Members celebrated the return of Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, whose impactful first term earned him a second, as President.

At his side stands Dr. Charles Onyeukwu, the vice president, signaling both unity and fresh momentum for the next chapter in the society’s journey, according to itrealms.com.ng report.

Dr. Aliyu, a respected Associate Professor of Computer Science and Director of ICT at Federal University Dutse, has become known for his commitment to democratizing technology.

Under his leadership, ICT initiatives reached grassroots communities, reinforcing the belief that digital access should be both widespread and empowering.

“The membership has delivered a clear mandate,” observers noted, reflecting widespread approval of Aliyu’s leadership and vision.

Aligned with the President’s re-election, Dr. Charles Onyeukwu’s elevation to the Vice Presidency brings stability to the NCS leadership while opening space for new ideas and collaborations.

Beyond the two top positions, a diverse and forward-looking executive team was unveiled:

• Shulammite Ileibiyi, elected Chair of Publicity, Events, and Trade Services, promises to elevate NCS’s visibility and outreach.
• Nwaocha Vivian Ogochukwu takes up the chair of the Innovation, Research, and Development Committee, stepping into a role embraced especially by younger professionals.
• Olusegun Alabi will lead the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, a position many believe suits his reputation for integrity.

This blending of seasoned leadership and vibrant new voices sets the stage for an era where innovation, inclusivity, and ethical standards will define the NCS’s path forward.

Under the theme ‘Future-Forward – Harnessing the Power of Youth, Innovation, and Technology for National Economic Growth’, key discussions revolved around fostering a robust digital economy, enhancing digital citizenship, and ensuring inclusive growth across all sectors.

The LFC 2025 kicked off with a strong message from Dr. Bayero Agabi, president of DigiVation Network, who underscored the conference’s theme as perfectly encapsulating “the spirit of innovation, progress, and collective endeavours that define Nigerians.”

Dr. Agabi also issued a cautionary note on digital citizenship, stating that “Online Cyber Responsibility is a must to protect intellectual property rights among other concerns.

He stressed that upholding national values, respecting cultural norms, and protecting national security are integral to responsible online behaviour.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), delivered a powerful keynote address, asserting that Nigeria’s true wealth lies not in natural resources, but in its human capital, particularly within “classrooms, co-working spaces, and innovation hubs.

Speaking at the LFC 2025 through Dr. Aristotle Onumo, director of Stakeholder Management & Partnerships, the DG emphasized that the future belongs to nations with tech-ready youth.

He cited the remarkable achievement of Nigerian startups, which attracted over $1.2 billion in venture capital funding in 2024, showcasing the “audacity to dream, to build, to reimagime” prevalent among young Nigerians.

The importance of a robust national identity system as a catalyst for growth was highlighted by Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Represented by Prince Ajibade Ayeni Omobalufon, she stated that identity is the key to opening doors, breaking barriers, and creating pathways to future growth and development.

The NIMC’s partnership with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the creation of job opportunities through the NIMC Entrepreneurship System were cited as tangible examples of how digital identity is empowering youth.

Further solidifying the government’s commitment to digital transformation, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, managing director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, shared an ambitious vision for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

Speaking through Victor Imonieroh, he announced the expansion of their high-speed fiber optic network to over 5,000 kilometers and a groundbreaking partnership with NIGCOMSAT to extend connectivity to all 774 local government areas. “Our vision is clear,” he concluded. “A Nigeria where the youth are empowered by innovation, where technology is the bedrock of inclusive economic development, and where collaboration drives progress.”

Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, president of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), represented by Dr. Charles Onyeukwu, deputy national president, advocated strongly for greater empowerment of young people to counteract the “japa syndrome” – the increasing emigration of skilled professionals.

He urged for collective efforts to provide “meaningful avenues for the young people to express their dreams” within Nigeria.

Addressing critical issues of digital access and economic viability, Dr. Yele Okeremi, founder of Precise Financial Systems (PFS), represented by Mr. Babajide Alaka, stressed the need for “equitable access” to technology.

He pointed out the stark disparity in internet access, largely concentrated in major urban centers, and called for “deliberate investment in rural connectivity, community-based tech hubs, digital literacy programs in local languages, and inclusive policies that close the urban-rural gap.”

Dr. Tola Yusuf, co-founder of Infratel Africa, amplified the call for connecting underserved areas, highlighting that approximately “23 million people are still unconnected in Nigeria.”

He argued that intentional policies are needed to make investments in rural connectivity viable for telecom operators, emphasizing its crucial role in retaining young talent and fostering local entrepreneurship.

The conference also featured a significant announcement from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, represented by Ibukunoluwa Owa, at the LFC 2025 unveiled a series of youth-focused initiatives, including a localized National Data Protection Certification Programme that has already trained nearly 500 Nigerians.

