It was not a product launch. There were no flashy startup pitches, venture capital announcements, or grand technology unveilings.

Yet, inside the university environment on April 30, 2026, something arguably more foundational was taking shape, a growing effort to close the widening gap between classroom learning and the realities of an increasingly digital economy.

A delegation from the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Lagos Chapter, led by its chairman, Dr. Adewale Adesina, had visited the University to explore how academia and industry could work more closely in preparing students for a technology landscape evolving faster than many institutions can keep up with.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Lesi, whose remarks reflected a shared understanding that the traditional model of education alone may no longer be enough for the future of work.

At the centre of the discussions was a simple but urgent reality: Nigeria’s technology ecosystem is changing rapidly, driven by artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity demands, cloud computing, digital finance, and the growing need for innovation-led problem solving.

For universities, this means students increasingly require more than academic degrees. They need industry exposure, practical experience, mentorship, professional networks, and skills aligned with real-world market demands.

The visit by the Nigeria Computer Society came shortly after the launch of the Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod (AI UniPod) at UNILAG, an initiative that has already positioned the institution within broader conversations around AI-driven education and innovation in Nigeria.

According to the Society, the timing created an opportunity to build a deeper partnership capable of connecting education, enterprise, and innovation.

Among the proposals discussed were structured onboarding of students into the professional body from their first year, mentorship programmes, innovation-focused collaborations, startup incubation pathways, digital capacity building initiatives, AI research partnerships, and increased participation in conferences and industry engagements.

The broader vision extends beyond the university itself.

Stakeholders involved in the discussions acknowledged that Nigeria’s future digital competitiveness depends on creating a stronger educational pipeline connecting secondary schools, universities, innovation hubs, startups, and professional institutions into one integrated ecosystem.

Interestingly, the meeting was not dominated solely by senior administrators and professionals.

Two student representatives from the Faculty of Computing and Informatics subtly became symbolic voices for why the conversation mattered.

Toluwani Ajibare and Jerry Chukwuma Aneke spoke about the growing pressure on students to graduate with practical competencies capable of making them employable and globally competitive beyond the classroom.

Their presence reflected a wider anxiety increasingly shared by many Nigerian students: in a digital economy shaped by speed and disruption, certificates alone are no longer sufficient.

Responding to the proposals, Foluso Lesi noted that several of the suggested areas of collaboration already align with ongoing efforts within the university’s Faculty of Computing and Informatics.

He encouraged the Society to deepen engagement with the Faculty, particularly within opportunities created by Nigeria’s evolving Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), which now allows stronger industry participation in curricular development.

According to him, industry practitioners are often closest to real-world challenges and are therefore better positioned to identify areas requiring urgent research, innovation, and practical solutions.

His remarks touched on a larger debate currently reshaping higher education globally — whether universities can remain relevant without stronger integration with industry.

For Nigeria, where youth unemployment and skills mismatch remain major concerns despite growing demand for technology talent, the implications are particularly significant.

Many employers continue to complain that graduates often leave school without the practical competencies needed for today’s workplace, while students increasingly seek alternative learning pathways through bootcamps, certifications, online platforms, and innovation hubs.

The conversations at University of Lagos therefore represent part of a broader shift: a recognition that the future of education may depend less on isolated academic structures and more on collaborative ecosystems.

Perhaps one of the most symbolic recommendations during the engagement came when Professor Lesi suggested that graduating students could be formally inducted into the Nigeria Computer Society during the university’s Hooding Ceremonies before convocation.

It was a subtle but powerful idea, one aimed at helping students transition seamlessly from academic life into professional communities and industry practice.

By the end of the meeting, discussions had already moved toward the possibility of a formal Memorandum of Understanding that could define long-term collaboration between both institutions.

But beyond institutional agreements and policy frameworks, the meeting reflected something deeper: a growing understanding that Nigeria’s digital future cannot be built in silos.

For both the University of Lagos and the Nigeria Computer Society, the engagement was less about ceremonial visits and more about a shared responsibility, preparing a generation that will not only participate in the digital economy, but help shape it.

