INVITATION TO A ONE-DAY STAKEHOLDERS REVIEW OF THE NEW ICT POLICY

Development Information Network (DEVNET) , as part of its Policy Advocacy mandate is seeking to coordinate inputs of Civil Society into the new Draft National ICT Policy recently released by the Ministry of Communications Technology. To this end DevNet will be hosting a CSO Review Meeting of the ICT Policy and desires the participation of stakeholders. FOR ABUJA BASED PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS.

Date : Wednesday 22nd February 2012
Venue: The Computer Training Centre, 4Square House, 2nd Floor, 7, Usman Sarki Crescent, Utako, Abuja.
Time: 9am-3pm.

Topics of Relevance to Civil Society in the ACT

• Freedom of Expression
• Internet Governance
• Inclusive Digital Society
• National Information Infrastructure/Architecture
• Cybersecurity / Cybercrime
• Local Content
• Women/Youths/Jobs/ICT – Digital Divide
• Community Broadcasting
• Research, Development and Innovation
• Convergence and Regulation of the Telecommunication Services in Nigeria

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Click Here for the Draft National Nigeria ICT Policy for your perusal.

Prepared comments on the contents, with ideas for improving the policy will be appreciated.
Click Here for the 2008 CSO Seoul Declaration on ICT Policy.

FOR ABUJA BASED PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS
for NGOs based in and around Abuja are specifically targeted, others can contribute on-line through:
wsisnigeriacg@gmail.com, devnetnigeriaorg@yahoo.com; bolubamise@yahoo.com, you can also leave your message/comments on the Facebook – Wsisnigeria Contact Group.

Draft National ICT Policy Review holds Wed 22/2/2012 @ 4Square House, 7 Usman Sarki Crescent, Utako, Abuja 9am pls confirm attendance 08026608087 or devnetnigeriaorg@yahoo.com

Kindly confirm availability to participate to devnetnigeriaorg@yahoo.com.

Please circulate!

Convener

Bankole Olubamise
Bankole Olubamise*Executive Director*DevNet* The Penthouse, 2a, Ireti Street, Off Thurburn Ave, Box 2488, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.* T:+234 802 660 8087; www.bolubamise.blogspot.com

Nigeria Computer Society focused on promoting IT for Development, Cashless Society and Knowledge Economy in 2012

Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) the leading association of IT professionals, students, academics, stakeholders and interest groups in Nigeria will promote IT for inclusive, overall Development as well as the Cashless Society and Knowledge Economy in 2012 in line with its commitment to accelerate IT development in Nigeria.

Draft ICT Policy
The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) appreciates the effort of the Ministry of Communication Technology in producing the draft harmonized ICT policy.

NCS, the leading professional IT association in Nigeria is committed to providing direction and a roadmap for the employment of ICT to provide inclusive growth and overall prosperity in Nigeria. In this light a high level team at NCS has reviewed the draft policy and come up with suggestions and made recommendations to the Ministry.

Sustainable modern, competitive, prosperous and inclusive economies require coordination and consistency in ICT and related activities. While public power supply and other infrastructure are critical, we must invest in the future of Nigeria with IT capacity building and research and development. NCS is focused on ensuring ICT adds value in education, employment generation, business improvement, healthcare and public safety to boost economic growth, social inclusion and overall national development.

National Security
In particular security has become a major concern in the nation. Indeed without safety and peace, social and economic development is uncertain and unsustainable. NCS and its members are therefore working on initiatives to ensure that IT is effectively deployed to improve security. A holistic and strategic IT for Security approach that incorporates manpower development, infrastructure, management, funding and policies is recommended.

Cyber security Legislation
Furthermore, NCS advocates the passage of Cyber Security legislation to provide legal backing and confidence for an electronic and knowledge society. Having the right legal and regulatory framework will promote the multisectoral adoption of IT, encourage trust and confidence in IT enabled activities while attracting significant local and international investment in Nigeria’s IT industry. Legislation must be a priority in creating an enabling environment for the inclusive growth of cashless and mobile money markets.