“Data protection is not just about security—it’s about empowerment,” Owa stated, highlighting the massive employment opportunities for certified Data Protection Officers. The NDPC also launched Data Privacy Clubs in Universities, Secondary School Outreach programs, and a Virtual Privacy Academy, underscoring its commitment to creating a “safe, respectful, and secure” digital environment for young Nigerians.

Adding to the diverse perspectives, Dr. Olushola Odusanya, director general of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), represented by Mrs. Iret Oyefuga, deputy director at NACETEM affirmed the management’s commitment to “promoting research, technology, and innovation in Nigeria for sustainable development.”

He expressed optimism that collective efforts would drive economic growth and improve lives.

Finally, Arco Worldwide Services Limited, represented by David Ofoluwa, senior business development executive, made a compelling case for investing in drone innovation and youth empowerment, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The Lagos Future Conference (LFC) 2025 served as a vital platform for robust discussions, highlighting both the immense potential and the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s digital future.

The consensus among stakeholders was clear: a collaborative, responsible, and inclusive approach is paramount to translating the nation’s technological aspirations into tangible economic growth and a brighter future for all its citizens.

ConNovate 2025 International Conference

Speaking during press briefing on Thursday at NCS’ secretariat in Lagos, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, president of the Society, announced that the 19th International Conference on Technology and Computing, themed ConNovate 2025: Intelligent, Secure, and Sustainable Innovations for Connected World, will take place from August 11th to 14th, 2025, at Kano, Nigeria, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

“As Nigeria’s premier IT event and a leading platform in Africa, ConNovate 2025 will be a hybrid event, offering both physical and virtual attendance to ensure global accessibility”, he said.

NCS is the umbrella body for all IT professionals, interest groups, and stakeholders in Nigeria, boasting approximately 20,000 members across the nation’s 36 states.

With specialised groups such as ISPON, ITAN, NiWIIT, ITSSP, AITP, NITPCS, and structural organs including the College of Fellows, Chapters, and NACOS, NCS is dedicated to fostering innovation, professional excellence, and sustainable IT development in Nigeria.

“For the past 47 years, NCS has rotated its conference venues across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“Following the success of SmartEco 2024 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, we are thrilled to host ConNovate 2025 in Kano, a vibrant economic and cultural hub in Northern Nigeria, known for its contributions to industry and agriculture”, Dr. Aliyu said.

He said that the theme, ‘Intelligent, Secure, and Sustainable Innovations for Connected World,’ is strategically chosen to address the pressing need for advanced technological frameworks that prioritise intelligence, security, and sustainability.

In an era of rapid digital transformation, interconnected systems, and global challenges, ConNovate 2025 aims to foster collaboration among industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts to develop resilient, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.

Conference Focus and Sub-Themes 

He said that ConNovate 2025 will provide a dynamic platform to explore innovative approaches to global challenges.

Key sub-themes include:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
• Blockchain and Cryptography
• Sustainable and Green Technologies
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Cloud Computing and Big Data Analytics
• Robotics and Automation
• Smart Cities and Digital Transformation

These topics reflect the critical role of technology in building a connected, secure, and sustainable future.

The conference will bring together diverse stakeholders to deliberate on social, economic, and technological trends, fostering interdisciplinary solutions for a digitally interconnected world.

Elaborating on the conference highlights, Professor Adebukola Onashoga, chairman, Conference Committee at NCS, said that ConNovate 2025 will feature 40+ Sessions and Workshops led by industry leaders and top researchers; 300+ Paper Submissions from global participants, showcasing cutting-edge research; 2,500+ Delegates, including professionals, students, and researchers, and 55+ Partners and Exhibitors presenting innovative technologies

Others are; Technical Sessions, Workshops, and Exhibitions to explore emerging technologies; AI and Tech Challenges with attractive prizes to inspire innovation, and Networking Opportunities to forge global partnerships and collaborations.

(Physical) Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu FNCS – the President; Dr. Charles C. Onyeukwu FNCS – the Deputy President; Prof. Adebukola Onashoga FNCS – hairman, Conference Committee; Dr. Olusoji B. Okunoye FNCS -Chairman, Innovation, Research and Development Committee; Mrs. Shulammite A. Ilebiyi FNCS – Chairman, Publicity Event sand Trades Services Committee; Mr. Segun Adekunle- Executive Secretary

(Online): Dr. Stanley Adiele Okolie – Zonal Coordinator South East; Mrs. Margaret John David- Zonal Coordinator North East; Mr. Tunde Ogunremi – Zonal Coordinator South West, and Dr. Mrs. Olukemi Sade Ayodele – President, Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT).