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This was the highlight of a strategic courtesy visit by the NCS leadership, led by Professor Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, the national president, to the NDPC headquarters in Abuja.

The partnership comes at a critical time as the Commission ramps up efforts to enforce the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) 2023, while the NCS continues its push for IT professional excellence and capacity building in both the public and private sectors.

​Deepening Industry Ties

During the meeting, Professor Aliyu lauded Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, for his long-standing commitment to the NCS and the broader IT ecosystem.

He emphasized that the visit was aimed at strengthening the synergy between the two bodies, particularly in the areas of policy advocacy and the execution of flagship industry programs.​

Aliyu noted that the NCS is prepared to leverage its nationwide network of IT professionals to support the NDPC’s mandate of safeguarding the personal data of Nigerians.

Policy vs. Implementation

Responding to the delegation, Dr. Olatunji underscored the indispensable role of the private sector in driving government policies.

According to him, while the NDPC provides the regulatory framework and policies, professional associations like the NCS serve as the “engine room” that drives implementation through awareness and capacity building.

​“Awareness is a key component of our mandate,” Olatunji stated. “We are committed to strengthening this relationship because the success of data protection in Nigeria relies heavily on the expertise and reach of IT professionals.”

​Expanding the Tech Ecosystem​

In a move to foster greater inclusivity within the Nigerian tech space, Dr. Olatunji advised the NCS leadership to review its membership criteria.

He suggested that the society should open its doors to non-conventional tech players, individuals who may not have a formal degree in Computer Science but are actively driving innovation and value within the digital ecosystem.​

He noted that expanding the membership to include these practitioners would provide the NCS with a more diverse and robust footprint across both the public and private sectors, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of modern technology.​

The NDPC has recently been aggressive in its partnership drive, having recently signed an MoU with the NCC and partnered with the NYSC to train 3,700 Corps members as certified Data Protection Officers (DPOs).

Since the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act in 2023, the NDPC has focused on creating a compliance culture among Nigeria’s estimated 500,000 data processors and controllers.

​As the umbrella organization for all IT professionals in Nigeria, the NCS remains a primary stakeholder in the country’s journey toward a $1 trillion economy by 2030, a goal heavily reliant on digital infrastructure and data security.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Adewale expressed deep gratitude to members, past leaders, and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as a collective victory for the Lagos technology community.

“This moment is not about me, it is about all of us,” he said. “It is about the collective strength of a community that believes in innovation, professionalism, and service.”

He paid special tribute to past chairmen of the Chapter, particularly the immediate past Chairman, Mr. Olakunle Oladipupo, for laying a strong foundation of growth.

Dr. Adewale also commended the electoral committee for ensuring a transparent and credible election, describing the Lagos Chapter as “a model of digital democracy and professional integrity.”

Dr. Adewale, who will lead the Chapter alongside newly elected EXCO members, called for unity and collaboration, urging his team to “harmonize ideas and elevate the Chapter beyond every previous benchmark.”

A Bold Agenda for NCS Lagos

Unveiling his vision, Dr. Adewale outlined a strategic agenda aimed at transforming NCS Lagos into the most innovative, vibrant, and ethically grounded technology community in Nigeria.

His priorities include:

1. Youth Empowerment & Talent Acceleration

The Chairman emphasized the importance of grooming the next generation of technology leaders by creating structured pathways for NACOS members, young professionals, and budding innovators.

2. Digital Capacity Building

The Chapter will increase its focus on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Web3, and Data Governance, positioning Lagos as a digital competence hub.

3. Database & Secretariat Modernization

Dr. Adewale promised a complete overhaul of membership records and communication systems to make them transparent, streamlined, and fully digitized.

4. Stronger Industry Collaboration

NCS Lagos will deepen partnerships with government agencies, private sector players, and academic institutions to create more opportunities for professionals and contribute to the growth of Lagos State’s digital economy.

5. Professional Ethics & Good Governance

He pledged to uphold the highest ethical standards, stressing that accountability and integrity must remain foundational to the Society’s leadership.

