Imo: Senate backs establishment of ICT institute

The Senate has unanimously thrown its weight behind the establishment of the Institute of Information and Communication Technology in Nsu, Ehime-Mbano, Imo State.

This was made known at a one-day public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security on “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Institute of Information and Technology Nsu, Ehime-Mbano.”

The report of the public hearing on the bill, which already passed second reading on the floor of the Senate, is expected to be submitted to the Senate Committee of the Whole today, April 4, 2023, for consideration and final passage.

In his presentation at the hearing, the sponsor of the bill and senator representing Imo North Senatorial District, Frank Chukwuma Ibezim, explained that the institute, when established, would carry out scientific and applied research in the area of modern information technology application to optimise processes and decision support systems.

Senator Ibezim also noted that the institute would provide dynamic learning infrastructure with quality education through rigorous teaching and research methodologies in ICT.

He stated further that the institute would provide academic programmes with quality curricula focus to forge professionals, experts and scholars in the field of Information Technology, Communications, Electronics, Software Engineering and Telemedicine.

According to him, the institute will also aim at fostering strong values amongst its academia, undergraduates and graduate scholars, and ensuring a place of pride for teeming youths in the world of learning.

The lawmaker urged the members of the committee to support the passage of the bill and thereby provide opportunities for the greatness of Nigeria through the instrumentality of information and communication technology.

Senator Ibezim expressed optimism that when passed by the National Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari would assent to the bill before handing over the reins of government to his successor on May 29, 2023.

Ibezim also noted that the proposed ICT institute was very important and critical to nation building and a veritable tool for economic and socio-cultural channels of development, stressing that President Buhari cannot afford not to sign it before leaving office.

He said: “Information Technology helps us to understand the workings of our immediate world. Social media, which is an integral part of ICT, is a major source of modern culture and entertainment and it requires us to learn and use critical thinking skills.

“Technology is extremely important in the workplace as a means of communication. Today’s businesses heavily rely on information technology, as it allows businesses to expand more quickly in view of access to proper means of promotion and innovation.”

All the members of the committee, including its chairman, Senator Yakubu Oseni and Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, among others, supported the bill to be forwarded to the Senate in plenary for final passage