FG introduces PC ownership scheme for students

r-l: Mrs. Johnson, CommTech Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Daudu ,
Perm. Sec. CommTech Ministry

       In order to reach the underserved students in terms of Information Communications Technology (ICT), the Communications Technology Minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson has revealed plans to implement a  Personal Computer (PC) ownership scheme for students for higher institutions.

The scheme tagged 'Promoting increased access and utilization of ICTs in education' was launched with the collaboration of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Other stakeholders that are involved in the scheme include PC assemblers, universities, banks, global technology companies and telecoms companies.

Mrs. Johnson traced the low rate at which ICT is being adopted for learning in secondary and tertiary institutions to the low PC penetration in Nigeria.

She also disclosed that talented Nigerian software developers also worked on the computers, this she said is to testify that Nigerians can develop a viable and vibrant local software industry which would see to the nation's local needs with the capability to export to other markets around the world.

According to Mrs. Johnson, any bonafide student of any tertiary institution in Nigeria would get a computer on loan, that it would enable students to have access to internet-enabled computers which were not static in school laboratories.

r-l: Prof. Angaye, DG, NITDA, Mrs. Johnson, CommTech Minister,Dr. Ibrahim Daudu , Perm. Sec. CommTech Ministry

She also noted that the students PC ownership scheme is part of the mandates of the communications technology ministry to promote the utillisation of ICTs especially in education, and to promote and facilitate the development of the ICT industry.

The initiative, Mrs. Omobola said, would work towards promoting local brands so as to boost the economy and PC ownership by students.

"Providing them with computers that are built to exacting world class standards," Omobola said, adding that the PC ownership scheme has been designed with Nigerians in mind.

Commenting on the initiative, the Director General, NITDA, Prof. Cleopas Angaye reiterated that the scheme would increase PC penetration among students of higher institutions.

Prof. Angaye also described the initiative is a wake-up call to all licensed Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to boost their production and increase job creation as well as global market share.

Yinka Awosanya/LS

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