There was drama at the National Assembly, on Thursday, as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Ali Isa Pantami, and lawmakers on the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime took varied positions on the desirability of the proposed Institute of Information and Communication Technology in Iwo, Osun State.
The Minister of Communications, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Bitrus Bako, had expressed strong reservations, citing paucity of funds.
Senator representing Osun West, Adelere Oriolowo, who incidentally is the sponsor of the Bill,” A bill for Act for Establishment of the Institute of Information and Communication Technology in Iwo, Osun State however maintained that the proposed Institute has become relevant in the present digital world.
According to him, the Institute when established will carry out scientific and applied research in the area of modern information technology application to optimise processes and decision support systems.
“Globally, applications of ICT are making dramatic changes in economic and social development. These changes do not generally mean an increase in the number of computers appearing in homes, workplaces and schools but a change in the foundations of economic growth and its relationship to human capital.
“The Institution is definitely going to play a key role in the training of journalists and media practitioners in the emerging global issues of climate change, natural disasters and insecurities/insurgencies around the world.”
Senator Oriolowo was supported in his presentation by Senator representing Kogi central and Chairman of the Committee, Yakubu Oseni.
Dr Pantami however insisted that the Institute was not necessary as he noted that some of the courses listed are already available in other existing institutions in the country.
He said: “As promising as the proposed institution may be, paucity of funds being faced by the already existing institution will also affect it if created.
“Another critical observation made by the ministry in the bill seeking for the Institute is that the courses listed to be run by it are already being run by some of the Polytechnics in the country.
“Rather than seeking for the establishment of a different institute, concerted efforts should be made to make adequate financial provisions for the existing institution.
“The Ministry on account of these observations, submit that the bill should be stepped down.”
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, in his contribution, pleaded with the committee and the Minister to make the establishment of the Institute see the light of the day.
He said President Muhammadu Buhari’s government is known for the Infrastructural revolution.
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