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Digital Abuja Computer Information and Communications Technology ICT in
Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Digital Abuja -
digital dreams or digital reality? Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria,
located in the centre of Nigeria in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
is known as a “planned” city. Is Abuja planned with knowledge economy
consciousness? Digital concepts are important because the ICT driven
world is our reality. If we want to operate at our best in today’s
knowledge economy we must exploit the digital environment.
Abuja and its inhabitants need to address the opportunities and challenges of becoming an information society. Several initiatives have been launched in the private and public sectors. But the question is digital dreams or digital reality? Free IT Career Seminar, Cisco CCNA Training in Abuja, FCT and Practical VSAT Training constitute part of the digital push. Abuja is home to Nigeria’s Federal Government – the Presidency, Federal Judiciary and the National House of Assembly. Abuja is the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and is also the regional headquarters of OPEC.
e-governance
Abuja’s public service has certainly invested in digital
initiatives and infrastructure. For example, Galaxy Backbone Plc is a
public service initiative of Nigeria’s Federal Government established to
provide network services to all Federal Government organizations.
Recently the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced
plans for automated revenue generation and collection services. The
Federal government has also announced the use of e-payment for all
monetary transactions at the federal level. e- Skills and Careers
What is the level of digital literacy in Nigeria’s capital
city? Digital skills are now life skills like reading and writing. Lack
of digital skills hinders growth in Education (inability to tap into
e-learning and global educational resources), in Business (no
knowledge/ideas of business possibilities and loss of new business
opportunities) and in Social (no opportunity to network and interact in
a global manner). If digital literacy is low how can Digital Abuja be
achieved? Digital dreams or digital reality? Beyond basic literacy there
are other knowledge and skills gaps – skills for Technical ICT
professionals, e-business and soft skills. These electronic skills
(e-skills) are required for job and business opportunities and for
enhancing global competitiveness. Digital Exclusion
Though ICT infrastructure is deployed and working fine in the
public sector and highbrow end of the private sector, how many
inhabitants of Abuja are benefiting? Digital exclusion exists because of
the many contradictions in this “planned” city. Banks, hotels and
conference centres have all invested in up to date digital
infrastructure to support customer service, operations management and
sales. However many who live by the ocean are thirsty. Digital dreams or
digital reality? Capacity Building for Business, Career Development, and Contribution
In taking learning decisions it is important to make sense of
the digital world and how you fit in. It isn’t just about training and
certification. It’s about contributing. We must change the certification
mindset. Don’t you know that your contribution is now more important
than your qualification? Learning efforts should be geared towards
contribution. Your location, sex or background is no longer as
important. It’s about what you contribute. In addition Learning must
also serve a purpose. There is nothing like training for the sake of
training. When you choose training programs you must consider the two
Siamese twins – your journey and your destination. Not a Technology Matter
ICT is the engine driving growth; not the size of your
population, your physical assets or your mineral resources. Digital
Abuja, digital literacy is not a technology matter. Digital Abuja is
saying we have no choice. Digital dreams or digital reality? If we want
growth we must deploy technology to meet developmental needs and pursue
the goal of overall prosperity. It is not a technology matter. If you
don’t take advantage of technology others will use technology to take
advantage of you. Technology is not going anywhere. Technology is here
for better or for worse. Empower yourself and technology will work for
you. In recognition of the importance of digital literacy and human
capital development in ICT in Nigeria’s capital city several initiatives
such as
Practical VSAT Training in Abuja,
Cisco CCNA Training in Abuja, FCT and
Free IT Career
Seminar – Abuja and Lagos are planned for November/December 2008.
Jide Awe Jide Awe is the Publisher of Jidaw.com
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