“A New Era for Digital Lagos”

Declaring the start of “a new era,” Dr. Adewale said the Chapter would move from ideas to visible impact, ensuring members are active participants in shaping the future of the tech profession.

“A Greater NCS Lagos is here,” he declared. “Together, we will expand the bridge, reinforce the bridge, and walk boldly into the future of digital Lagos.”

He concluded with a reaffirmation of service, humility, and commitment, adding: “Eko ò ní bàjé! God bless NCS Lagos.”

Speaking at a press briefing held at the NCS National Office in Alausa, Ikeja, ITSSP President, Iyiola Ayoola, said the session on cybersecurity was organised to sensitise stakeholders ahead of the 2025 ITSSP Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for November 6, 2025, at Martinos Hotel, Ikeja. 

The conference will be held under the theme “Navigating the Future of Cybersecurity: Insights on the New Cybercrime Act and Policy Challenges.”

Ayoola noted that the Federal Government’s commitment to cybersecurity is essential to national stability and development. He acknowledged the 2024 amendment to the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act as a step forward but stressed the need for clarity, collaboration, and technical capacity to make it effective.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria recognises cybersecurity as a cornerstone of national development and security. However, with the rapid evolution of technology, increased sophistication of cybercriminals and emerging data privacy concerns, there is a compelling need to review, propagate and explain the existing cybercrime law and related policies,” he said.

The ITSSP president noted the need to protect critical national information infrastructures, strengthen penalties for cyber offences, and localise technology development to reduce overdependence on foreign systems.

“What you don’t create, you don’t have,” Ayoola stated, stressing that Nigeria must begin developing its own cybersecurity infrastructure if it hopes to survive the high wave of digital threats.

He further warned that the lack of coordination among agencies, inadequate funding, and the exodus of skilled professionals are endangering Nigeria’s digital space.

“Do we have enough expertise? Where are they? The few capable people we have are all going. Even banks have suffered from the loss of skilled cybersecurity managers,” he said.

Ayoola called for a national cyber coordination framework, greater private sector participation, and the inclusion of academia in capacity development. He also stressed the need for cyber ethics and public awareness campaigns, saying journalists and media organisations must help in educating citizens on online safety and digital responsibility.

“There must be a cyber ethics and awareness campaign. Who will do this awareness campaign for us? It is our press people that will do it,” he said, adding that media practitioners should be empowered and protected under the new cyber laws.

While addressing provisions of the 2024 Cybercrime Act, Ayoola acknowledged the government’s intention to curb online abuse and misinformation but noted issues of potential infringements on free speech.

“Some parts of the new law have raised concerns about free speech and citizens’ rights online. There must be a balance between freedom of expression and the implementation of cyber regulations,” he explained.

He noted that the law criminalises pornographic or knowingly false messages transmitted through computer networks, especially those capable of causing public disorder or threatening life, but questioned the absence of clear definitions for such offences.

“There are things that are not clear to us. One of them is the exact definition and threshold for what constitutes false or misleading content under the law. What level of proof is required?” Ayoola asked.

He emphasised that the ITSSP will continue to advocate for fairness, transparency, and stakeholder consultation in the interpretation of the law.

Beyond security, the event also featured a robust discussion on cyber economics, with journalists and professionals calling for recognition of the economic opportunities within cybersecurity.

“The government’s focus on cybersecurity should not overshadow the economic value within the space. There are volumes of digital transactions online, and protecting them is also protecting the cyber economy.”

In response, Ayoola and Rogba Adeoye, executive secretary of ITSSP, among other executives agreed that the cyber economy is largely untapped in Nigeria.

“The banks are the ones getting the economic aspect of it. They make deductions from every online transaction, but those revenues are rarely reinvested into technological development,” Ayoola said, adding that a regulated policy framework could channel part of these earnings into national innovation funds.

“Cybersecurity is not just a technological issue, it is a national security, economic and social imperative. Let us all work together to ensure that the nation’s digital future remains secure, resilient and prosperous.”

The ITSSP, established eight years ago as the cybersecurity arm of the Nigeria Computer Society, advocates for responsible digital governance, capacity building, and policy reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s cyber resilience.