NCS Annual Conference 2012
Because of the critical and strategic roles the IT community plays in ensuring digital infrastructure and expertise drives development and fosters overall prosperity, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is working with stakeholders and the public to raise awareness and chart the way forward as the country develops the cashless economy and society. Cashless is beyond infrastructure and POS machines. NCS is calling for papers and participation at Nigeria’s largest gathering of IT professionals, academics, managers and stakeholders, the annual NCS Conference 2012, holding in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state in July 2012. Conference theme is “Towards a Cashless Nigeria: Tools and Strategies”. The conference will hone in on critical Cashless issues of economic growth, security, capacity building, job creation, social implications, challenges, strategies and creative insights.

Nigeria Information Technology Exhibition (NITEX) 2012
NCS is also organizing the Nigeria Information Technology Exhibition (NITEX) 2012 to provide opportunities for solution providers, application developers, vendors and consumers to review latest technologies and tools, and share experiences and ideas for profitable living and experiences in the Cashless society. NITEX organized by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is the premier event for software developers, software architects, solution providers, OEMs, IT vendors and consultants working in the various markets, sectors and technologies. It’s a gathering of stakeholders showcasing, learning about and discussing the latest technology and trends.

Mainstreaming IT
In line with NCS’s dedication to deploying IT to accelerate development, the society works towards the mainstreaming of IT into private and public sector activities, especially in ensuring transparency and accountability within governance and promoting IT for efficiency and value for money and investment. To provide direction and leadership for the IT community, NCS is continually exploring ways of improving the competitiveness of the nation as well as indepth development and diffusion of IT. To be competitive and relevant in today’s knowledge driven world, socio-economic development programmes and initiatives must leverage on IT. It’s about digital Inclusion and using IT as a tool for improving national growth and competitiveness of the nation through IT. ICT is so critical to the growth of the Nigerian economy and society and it must start delivering on its promise.

Nigeria Computer Society is committed to shaping the future of IT, promoting IT for the development of ALL and supporting people who make IT work.

Publicity, Events and Trade Services Committee
Nigeria Computer Society
Feb 2012

Training: Cost burden or Career strengthener?

In taking training decisions, cost is a major issue that must be addressed. What is the training fee? It is something we all have to consider. However, it is ridiculous to make the cost of training the sole deciding factor in your training decision. Have you determined the real costs of training? Is it just the training fee? Or is training a “necessary evil”? Too often, we underestimate the costs involved. Training involves the tangible and the intangible.

Tangibles and Intangibles
Have you factored in the cost of supporting materials such as study guides, CDs? And if training is geared towards certification you must obviously take certification exam fees into account. These are the tangibles. But the real cost of training includes time and effort. Too many prospective trainees cannot see beyond the payment of your training fees. The cost of succeeding in training is beyond money. Money may provide fuel but it is not the engine. It has its limits. Is your mind in the right place? Are you learning to please others or simply following the crowd? Your thinking affects quality. The mind is number one in the self development process. Everything else including cost is secondary! The quality of time and effort you put into training is even more important than the training fee. Your time is not free. Do you value it? How wisely are you using your training time? And what is the point in paying training fees if we fall short in effort?

Self Development a luxury?
When our financial situation is tough, it’s not unusual to view training as a luxury. However, abandoning self development can end up costing you and causing you more pain in future. Rather than give up why not examine other ways of learning that would cost less in financial terms? Many training institutions will offer group or early payment discounts. Have you considered teaming up with colleagues, friends or others in a similar situation to make a group? Or can you get your organization to invest in your training in which both you and the organization benefit? Note that you can’t have a mindset that is just about what you want – you must also appreciate the organization’s perceptions. Furthermore, be creative in your use of time and effort. Even if the course is free, you need time out of work or your usual schedule, time to understand what you are learning and practice requires time.

