The Nigeria Computer Society on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to formulate a national Information and Communication Technology policy that would incorporate digital inclusion.
“The new policy should cover ICT infrastructure, broadband internet, fibre optic communication, local content prioritisation and regulatory framework,” the NCS President, Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, said at society’s 27th National Conference.
The three-day conference taking place in Ibadan had the theme: “Digital Inclusion: Opportunities, Challenges and Strategies”.
According to Aderounmu, the policy will serve as a pivot for driving socio-economic and political development in the country.
He said that there should be access, affordability and application of the internet for digital inclusion to become a reality.
According to him, application implied that digital technologies and services are usable.
The NCS president said that the conference’s theme was relevant to contemporary ICT challenges in the country because IT deployment was gaining ground but benefits not widespread.
He said that the consequence was that women, individuals living with disabilities, young people, the poor and the rural populace had become digitally excluded.
He said that the NCS was committed to sharing ideas and insights, identifying knowledge gaps and proffering solutions while instigating collaborative efforts toward digital inclusion in Nigeria.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the Conferences Committee Chairman of the NCS, Jide Awe, said that inclusion was the cornerstone for successful digital development.
Awe said that the theme of the conference was reflective of the desire and commitment of NCS to contribute toward building a prosperous digital nation.
He said: “As technology changes the way we learn, live and work, NCS is exploring ways in which IT can be used to create a future beyond oil in the country.
“The digital revolution is here, and its potential for creating jobs and driving development is huge, but within the country, technology gaps are wide.”
The Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof. Abel Olayinka, called for digital interface to meet the needs of the populace.
The vice chancellor was represented by Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Planning).
He said that there was the need to build software applications compatible with the needs of the people.
Adeyemo said: “We cannot keep importing other countries software.
“Innovative software and interface will mitigate challenges that hamper digital access.
“There is need also to widen digital inclusion for people such as the internally displaced, people who cannot afford access, those who have phobia and others.”
He said that the theme of the conference called for agenda setting to move the country forward digitally.