NITDA, TETFund sign pact to consolidate IT in Tertiary institutions

By Etuka Sunday

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TETFund to consolidate on the Information Technology (IT) usage in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions.
The Director General of NITDA, Dr. Isa Pantami while speaking during the signing of MoU with TETFund on Emerging Information Technology (IT) and Digital Inclusion in Abuja said, the document are important and strategic.
Dr. Pantami said that, the collaboration was necessary to move Nigeria forward, as no Government Organization could develop on its own.
“Although most tertiary institutions are already using ICT in their activities, there is a need to upgrade to include emerging technologies to be at part with the global trend.
“So many schools in Nigeria do not have old records of their activities and when past students misplace results or certificates, they only engage in swearing court affidavits. “
“However, with Block Chain technology, Artificial Intelligence and other forms of modern day technology, schools can digitise their activities which will save cost ,time and improve efficiency.
“Our universities are becoming highly populated, but with IT, we can make easier the learning process which will de-congest the classrooms,” he said
He also called for the adoption of Blockchain Technology in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, stressing that the technology can alleviate most of the challenges faced, as data integrity was 100% guaranteed.
Pantami said that if the two institutions remained committed to the provisions of the MoU, the intervention would go a long way to ensure the consolidation of IT in tertiary schools. I think if theses institions together proactive all other African countries will emulate us. Pantami explained
He appealed to TETFUND to pay more attention to information technology in their intervention across institutions will improve the quality of education given to Nigerian students.
On his part, the Executive Secretary TETFUND, Suleiman Bohoro, noted that provision of emerging technologies is one the most important activities of digital inclusion which will enhanced learning and encourage creativity and, innovation in tertiary intuitions.
“Without the role of IT, there will not be knowledge of the economy,” he said. “This project will go a long way in checking plagiarism in various institutions.”
He added that the MoU would be valuable to both students and lecturers because ICT was required for every process of learning. He also applauded NITDA for providing ICT Intervention projects in many tertiary schools across the country .
The MOU is made up eight (8) areas of cooperation which is hope to also address various challenges facing Nigeria towards effective ICT adoption. They as follows :
· IT infrastructure and development in tertiary institutions
· Human capacity development in tertiary institutions
· Development of emerging technologies in tertiary institutions
· Digitalisation of services in tertiary institutions
· Project management in tertiary institutions
· IT academy deployment in tertiary institutions
· ICT policy development in tertiary institutions
· Emerging technologies and deepening of research and development in tertiary institutions.