The Federal Government on Tuesday commissioned the multi-billion naira Centre Excellence headquarters building of the Computer Professional (Registration Council of Nigeria) located at Gudu Abuja.
Remarkably, the completion and commissioning of the edifice was coming at a time when the Council alongside Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and others were defunded by the Federal Government following directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Councils should be self-funded.
Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, who was represented by the Director, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mr Gbenga Oderemi inaugurated the building while charging the Council to harness the potentials of IT in national development.
Registrar and Secretary of CPN, Mr. Muhammad Aliyu in his remark, said the inauguration of the building would enhance the actualisation of the mandate of the Council while ensuring that quacks and charlatans are not allowed in Information Technology (IT) profession.
He noted that the Act establishing the Council empowers it to regulate the IT sector, stressing that the Council has full support of the Ministry of Education to rid the profession of quackery.
He said: “The story of the completion of the CPN Centre of Excellence is much more intriguing because, it was completed at a time when the Federal Government had defunded CPN. So, what we are celebrating today was achieved with sheer force of determination, and fiscal discipline.
“As we commission this house today, we do so with the knowledge that it will be a place of great research, learning and growth. We pray that it will be a beacon of light, guiding those who enter its doors towards a brighter future.
“As we move forward, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for the possibilities that the CPN Centre of Excellence will bring. We are committed to ensuring that this house remains a symbol of hope, and service to the IT world. May we continue to work together towards a brighter future for all,” he stated.
Aliyu commended that Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa for his wise counsel and support in the course of building and commitment to a shared vision.
On his part, the President and Chairman of the Council, Mr. Kole Jagun recalled that CPN had gone to the National Assembly with a budget of of N1.2 billion for the completion of the building project, saying it was unfortunate that the budget was not approved and was not given.
He added that it was then that the Council decided to look inward on how to generate revenue internally to complete the edifice so as to enhance the work of the Council.
Jagun further revealed that the Council resorted to use of direct labour and a contractor, Chief Alex Adindu Eze, whom he sadly announced died last month during a vacation he took with his family outside the shores of Nigeria.
Minister State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, emphasized the need for the Council to ensure professionalism in the IT profession in Nigeria.
Sununu who was the immediate past Minister of State for Education, urged the Council to look critically at the CPN establishment Act with the view of ensuring that only those certified by the Council practice in Nigeria.
Provost, College of Fellows, Nigeria Computer Society, Mrs. Veronica Owolabi, highlighted key responsibilities of the College including mentorship, pointing out that the completion of the edifice would properly position the Council to discharge its responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner.
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