NASARAWA STATE BUREAU OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY UNDER THE ICT WORLD MAP.

 

By Zainab Ejura Yusuf 

It is a clear fact that information and communication Technology (ICT) is ever advancing at an astounding pace, what existed and how it's done yesterday is certainly different from the way it is done today and how it will be done tomorrow.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have the potential to make the world a better place and contribute immensely to sustainable development, harnessing the benefits of advances in all emerging sector of ICT.

The Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS) has keyed into ICT, as is the engine to drive it's implementation, and a factor in the ongoing turn around towards digital transformation.

The Nasarawa State model is based on sustainability, not only just in a hurry to accomplish the mission,but to develop the sector.The goal is not to make mistake in a haste but to reposition the Nasarawa State information technology sector, accelerated the growth of ICT Industry and accelerated rapid expansion of ICT network and services which will be accessible to all at reasonable cost.There is also need to bridge the digital divide and introduce learners into the world of digital knowledge that is required to succeed in the 21st century world and workplace which is now emerging the new norm.

The Universal demand for digital skills and need for "Switch-Over' in line with the "Digital Economy" to ensure e-governance to simplyfy governance, the Nasarawa State Government under the leadership of  H.E Governor Abdullahi A Sule overseen by the Director General (DG) Bureau of Information and Communication Technology (BICT) Mal.Shehu Ibrahim have been able to make a great surge in ICT and these include:

✓ Training and retraining of Civil Servants in the area of Data Processing for efficient service delivery through retraining of over 304 Data Processing Officers (DOPs).

✓ Tech4Development training: Basic literacy for rural cluster in northern Nigeria funded by UK designed to empower over 1000 with target audience which are vulnerable women and girl, persons with disability (PWDs) where basic digital skills such as use of computer, online safety, Communication and creating digital content.

✓ Digital Job Creation Training

This was organized by Federal Ministry of Communication and digital economy in conjunction with BICT which was attempt to create more job opportunities for our citizens and the training program is part of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) with the training held at Umaru Tanko Almakura CBT centre.

✓ Third Party Examination

Nasarawa State Government via the BICT conduct 3rd party, Professional Bodies Examination base test in Nasarawa State and North Central with provision of about 1000 equipped systems at the three CBT Centers.It's also used in 2020 Nasarawa State Civil Service Promotion Examinations.

✓ Human Capital Development Training where BICT was partnered for Web Development training and capacity building exercise; focusing on using ICT in the workplace and soft skills needed in the 21st Century to make graduate more employable.

✓ Operation of the 5 ICT Hubs where advanced premium ICT courses  and services are provided to the public. The Hubs located in Akwanga,Keffi, Karu, Lafia and Nasarawa which are ICT incubation and acceleration centres that provide Tech "starts up" and enterprenuership with workspace, Technology trends, Mentoring, Software development, testing and IT training.The Hubs also serve as "Data Bank or Center" and Knowledge hub for researchers, educators and students.

√ Sensitization visits to MDAs on ICT.

The BICT visits MDAs which enables the MDAs examine the need to enable ICT drive processes within their sectors while BICT provides technical know-how on how to get the processes started focusing on budgeting , training and  usage of various Technologies.

✓ Partnering with NITDA towards becoming the third state in the country that will prepare an ICT master plan for development of the state ICT sector through a well assembled master plan.The E-Government master plan will ensure a holistic approach to implementation of E-Government project and services to ensure effective and efficient delivery of Government service as well as seamless interaction of background processes between Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

✓ Support and Promotion of Cyber Security Studies which as a result of rising Cyber crime, the Nasarawa State through BICT is working towards providing support for Cyber crime studies at state owned University.

✓ State Creation of State owned E-commerce portals inline with the global standard channelled in the state www.nasarawastate.gov.ng.The portal simplify digitized and automated the process of registration of cooperative businesses,NGOs,Markets as well as online payment for renewals and commercial charges.The portals enables the MDA to generate over 80 million naira in its first 60days of operation.

✓ BICT partnering to provide FG Survival fund where over 3000 MSMEs received free CAC certificates in the state.

✓ Retraining of Library permanent and casual staff as part of revamping the activities of the libraries in a bid to ensure that all e-Libraries key into the digital transformation.

✓ Ensuring Nasarawa State Students Association (NASSA) fall inline with the current digital trend, digital skills were taught where over 100 students were trained and rewarded at the end of the program.

✓ Digital Identity Ecosystem NIMC 

The BICT towards meeting it's proposed initiatives /projects which include the utilization of ICT in all spheres to optimize the communication infrastructure and reliable data collection services partnered with NIMC to enable Nasarawa State residents easy enrollment and NIN collection centre.

✓ JAMB/UTME/DE Registration 

The Bureau has ensure that the computer base test centers provide relief and easy access to technology for candidates in the areas of registration,Mock exams, UTME and DE carried out by JAMB as well as CBT general services such as correction of data and checking of results.

✓ BICT supports National Social Investment Programme (NSIP)

✓ Provide technical support for state fiscal transparency accountability (SFTAS) steering committee.

✓ Increasing revenue via implementation of ICT base strategies.

The achievements are endless but will be bringing it on continuously as we move along thus, I term this; ICT Benefits Phase 1.