He, in turn, officially inaugurated the new Executive Council of the Society.

The atmosphere was more than ceremonial; it was a reminder of the journey of Nigeria’s foremost IT body and the collective dream of a stronger digital future.

Taking the podium, Dr. Aliyu urged the incoming officers to see their oath not just as words spoken, but as a pledge to service, unity, and innovation.

“Wisdom lies in the ability to harness our diversity for collective growth,” he said, underscoring the importance of collaboration and openness to counsel.

He saluted the outgoing Exco, whose years of dedication, he noted, had set a pace of progress worth building upon.

But the day was not just about the present; it was also about the wisdom of the past. Elders of the society, guardians of its history, stepped forward to guide the new team.

Dr. Chris Nwannenna, former NCS president, reflected on milestones like the establishment of the NCS Secretariat in 2007, urging the new leaders to sustain the legacy of those before them. His words echoed the value of continuity and reverence for institutional memory.

Adding her voice, Mrs. Veronica Ola Owolabi, provost of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), reminded the executives that leadership extends beyond electoral victory. “Gather data, seek counsel, and build bridges with those who came before you,” she advised, emphasizing humility and preparation as cornerstones of leadership.

From another elder, Alhaji Ladi Ogunneye, came a sober reminder: NCS was founded as a unifying body for all IT professionals.

He cautioned against internal conflicts spilling into the courts, calling instead for harmony, constructive dialogue, and collective responsibility.

Congratulatory messages poured in from allied bodies as well. Mr. Abioye Bimbo, president of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), celebrated the moment and encouraged members to rally behind the new team.

Mr. Iyiola Ayoola, president of the Information Technology Systems and Security Professionals (ITSSP), painted a picture of a society still evolving, urging the executives to remain resilient and deliberate in shaping a future beyond their tenure.

Crowning the counsel of the day, Chief Babatunde Ezichi, chairman of the NCS Board of Trustees, offered a timeless lesson: leadership requires patience, what he called “elastic patience.”

He urged the leaders to embody tolerance, inclusiveness, and teamwork, virtues he said would carry them through inevitable challenges.

As the ceremony closed, one thing was clear: the torch of leadership had been passed not only with celebration but also with the weight of expectation.

The new executives stands at the intersection of legacy and future, charged to carry forward the vision of unity, service, and technological advancement for Nigeria’s IT community.

The new executives were elected during NCS’ AGM as part of activities at this year’s International Conference held in Kano State.

S/N      Title    Surname         Other Names Role

1. Dr. Aliyu Mohammed Sirajo – President
2. Dr. Onyeukwu Charles – Deputy President
3. Prof. Sodiya Adesina Simon –  Immediate Past President
4. Mrs. Ilebiyi Shulammite Ayobami – Chairman, Publicity, Events & Trade Services Committee
5. Dr. Nwaocha Vivian – Chairman Innovation, Research & Development Committee
6. Mr. Alabi Olusegun Sunday – Chairman, Ethics & Disciplinary Committee 
7. Dr. Okunoye Olusoji Babatunde – Chairman, Education & Manpower Development Committee
8. Mr. Oladipupo Olakunle Michael – Chairman, Credentials Committee
9. Mr. Onimode Bayo Mohammed – Chairman, Conferences Committee
10. Engr. Adetipe Omobolaji Sade – Chairman, Audit Committee
11. Mr. Ogunremi Moshood Tunde – South West Zonal Coordinator 
12. Dr. Oyerinde Oyeyinka Dantala – North Central Zonal Coordinator 
13. Mr. Aliyu Muhammad – North East Zonal Coordinator 
14. Prof. Osubor Veronica Ijesomma – South South Zonal Coordinator
15. Mr. Chidiebere Chidiebere –  South East Zonal Coordinator 
16. Mrs. John David Margaret John North East Zonal Coordinator 

“I didn’t organize those tech career seminars because I had all the answers. I did it because no one else was answering. The hunger was incredible.”

