ABUJA, JULY 26, 2016 – Barrister Adebayo Shittu, minister of Communications has expressed shock over revelations by the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) concerning a memo by then President Olusegun Obasanjo pertaining adoption of locally developed software to galvanise the economy.Shittu who played host to ISPON delegation led by Olorogun James Emadoye, the President, in his Abuja office, said he was surprised by some revelations including the circular passed in 2006 instructing all MDAs to make use of local software as long as the solution exists locally, the pledge by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo to let out the Federal secretariat building in Ikoyi for an IT park as well as the development of a Software Development Fund.
Stating that these revelations were new to him, he urged the ISPON President to write proposals on specific requests for onward action from the ministry.
He also advised ISPON to carry out some initiatives by herself as a means to an end in certain occasions.
The Minister added that a section of the Abuja Technology Village can be converted to an IT Park for innovation and exhibition of software solutions.
Chris Uwaje, President Emeritus, ISPON pointed out that Abuja lacks the capacity to be the stronghold of software innovation, judging from figures obtained from a survey which showed 85% of the IT industry operates in Lagos.
The minister then affirmed that if a strong case is made by ISPON, he will accept that a letter of request for land to be allocated for an IT park be written through him to the Governor of Lagos State, delivered personally by him with the believe that he will key in as he has also identified the importance of ICT.
He made it clear that lots of work would be entailed in terms of fund raising to get the structure up.
Moni Udoh, director IT, Ministry of Communications, in her remarks on the presentation said the request of ISPON for strategic collaboration was a welcome development as in the public service, their belief is that local content is the way to go.
Udoh agreed that inconsistency has been a major factor robbing the development of the IT industry in Nigeria.
She said that the circular in question had to be revisited and that a sustainable framework should be pursued, even if it requires legislation.
Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, ISPON 2nd Vice President spoke of some of the advocacy with government, citing the example of the institution of an IT cadre in government during the tenure of President Olusegun Obasanjo; previously, IT wasn’t given proper attention and was treated by the secretariat.
The institution of IT cadres led to the establishment of the office of the CIO and enabled proper interpretation of IT processes and procurement for example which was otherwise poorly done. He advised that government, through its initiatives, should support the private sector and not compete with it.
In response to the question of what ISPON can do for the ministry, the Minister stated that the ministry is an enabler and so has no personal requests.
He went on to speak on the intent to establish an ICT university, using the facility of the Digital Bridge Institute as well as six other campuses; the project has been approved by NUC.
He expects support from ISPON in the form of provision of ideas for a standard IT syllabus for the university. He stated further that is software engineering would be requiring its own campus, the request would be granted, promising that a representative of ISPON would be on the committee on the implementation of the university.
Speaking on funds, he stated that the government is broke and he had assured President Buhari that the ministry would raise its own funds needed projects.
He urged the industry to contribute towards the success of the university as resources to do so are in abundance.
Also speaking, Tope Fashedemi, director, eGovernment, Ministry of Communications in response to the presentation said that a lot of changes have taken place since the 2006, stating that NITDA was then in its formative stage but now formidable and ready to work; he advised that ISPON engages NITDA towards the implementation of some of our requests.
He also spoke about the need for industry stakeholders to work harmoniously as that would give a stronger voice and yield high impact. He cited the example of having an agreement between ISPON and local hardware companies to bundle locally developed software.
Chinenye in response spoke about how government and market forces can drive the industry; ISPON as a market force still requires government support for success.
He advocated the implementation of R&D in Nigeria to enable us get to such levels.
The ISPON delegation then made a handover of the proposal for collaboration as well as an award plaque to the Minister for his strides in office. Group photographs were taken and the meeting concluded.