Cost burden or Career strengthener?
Training is about investing in yourself – in your future – for personal and community benefit. It is not an “immediate results” party. Instead of deciding only based on what you are putting in, you must always balance the picture with what you are getting out. So what are the real benefits of training? Think of present and future prospects. How is the training going improve you and your future? Adopting a strictly financial cost benefit analysis is way off track. Can you really quantify the “unwritten” principles you have imbibed, relationships built and mind opening experiences in “cash and carry” terms? Instead when you look at training use the lens of a well thought through, innovative assessment that weighs financial and non financial investment and returns.

No Black or White
You see the learning experience is not just about black or white. Cost cannot be the only deciding factor. It is indeed reckless to choose a poor training solution just to save money. And at the same time expensive training does not mean superior quality. Be objective and open minded. Improving your skills and knowledge in the right fields throws up a mix of the tangibles and intangibles.

Benefits include enhancing your job prospects, developing your learning and problem solving abilities, improving your capabilities for contribution, highlighting your initiative and hunger for knowledge and growth, positioning you for promotion, enhancing your personal network, improving your productivity, keeping you up-to-date with industry trends, opening up new career and entrepreneurial opportunities, etc.

Training costs time, money and effort but go past limits and think beyond cost. Open your mind to the future.

Jide Awe

Founder, Jidaw

NIGERIA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION

NITEX 2012

Digital Inclusion; tool for improving national growth and competitiveness of the nation through IT

NITEX organized by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is the premier event for software developers, software architects, solution providers, OEMs, IT vendors and consultants working in the various markets, sectors and technologies. It’s a gathering of stakeholders showcasing, learning about and discussing the latest technology and trends. IT is integral to the growth and sustainability of knowledge economies. The IT community plays critical and strategic roles in ensuring IT drives development and fosters overall prosperity.

NITEX-2012 will serve as an excellent opportunity to promote latest technologies as they relate to organizations, ranging from SME’s, large enterprise and multinationals. NITEX, annually provides opportunities to take advantage of best practices, tools and technologies in the IT industry.
The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) annually partners with government agencies as well as private sector firms and non-governmental organizations to present an all-inclusive exhibition that showcases various Nigerian IT products, solutions and services.

NITEX OBJECTIVES

1. To diversify the productive structure of the economy away to IT from oil/natural resources.
2. To employ IT for local and global competitiveness and integration of the productive/service sectors of the economy into the global economy
3. To encourage local content development, production, competency and delivery of IT solutions and services and IT enabled services and products and foster IT creativity for enhanced productivity and competitiveness
4. To increase local participation in the software, hardware, IT solutions and services market and stimulate demand locally and globally for significant local consumption and foreign export.
5. To develop human capital with emphasis on creating and supporting a knowledge-based society
6. To promote new ways of organizing work and business with the aim of raising productivity, growth and well-being through investment in IT and human resources for improved business efficiency, security, employment generation and wealth creation.
7. To make Nigeria the leading trusted hub in Africa providing globally competitive trade and business services through the deployment and exploitation of IT
8. To promote awareness and mainstream digital concepts, practices and culture into the economic life of the nation and empower Nigerians to participate fully in software and IT development
9. To promote the adoption of IT by all sectors for commerce, education, government, security and development
10. To promote trust and confidence involved in IT enabled business and transactions and attract significant local and international investment in Nigeria’s IT industry

NCS is probably the biggest association of IT professionals on the Africa continent. With over 10,000 members throughout Nigeria spread across country, private and public sectors and industries, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is the umbrella organization of all Information Technology Professionals, Interest Groups and Stakeholders in Nigeria.
NCS is recognized in corporate world and governance as the national platform for the advancement of Information Technology Science and Practice in Nigeria

Sponsor and Exhibitor Benefits
ONE ON ONE MARKETING
Engage with existing and potential clients in person and effectively. You will be interacting with an audience that is enthusiastically looking for new products, partnerships, and new business.

