year-old Organisation, on Tuesday April 17, 2023, unveiled Tech Minds Initiative that offers hands-on experiences in coding, robotics, and even tinyML engineering – giving your child the opportunity to become a tech prodigy at a young age.

While launching the Initiative, Professor Isa Pantami, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, emphasized that skill development and training helps instill emotional maturity in pupils.

Pantami, the author of the Book: ‘Skills Rather than Just Degrees’, applauded NCS for focusing on skills development as the most direct route for addressing the growing shortage of skilled manpower in the technology ecosystem.

The Minister who spoke through Sir ‘Demola Aladekomo, a computer engineer and chairman of SmartCity Resorts Plc., said Tech-Minds resonates with the Ministry’s agenda for Nigeria to attain 95% digital skills development by 2025.  

He encouraged research bodies, private and government institutions to partner with NCS towards robust implementation of the paradigm shift Initiative which aligns with leading educational and technological countries like the United States of America, Finland and India, amongst other countries.

Speaking in his capacity as the Co-chair at Tech-Minds launch, Sir Aladekomo pledged SmartCity’s support of the initiative. he said they will donate facilities in Oyo State and the FCT with others coming up in Lagos, to ensure Tech-Minds Initiative becomes a reality.

Professor Adesina Sodiya, the President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), said over the years, the organization has concentrated, primarily, on developing members’ capacity at the level of professionals and students in tertiary institutions, hence kids have been left out of these educational programmes.

So, about three year ago we started looking in the direction of developing the Tech-Minds template, because all of the world we have seen what kids are doing. A Nigerian, at just 9-years-old, Basil Okpara, is reported to have built more than 30 mobile games. Like many others his age, Basil loves to play games but his fascination with gaming does not end at playing, his curious mind has led him into coding, leading him to come with dozens of game ideas. He is making a lot of money from those games now. Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is very much interested in preparing our kids for the future; by developing, supporting and encouraging them”.

– Prof. Sodiya

“It is a fact that if most of our startup founders were tutored earlier about product development, and other tech skills, they would have performed better. There are lots of demised startups in our ecosystem which we have to find means to enable the upcoming generation of founders to perform better and do more for our nation. This is part of the foundation for Tech Minds”, he said.

Prof. Adesina said that NCS NEC has thrown the challenge to the State Chapters who have embraced it, wholeheartedly.

“We have developed the curriculum and comprehensive guidelines for hitch-free implementation. We have encouraged the State Chapters to move in collaboration with their respective State governments through the Ministries of Education, Science & Tech, SUBEB, for the implementation of Tech Minds and the feedback is already encouraging”, he added.

He said that the programme is targeted at young people between 6 to 16 years.

“As the umbrella body of IT professionals in Nigeria, we have to set the pace and continue to ensure that the nation does not have skilled manpower in the tech ecosystem. And Tech Minds is a credible platform to ‘catch them young’; that is, younger people who will be interested in joining and working with NCS.

He thanked Professor Isa Pantami, for chairing the occasion and for rallying the Ministry in support of NCS’ programmes.   

Interestingly, reports suggest that young people between the age of 0-14 make up over a quarter of the world’s population, and this group is only growing.

To this end, Prof. Florence Babalola, Chairperson, Education and Manpower Development Committee at NCS, said that Tech-Minds is one of the numerous programmes organized by NCS with the aim of enhancing human capacity for national development.

She reiterated that Tech-Minds Initiative is part of NCS’ commitment to advancing technology in Nigeria, especially among young people.

“The vision is to educate and empower young minds, adding that children need to be prepared to work in jobs and use technologies that don’t yet exist”, he said.

Prof. (Mrs.) Adenike Osofisan, the Immediate Past Provost, College of Fellows of NCS, has to this say about Tech-Minds:

“This programme gladdens my heart. I believe it will be handled very well starting from the States to the national level. I want to be part of this in Oyo State by monitoring the process. I am passionate about safeguarding and guiding the young people. The NEC under Prof. Sodiya has done very well and deserve every commendation and support they can get from the members”.