They spoke at the recent Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) International Conference 2024, themed “Technological Innovation for a Smart Economy,” held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, emphasizing that government should engage professionals on IT related projects to curb the level of project failures in the systems.

Dr. Aliyu Sirajo, president of NCS, welcomed attendees and encouraged participants to seek new insights and connections to foster a smarter economy.

Prof. Mike Hinchey, Director of IEEE Region 8; Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and other notable speakers discussed “Innovations in Software for Smart Economy.”

Earlier in her opening remarks, Professor Adebukola Onashoga, chairman of Conferences, NCS, emphasized the theme as a call to action and expressed gratitude to all partners, executive members, and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

The conference was a success, with 1092 new members, 53 corporate bodies inducted into the NCS, including Michael Edafe, who won the Prof. Stella C. Chiemeke’s Prize for Best Research in Doctoral Consortium.

The conference also featured a cybersecurity awareness session, which included an online quiz and rewards for participants.

The conference emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders and intentional strategy development to ensure sustainable economic growth.

Dr. Heloisa Candello, Manager of the IBM Responsible Tech Group, discussed “Artificial Intelligence, Responsibility, and Social Impacts: A Human-Centered Approach to Conversational User Interfaces.”

Mr. Odutola Oluwatoyin, Relationship Manager at NIBSS, presented on “Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities in the FinTech Ecosystem.”

Prof. Victor Ekong discussed: “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Financial Services,” identifying key drivers such as smartphone adoption and the acceleration of online transactions due to COVID-19.

Chief Babajide Apata, CTO/Co-founder of Gird Finance, presented on “Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: Transforming National Financial Systems.”

The conference featured a doctoral consortium where four doctoral candidates, including Peter Godfrey Obike and Adeola Kolawole, presented their research, receiving valuable feedback from both academic and industry perspectives.

The conference also featured a Business, Youth, and Entrepreneurship Session sponsored by Oracle Corporation.

Simeon Oyebola, Adaranijo Adedoyin, and Solomon Yateghtegh shared insights on empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Mr. Olunide Coker from NIRA stressed the need for adoption of .ng domain name identity.

The conference was formally closed with a conference dinner hosted by Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers State Governor, setting the stage for future advancements in Nigeria’s digital economy and the need to eliminate quackery in the IT professions, while Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, chairman, Senate Committee on ICT & Cybercrime, charged the state government and other stakeholders to driving the economy with technology and equally provision of hubs within the states.

PHOTO SPLASH:

The experts sitting as panellists at a webinar organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) in partnership with Sterling Bank, this week, reiterated that adequate education and awareness would mitigate the fraud in the financial sector.

A report by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) shows that at third quarter of 2023, the Nigeria banking sector lost over N9.5 billion naira to electronic fraud.

Also, a fraud and forgeries, First Quarter 2023 report by FITC, underscored the pressing need for proactive measures in the face of escalating cyber threats.

To this end, the NCS webinar which was sponsored by Sterling Bank had the theme ‘Information Security in the Financial Sector’.

Leading the discussions, Professor Adesina Shodiya, the immediate past president (IPP) of NCS said that education and awareness are very important in promoting financial security.

Sodiya said that training of the employees was vital because ‘what you do not know is bigger than you and what is bigger than you can cost one a lot’.

He said that training of employees, creating awareness and education of customers would mitigate the challenges of fraud faced by financial institutions.

According to Sodiya, digital payment is a good development because of the convenience, however, the challenge is that majority of the people using such platforms do not have sound knowledge of information security “and are not bothered”.

“The way to go is education, training and security awareness because a lot of attack is going on in the financial sector, not reported.

“Employees must have training and knowledge about best practices and such training should be done in such a way that it would be of interest to the employees.

“So, the financial industry should continue to prepare against any form of attack because we will continue to see new wave of attacks. They need all forms of mechanism to protect their systems,’’ he said.

According to the IPP of NCS, it is also very important for financial sector to conduct research so as to protect resources entrusted to them.

Dr Tombari Sibe, the lead forensic examiner, Digital Footprint Nigeria Limited, said that Ransomware has been of concern in recent times and financial services sector is the most impacted.

Sibe said that financial service sector is data-centric hence the increase in ransomware threat and vulnerability attributed to new technology trends.

“As Financial service sector and customers, these things are real and it is good to take it seriously. It is also good that NCS and Sterling Bank are bringing it to fore burner’.

According to him, there is need for education, need to know what to do and not to do such as clicking on link of suspecting source or give out   information on phone.

The security expert also said that one should not hop on any free WiFi because it is easily hacked and financial vectors should take care of their enterprise; have an incidence response plan, business continuity plan, among others.

He however commended the financial sector for the compliance level with regards to the Nigeria Data Protection Law.

