Expert Calls for Synergy between Academia, ICT Sector

Senator Iroegbu

The President of the Information Technology Academy (ITA), Prof. A Obiniyi, has stressed the need to create a synergy between the academic sector and the information technology industry in Nigeria.

Obiniyi made the call in Abuja during a public presentation on the Nigerian IT skills gap survey.

According to him, the provision of necessary IT skills for youths would help in curbing the problem of unemployment, as well as boost the Nigerian economy.

He said in order to develop the local content and capacity of IT professionals, a continuous education programme must be put in place, while also seeking support from regulatory agencies to further strengthen the synergy process so as to reposition the economy of the country.

“It is imperative for the academia and the professionals in the IT industry to leverage on providing an effective method for skills development in the country. You will notice that there is a gap between the practicability of the students and the employability skills. We want to maintain a synergy between the training in tertiary institutions and what the employers need in the market.

“Sometimes the students are not well exposed and in some instance they do not prepare themselves for the challenges that are outside the school environment.”

The professor also described Nigerian students as hardworking, but that they also require a conducive environment to operate optimally.

“We know that for an individual to be an IT expert, there must be regular supply of electricity. The data must be effective and necessary manpower and infrastructure must be put in place.”

He advised youths to be resilient and determined to acquaint themselves with the necessary IT skills to develop the country, adding that the youths should be able to use what they have to get what they want.