ENHANCE BUSINESS
Gain new prospects, build new leads and build new relationships and partnerships. In particular gain from specially designed marketing offerings to address your business requirements.

CUSTOMER RETENTION
Reengage with your clients and update them on your new offering in an outstandingly refreshing manner. Seize opportunities for meetings and presentations at the conference.

TARGETED NETWORKING
At NITEX 2012, participants will be provided with a wealth of opportunities for networking, forums, CEO networks, specific IT related business issues, national IT concerns, etc, all together under one roof

Annually NITEX 2012 brings together thousands of industry executives, professionals and stakeholders together to grow their opportunities, share valuable insights, form new partnerships and set standards for the industry.

NCS for Development
Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is focused shaping the future of IT in Nigeria, promoting IT for development for the benefit of all and supporting ALL who make computers work. NCS is committed to advancing the interests of its highly respected and valued members and the local and global IT industry as one.

Skill development, the need for the practical

Skill development is a key outcome of any training exercise. However quality of skill development does not come solely from the course content, course fee or duration. A critical question is whether skill development is practical.

“Spending time from morning to night on a farm does not make you a farmer”.

It is what you do that matters.
What you is important. But can you really upgrade your IT knowledge and skills with theories alone? Give me a break! The day that happens you will see pigs flying.

It is essential that your training is interactive and participative. It is not enough to see it done by the instructor; can you do it yourself? Practical skill development meaningfully combines theory, practice, feedback and motivation. Continuous practical testing enables you to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Concentrate on developing your ability to carry out practical tasks. You might make mistakes at first, but you can only learn by doing. Deliberate practice in areas of interest is required. And understanding feedback from practice can be applied to help you improve.

Practical means you can Deliver
Before you practice, or apply what you have learnt you should know and understand what has to be done. However, IT skills only make sense when you deliver practically. Don’t waste time with theories or storytelling. Is training relevant in enabling the computer user to demonstrate competence in commonly used applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and e-mail software? Can she produce results with PCs and interact with other ICT users? You either know how to work with spreadsheets or you don’t. Relying only on your theoretical understanding of Microsoft Excel won’t be of much help in the work place.
Practical skills are critical for inclusion and employability. For example, you need to be Internet savvy to receive the latest online job updates.

The IT professional too needs practical skills – technical expertise for computer assembly and repairs, software programming, web development, IT security, etc. The requirements are clear. As a network specialist can you troubleshoot Bank A’s network connectivity problem? Real, practical skills are the solution. Never be satisfied with just certificates or certifications. Certifications cannot give you what you don’t have. They can only validate your skills and knowledge. I can understand the certificate craze as it can be useful in opening doors. We can’t ignore them as important training outcomes. However it is your ability to contribute that will keep those doors open not the certificate. The value you add comes first.

Your practical skills and knowledge are more important.
Certificates will always be secondary. Okay, let me ask a crazy question: what if I physically tear up your certificate into pieces? Will that take away the knowledge and skills you have developed? You have passed the Microsoft Server and several networking exams, yet you can’t network yourself out of a nylon bag. Does that sound reasonable? You can either install the server or you can’t. Almost does not count. Do you think industry or society is looking for people who can pass exams? Or people who can contribute?

Unfortunately many spend so much cramming to pass exams – paper certification, and not enough on developing their practical skills. Identify your training gap. Training is supposed to enable you to do technical things that matter that you couldn’t do before. What is the essence of having a certificate that is not worth the paper on which it is written? Paper certified network specialist, it’s time to get real and get practical. Aren’t you tired of the self deceit that is creating your career traffic jam? No employer, no business will pay for a piece of paper.

Society wants contributors. Practical training not only enables you to compete better, it’s about using the practical to fulfill promise. GET PRACTICAL!!

Jide Awe
Founder, Jidaw