Others who spoke at the occasion applauded the Prof. Sodiya-led NEC for this initiative.

Mr. Kole Jagun, the President and Chairman of Council, Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) CPN – said that science and technology hold the key to sustainable development in the world and Africa in particular hence corollary is that prominence must be given to educating young people in tech in the early stages of their development.

He lauded NCS for the programme that focuses on hands-on activities as essential components of an early childhood setting in basic technology education which may help in laying an early foundation for life-long learning and acquisition of science process skills.

In her remarks, Shulammite Ayobami, Chairperson, Audit Committee, NCS, said: “The earlier we catch the younger ones, the better for us. Tech-Minds goes a long way to show NCS does not downplay the future of tech that will be driven by skilled young people”.

She further called for State Chapters’ buy-in into the initiative and pushed it further for the benefits of kids in their localities.

There are many young people who are ready to learn. It is our duty to direct them to the right path. And this is another means to redeem the image of our nation while nurturing young minds to add value to the respective families and the society at large”.

– Ayobami added

On his part, Ayodeji Rex Abitogun, Chairman, Conferences Committee & Member, National Executive Council. Nigeria Computer Society of NCC, said that the education committee has done well by coming up with the initiative.

Continuing, he said, “Sustainability of the programme is key, and the need to ensure NACOS members have access to the platform will help take it to the next level”.  

The session moderated by Mr. Adesegun Adekunle, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), attracted guests from within and outside Nigeria who joined virtually to witness the epoch-making event. 

NCS is the umbrella body for all Information Technology (IT) professionals in Nigeria. Through its Techno​​logy Innovation Programme, the Society recently assembled some selected teams of tech developers, as well as mentors, to its second boot camp in Lagos, where the team members were guided on how to develop globally acceptable solutions, through a special mentorship.

Giving details of the programme, Professor Adesina Sodiya, the President, Nigeria Computer Society, said the NCS Technology Innovation Programme was designed to groom startups with ideas, while NCS would help in nurturing the ideas to a world-class standard, and turn the ideas into solutions that would be ready for global market.

According to Sodiya, “The Nigeria Computer Society started by advertising the programme and called for entries. Over 70 entries were received, and the entries were shortlisted to five teams of not more than three in each team. After the short-listing, NCS organised the first boot camp for them, where they were all trained on how to develop ideas and how to turn their ideas into a complete solution that NCS can market within and outside of Nigeria. The plan of NCS is to nurture the ideas to complete solutions that will be globally commercialised.

“The five teams on ground, represent five unique solutions that will be developed into viable and commercial solutions. NCS provides N50,000 per month to each team and we have assigned mentors to them who are assisting them in developing and marketing their products. We are hoping that the five products will make it to the market, but even if at the end of the day, we have only one product that made it to the international market, then that will be a plus for NCS and for the Nigerian nation.”

So, the Nigeria Computer Society is part of the product development and will co-own the products and ensure the products get national and international attention. We may sell off the solution, or partner with organisations that will be ready to co-own the solution and keep the developers in their companies to further develop the solution, Sodiya added.

During the second boot camp in Lagos, each of the teams was allowed to make short presentation about their solutions, state the purpose for which the solution was designed, what the solution seeks to promote and the specific challenge that each solution seeks to address and how they could scale up such solutions.

Some of the teams were able to explain the challenges faced so far in developing their solutions and how to tackle the challenges and make the solutions acceptable to interested investors.

One of the mentors and renowned software developer, Mr. Chris Uwaje, gave some useful tips to each of the teams after their presentation, and emphasised the need for each team to infuse Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their solutions for easy marketing outside of Nigeria.

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The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) remains the umbrella body of all IT Professionals and Practitioners with over 15,000 memberships inclusive of many Interest Groups and Stakeholders serving the interest of all and the Nation in the IT eco System, says Professor Adesina Sodiya, President of the Society.