Over the years, I’ve met brilliant young Nigerians eager to know where to start, what to learn, who to learn from.

The truth? Most institutions weren’t listening. At those seminars, we discussed skills, jobs, and trends, but beneath it all was a deeper question:

• Will our system believe in and invest in our youth?
• That’s why the upcoming Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) election matters.
• It’s not just about filling positions.
• It’s about choosing leaders who can unlock the talent we keep talking about, and move from talk to action.

Why it Matters Now

Nigeria has Africa’s largest youth population. A generation born into cloud computing, AI, robotics, and the gig economy.

Yet too many are:

• Teaching themselves on with inadequate tools.
• Dropping out of outdated programmes.
• Giving up — not from lack of effort, but from lack of access.
• Lack knowledge about the opportunities, direction and guidance

Our best tech talent is leaving. What we risk losing is more than people it’s about our digital sovereignty.

The Role NCS Must Play

I’m a registered NCS member, a fellow of the society and a confirmed participant at this year’s Conference and AGM where the elections will take place.

I’ve contested before, won some, lost some and served on the National Executive Council in different capacities for years. I’m not writing just as an observer.

NCS should be more than an association. It can and must be a national backbone for computing development and digital transformation. But that depends on the leaders we choose.

We need leaders who will:

• Champion curriculum reform at all education levels.
• Create inclusive platforms for real access to skills, tools, infrastructure, support, and opportunity.
• Build mentorship programs linking students to industry.
• Partner with the private sector for innovation funding and internships.
• Bring more youth and women into the profession and leadership roles.
• Advocate for policies that protect Nigeria’s digital interests in a fast moving global tech market and space.

“Business as usual” will not create a better, sustainable digital future.

Who Can Vote

Under Article 6.3 of the NCS Constitution, eligible voters must:

• Be a Professional (Fellow, Member, Associate, Graduate) or Corporate Member.
• Have been formally inducted as a Professional Member.
• Be financially up to date.
• Be registered for the Conference (physical or virtual).

If that’s you, this is your moment. If you can’t vote, talk to NCS members you know. Influence matters.

This is too important to ignore. Young professionals in particular should note that you cannot reshape the system from the sidelines. Which progress are we really making if all we do is criticise, ignore or complain?

Character Over Perfection – for the Next Generation

No candidate is perfect. I certainly wasn’t when I first served. I had to learn, adapt, and grow. What matters is sincerity, commitment, creativity, and a purpose-driven approach.

Key qualities to look for:

• Vision – A clear plan for Nigeria’s digital future.
• Competence – Ability to solve problems and adapt.
• Collaboration – Works well with others.
• Empathy – Supports members, especially youth.
• Altruism – Uses power to empower others.

As Toni Morrison said:

“If you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.”

A Call for Courage and Vision

Elections don’t just choose office holders.

They choose whether we get builders or seat warmers, whether we get arrogant and self-serving tyrants or emotionally intelligent leaders.  The destiny of Nigeria’s youth is not guaranteed. It will be shaped by the leaders we choose now.

This NCS election is about relevance, not routine.

Let’s choose leaders who will open doors, for the young developer coding in unsustainable conditions, the student eager for mentorship, the intern that lacks access and the innovator deciding whether to stay in Nigeria or leave.

Let’s make this vote count, for our youth, and for our digital future.

“N-YAIT believes Prof. Onashoga’s extensive experience, leadership skills, and vision for the IT profession align with our organization’s values of accountability, empowerment, inclusivity, integrity, and youth-centric approach,” according to Mr. Godwin Abenege, the president of N-YAIT.

As a champion of digital growth and development in Nigeria, N-YAIT is confident that Prof. Onashoga’s presidency will drive NCS to new heights and promote excellence in the IT sector.

Mr. Abenege emphasized that N-YAIT’s endorsement is rooted in the organization’s commitment to promoting responsible digital practices, digital literacy, and skills development among Nigerian youth.

“We urge all IT professionals to join us in supporting Prof. Onashoga’s candidacy, as we believe her leadership will positively impact the future of our industry,” Mr. Abenege added.

