Reps to establish ICT institute in Ondo

By Msugh Ityokura

The House of Representatives Committee on Digital and Information Technology (ICT) Tuesday held a public hearing to deliberate on possible measures of promoting ICT in the country.

The deliberation focused on two issues which are “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal Institute of Information Communication Technology, Idanre, Ondo State, to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instruction, and Training in Information Communication Technology; and to Provide for the Appointment of the Provost and Other Officers of the Institute to Carry Out the Administration and the Discipline of Students of the Institute, and for Related Matters (HB.783).

The other Is “A Bill for an Act to Promote Information Technology Education, Entrepreneurship, and Infrastructure Development Across Nigeria’s Six Geopolitical Zones, with Atisbo as the Hub for the South-West Zone, and for Related Matters (HB.1360).

The speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas in his opening remarks said a robust ICT framework will not only transform the nation’s educational sector but also create fertile ground for job creation, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.

“It will serve as a strong barrier against the challenges of unemployment and social discontent, equipping our youth with skills that align with the demands of the 21st-century workplace” he said.

Abbas said the initiatives align seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on youth empowerment and job creation.

“It is imperative for us to explore how ICT can transform the way education is conducted, how students learn, how knowledge is transmitted and how educational processes are managed. We must tap into the immense potential of emerging and future ICT technologies to revolutionize the education system”.

According to the Speaker who was represented by a lawmaker, Ayokunle Ibrahim, the public hearing created a platform for citizens, experts, and other stakeholders to contribute to shaping the future of ICT education in Nigeria.

He said such contributions will not only guide lawmakers in further legislative work but also provide valuable insights into the probable outcomes of these bills.

Abbas urged participants to recognize that the success of the bills transcends legislative processes as It requires a collective commitment to implementing policies that will redefine the role of technology in national development narrative.

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Chairman of the Committee, Adedeji Olajide in a remark said when established, the institution will also award Higher National Diploma, HND National Diploma, ND Diplomas and Professional Certificates in ICT.

When created, Adedeji noted the institution will train young Nigerians into world-class programmers and software developers.

“It will also give them the opportunity to acquire the relevant skills and critical competencies required to participate in the new global information and communication technology” he said.

The objective of the public hearing was to obtain information and get expert opinion on the proposed legislation so as to provide citizens the opportunity to take part in the legislative process.