Speaking during a press conference on Nigeria Computer Society 2022 Strategic Review and 2023 IT Outlook held on Tuesday at the Society’s Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos State, Prof. Sodiya said that NCS has remained relevant in promoting IT developmental Values and steadfast in the pursuance of its goals and vision.

2022 Programmes of NCS and their contributions to national development

Activities of the Society in the year running out are:

1. Cybersecurity Forum and Workshop
2. Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for Smart Business Management
3. International Conference 2022
4. Tech-Innovation Development Programme
5. IT Whizkids Competition
6. National Information Technology Merit Awards 2022

Some of major achievements of NCS in 2022 are:-

1. Improve Recognition and Good Governance:

“NCS members are serving in many government committees. These were achieved because of the improved relationship with the ministry and effective engagement with government.

“NCS was appointed as a member o0f presidential committee on digital economy and e-government.

“NCS is represented on startup bill. We are also represented on NIMC governing board”, he said.

2. Inclusive Growth and Collaboration:

For an inclusive and robust society, the President said that they have continued to collaborate with organisations in all the Society’s activities i.e. Bluechip Technologies; Federal Inland Revenue; Zinox Technologies, Military, State Government etc.

“We engaged individuals and organisations that are practicing IT but not members of NCS”.

He said the membership of NCS has massively increased through these interactions.

3. Enhanced programmes/activities:

“The 2022 Calendar of activities was prepared and released in November 2021 for advanced planning and necessary budgetary provisions by both individual members and corporate bodies. The activities and programmes were carefully structured to expose members to modern skills and development in the field of Information Technology.

“The 2022 also witness the 1st bootcamp of the Technology Innovation Development Programme (TIDP) of innovators engaged in ways of improving their products for national use. This programme’s major sponsor is Mr. Leo-Stan Ekeh.

“The 2022 Nigeria Computer Society – Jim Ovia scholarship for 35 students comprising 20 undergraduates, 10 masters and 5 Doctorate was conducted. This scholarship is yearly funded by Mr. Jim Ovia through the Jim Ovia Foundation.

4. International Partnership:

“The relationship with international organisations like IFIP, British Computer Society, Oracle, Cisco is waxing stronger.

NCS through the leadership of Professor Adesina Sodiya has continued the meeting with all Council members of all IT Professional Bodies in Africa.

NCS is also playing leading role towards setting up Africa Computing Societies, amongst other achievements of the Society in the past year.

With 20,000 members spread across all the states of the Federation, NCS remains the largest national IT Society with highly skilled and domain experts in various fields of information technology.

Professor Adesina Sodiya, President of NCS, while addressing the press in Lagos on Thursday July 21 2022, said that the Society with major interest groups (ISPON, ITAN, NiWIIT, ITSSP, AITP, NITPCS) and structural organs (College of Fellows, Chapters, NACOS), remains committed to promoting and leapfrogging IT development in Nigeria.

NCS International Conference

He said the press briefing was called primary to inform the media and public about the upcoming NCS International Conference in Ogun State.

“As you know, NCS international conference is the biggest and most influential IT event in Africa and indeed Nigeria.

“It is indeed with great pleasure that I inform you of the International Conference of the Nigeria Computer Society holding from Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th August 2022, with the theme: ‘Smart, Secure and Sustainable Nation (S3N 2022’).

“In the last 44 years of NCS existence, our conference venue has been rotated among the six geopolitical zones in the country. The 2021 Conference was held at Akwa-Ibom State of Nigeria. However, this year’s International Conference will hold at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Southwest of Nigeria.

“Interestingly, the conference will be in hybrid form (physical and virtual attendance). The challenge posed by COVID-19 still affirms the need for Information Technology Professionals to change their strategies”, he said.

Sodiya said that the theme of the conference, ‘Smart, Secure and Sustainable Nation (S3N 2022)’was carefully and scientifically chosen in order to provide needed technological support for government drives and vision in this modern society.