As N-YAIT President, Mr. Abenege has consistently demonstrated his dedication to empowering Nigerian youth through digital innovation and education, upholding the principles of accountability, empowerment, and integrity that define our organization.

From 23 to 25 April, the three-day gathering at the Protea Hotel in Owerri has already drawn researchers, start-ups, investors, and policy-makers across West Africa.

Declaring the summit open, Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma stated that Imo was “determined to set the national pace in artificial intelligence,” adding that his administration has allocated new funds for broadband, an innovation hub, and STEM scholarships.

Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, NCS president described the gathering as “the Society’s most ambitious summit,” stressing that closer state–professional collaboration is vital if Nigeria is to implement the National AI Strategy unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Communications last December.

In a press statement signed by Mr. ‘Segun Adekunle, executive secretary, NCS, the President highlighted sessions on ethical governance, local-language large-language model development, and AI-driven precision agriculture as areas where Imo can pilot quick wins.

Tech entrepreneur Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Group and keynote speaker at the opening of the event, praised the governor’s “record-breaking” spend on human-capital development, urging Nigerian banks to align public commitments with seed funding for southeast founders.

Running under the theme, “Enabling Artificial Intelligence Systems for Rapid National Growth,” the summit combines high-level policy dialogue with hands-on innovation: over three days, delegates will transition from keynote debates to technical workshops, participate in an AI Challenge student hackathon, engage in a start-up expo, and take part in investor round-tables, with a closing communiqué expected to outline an NCS–Imo roadmap for an AI Innovation & Capacity-Building Centre scheduled to open later this year.

NCS officials say insights from the sessions will be forwarded to federal and state legislators as Nigeria prepares to implement the National AI Strategy released in December.

The summit continues today with panels on smart-city deployment and generative AI applications in health and education.

It will conclude tomorrow with the presentation of hackathon winners and the signing of a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigeria Computer Society and the Imo State Government.

Recall that Remita is developed by SystemSpecs, a corporate member of NCS, and an indigenous IT company with almost four decades experience which gained more traction at the introduction of Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Federal Government, and has served the government effectively since then, and saved the federal government billons of Naira that would have been lost in different accounts prior to the TSA.

Recently, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) wrote to SystemSpecs, notifying the IT Company of the plans by the government to introduce a new payment platform known as the Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance System (TMRAS) that would take effect from March 2025, implying the replacement of Remita with TMRAS for managing federal government fund collection.

Responding to news men in Lagos on this replacement plan, Prof. Siraju Aliyu, the president of the Nigeria Computer Society, Association, stated that it is not clear why the government is introducing a new payment platform that will manage its funds collection across MDAs, when Remita is active and efficient.

He urged the government to:

• consider the effect on subsidiaries that have plugged into the TSA, using Remita payment platform
• consider the implications for the transfer of existing data and the training of new staff to implement the new payment software
• consider the wrong signal that the replacement will send to industry stakeholders, investors and upcoming indigenous companies.

According to the NCS President, the concept of TSA was to ensure transparency in managing government finances through a single aggregator, and there would be no need to introduce another platform when Remita performs that function efficiently.

“Nigeria’s TSA implementation powered by indigenous technology has been widely acknowledged as one of the most successful worldwide.

“It has been celebrated by four different successive governments in Nigeria who boldly sang its praises for delivering mega savings to government.

“Nigeria needs to celebrate its own. The TSA project is arguably the largest and most successful software driven IT project delivered 100 per cent on a 100 per cent indigenous technology by a Nigerian IT company,”  Aliyu said.

The NCS President therefore calls for urgent dialogue on the matter so as not to dampen the efforts at growing indigenous software companies including Remita which has left its positive marks on the annals of IT and software development in the country.

Adding his voice to on-going, The Deputy President of the Association, Dr. Charles Onyeuku supported the need for reconsideration by the Government and the need for stakeholder dialogue to mitigate the effect this could have on local content policies.

Note that Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is the umbrella and the premier body of all computing and information technology professionals, interest groups and stakeholders in Nigeria. The Headquarter is in Lagos.

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.

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