The Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), has inducted five hundred and fifty new members with a call on them to be thorough, professionals and ultimately help in the fight against quackery in the Information and Technology industry.
Speaking at this year’s Information Technology ( IT) Assembly which was held virtually due to Covid-19 pandemic, the President of the council, Professor Charles Uwadia said quackery remained a challenge in the IT profession and urged the new members not to take anything for granted regarding their knowledge of the profession.
He urged them to channel their energy and talents on positive things that would be of benefit to various organizations and the nation, pointing out that CPN decided to focus on 5G technology because of the adoption.
According to Prof Charles Uwadia, 5G, which has been touted as the next frontier of investment, has the potentials to drive economic growth and social inclusion in the country’s Information Communication Technology Sector, which contributes more than fossil Oil and Gas to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
He, however, argued that the adoption of the 5G network is not without its own challenges, and this was the reason behind 2020 IT Professionals’ Assembly, which hinged on the technological and regulatory challenges associated with the adoption of the 5G.
Prof Uwadia highlighted some of the challenges, bothered the future of frequency bands, deployment and coverage, device support, security and privacy, Digital Infrastructure challenges, outdated regulatory policies, commitment to actions that promote the long-term growth of the digital economy, misgivings and health concerns against it, among other issues.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Issa Pantami who was the guest speaker described Information Communications Technology, ICT, as an enabler of every sector pointing out that to demonstrate its seriousness on the 5G migration, the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) midwife the non-commercial trial of the 5G network in November 2019.
Dr Pantammi said the priority of government is to engage in wider consultations, evaluate, review and ensure it is secured before it will be officially licensed.
He commended the CPN for the choice of the theme and taking a bold step in organising a virtual conference pointing out that COVID-19 has challenged nations to deploy more of ICT in their everyday life in other to stay safe.
The 2020 Information Technology ( IT) Professional Assembly with the theme “Adoption of 5G in Nigeria: The Technological and Regulatory Challenges”.
The high point of the event was presentations by Stakeholders in the ICT sector, including network operators, Industry regulators and other IT professionals.