Also speaking at the panel discussion, Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, the founder and chief executive officer, Hyperspace Technologies Ltd., said that a lot of organisations have ditched capacity training for their employees due to the brain drain syndrome witnessed in the country.

Akindeinde said that the training, capacity building, competence development and education should be reintroduced.

According to him, investigation carried revealed that the human compromise is a threat to information technology security; “a lot of internal people that were trained and administrators of the information security are now out-of the country and sabotaging the system”.

He said inspite all, capacity building should be maintained and all time monitoring system should be set up.

Speaking on the need for regulation, Akindeinde said that innovations proceeds regulation and one cannot regulate what one does not understand.

He said that in trying to regulate, policy makers are over-regulating hence they (policymakers) need to have sound knowledge about technology to develop helpful regulations.

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) led by Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu as the president, is the umbrella organization of all information technology professionals, interest groups and stakeholders in Nigeria.

The programme, which brought together stakeholders and experts from across various sectors, was designed to identify and analyze cyber-attacks in Nigeria’s ecosystem as well as provide reliable solutions to the Nation’s Cybersecurity challenges.

From security agencies to IT professionals, financial institutions, academia, and several other players, the stakeholders included Professor Olufemi Peters, the Chief Host and Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria; Professor Adesina Sodiya, (FNCS), the host and President of NCS; Dr Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, (FNCS), the Deputy President; Mr. Ayoola Iyiola, (FNCS), Executive Secretary of NCS; Dr. Olusoji Okunoye, (FNCS), Chairman, Innovation, Research and Development; Mrs A. Ilebiyi, Chairman NCS Audit Committee; Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, Chair, African Union Cyber Security Expert Group (AUCSEG) and many others.

The forum was followed by a two days’ hands-on workshop where modern cybersecurity tools were taught and demonstrated to the participants.

The topic of discussion, Cybersecurity, was treated from three perspectives, they were people — critical examination of challenges, level of awareness as well as the knowledge and skill levels — process and technology.

It was agreed that a lot of work has been done in policy formulation and standards and modern cybersecurity technologies and tools were of utter relevance as a major tool for addressing the nation’s cybersecurity challenges. 

In line with the available facts presented and discussed, the forum, therefore, proffered the following resolutions:

1. Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), governments, and private organizations should continue to collaborate to develop massive cybersecurity skill sets needed to bridge the gaps identified in the ecosystem.
2. Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) strongly recommended that government institutions, and private, and public organizations should take the issue of cyber security very seriously.
3. Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), in conjunction with governments and private organizations, should develop robust and efficient cybersecurity awareness programmes that will also focus on non-IT professionals and those in remote areas.
4. Government should be more committed to the implementation of some of the cybersecurity policies and laws already enacted. NCS should provide the needed support for this.
5. Government agencies, institutions, and private companies were advised to be more proactive by developing and implementing strategic cyber intelligence for the effective protection of digital assets.
6. Government should establish a dedicated coordinating agency for cybersecurity activities in the country. The established cybersecurity agency should be capable of publishing cybercrime acts, coordinating, managing, and defending against attacks against our cyberspace.
7. Nigeria’s military should establish a joint cybersecurity operation command centre to monitor, prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats against the nation. This will complement the efforts of the office of the national security adviser and other national efforts.
8. Government should develop a community incident database for cybercrimes which should be visible to all stakeholders with the appropriate clearance.
9. Governments and private organisations should strive to reduce their dependencies on foreign software to reduce the level of vulnerability on digital infrastructure and the challenge with FX rates.
10. Governments and regulatory bodies in education (such as UBE, NBTE, NCCE and NUC) should introduce basic cybersecurity skills in the educational curriculum at all levels.
11. Government, through the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other relevant agencies, should develop a national intelligence database with biometric features and enabled cross-referencing by security agencies in cases of cyber and other attacks.
12. Government should integrate the CERTs by different agencies of government (NITDA, NCC and ONSA) for improved performance. The managers of the different CERTs should also improve citizens’ awareness of the existence, relevance, access, and usage of CERT.
13. Special regular and massive cybersecurity awareness programmes should be developed by NCS and other related organisations for children and the girl-child.
14. IT professionals and cybersecurity experts should constantly develop themselves through massive open online courses and other learning platforms on cybersecurity.
15. NCS, governments and private organisations should encourage and support Computer / IT Clubs in secondary schools. Cybersecurity education will be one of the major goals of the clubs to increase cybersecurity awareness.
16. Nigerian government should enhance our relationship and partnership with international organisations on cybersecurity such as ITU, United Nations, EU, NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, etc, for strategic and technical development expertise in cybersecurity.
17. Nigeria should position itself to capitalize on the African and global cybersecurity solutions market, using its talented youth, to ensure that our economy uses cybersecurity for foreign exchange gain and not as a foreign exchange drain.