In his words: “The emergence of connected cities and data-driven nations is making planning and decision-making easier at the global level. Different studies have ranked African low in adopting technology to build safe, secure, Sustainable economy.

“At the heart of the technology driving innovation is data and citizens engagement. In transforming our nation to meet future demand, we must use technology to create a more sustainable and livable present and secure future for our citizens.

“We must change our approach and challenge the status quo. Our quest for innovation leveraging research and development must increase. We must develop effective strategies to achieve Smart, Secure and Sustainable Nation”.

He stressed the need for the government, the citizens and the business environment to invest in relevant technologies to compete in global space.

“This approach requires the right team with the new mindsets and skills. The 2022 International Conference on Smart, Secure and Sustainable Nation (S3N 2022) will bring together policymakers within the government, business leaders, members of academia, professionals and practitioners to deliberate on broad socio-economic and technological trends relevant to the development and sustainability of our station”.

The conference will focus on important issues related to the theme and sub-themes such as;

Intelligent Cities  – Design and regulatory framework | eGovernment and policy framework | eHealth and smart healthcare | Precision and intelligence agriculture | Regulation and digital consumer system | Smart security and Surveillance system | Application and tools | Big Data analytics and applications | Artificial intelligence and applications | Critical national infrastructure | Call tracking and counterterrorism | Cyber security | Computer forensic and information auditing | IT Governance and ethics | 5G Technology and industrial revolutions| Future of work: Ergronomics and Smart culture, amongst others.  

“This year’s International Conference will provide a multi-stakeholder forum to examine pertinent considerations for Smart, Secure and Sustainable Nation (S3N 2022).

“Engagement opportunities will be explored during the conference to present and develop effective strategies, creative approaches and practical solutions.

“Specific highlights of the conference include the official opening and keynotes; plenary and parallel sessions; technical sessions, seminars, induction of new members; youth innovation and entrepreneurship platform; technology innovation show, exhibition and product launch; public sector ICT showcase, networking, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy session; national IT competitions; Fellows’ Forum and NCS Annual General Meeting (AGM), the NCS President said.

He said that participants should look forward to amazing opportunities to exchange new ideas, gain new insights and build relationships with stakeholders promote IT professionalism, share best practices, establish standards, develop business, or research relations and find global partners for future collaborations, among other features.

“High profile dignitaries from government, private and educational sectors as well as from the international and global IT environment are expected to grace the event.

“NCS is preparing for the best and has assembled an impressive lineup of leading researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, industry experts, thought leaders, international scholars and subject matter experts to share their extensive knowledge and experiences on a theme and sub-themes.

Confirmed speakers:

• Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), Minister of Communications and Digital Economy who has agreed to chair the event.
• Engineer Aliyu Aziz, Director General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to give keynote address
• Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),
• Professor Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
• Professor Muhammad Bello Abubakar, Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone Limited
• Dr. Abimbola Alale, Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT Limited
• Mr. John Higgins, President, British Computer Society
• Bram Fudzulani, President ICT Association of Malawi
• Mr. Kola Okunola, Federal Inland Revenue Service
• Stacey Hines, President Jamaica Computer Society
• Dr. Waudo Siganga, President Computer Society  of Kenya
• Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria
• HRM, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Alake of Egba Land
• Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State
• Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President  of Nigeria
• Moira De Roche, President International Federation for information Processing (IFIP)
• Mr. dDayo Abiodun, Special Adviser on ICT Ogun State
• Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB)
• Sebastine Nzeadibe, Country Manager West Africa, Cisco
• Dipo Faukner, Oracle Vice President (Technology Business)

Participation:

Check the link HERE to see how to register for S3N 2022 participation.

Also commenting, Mr. Ayodeji Rex Abitogun, the chairman of the Conference Committee of NCS, said that they have made topnotch arrangements; from security to accommodation, logistics, connectivity and other exigencies that will make life comfortable for participants.

He added that NCS has adopted a Conference Management system to ensure a hitch-free connectivity, presentations and interactions among participants, particularly the Virtual participants.