We are yet to maximise use of ICT in Africa ―University dons ­­

A group of top lecturers from some leading African universities have said that the continent will not experience an appreciable level of development without proper funding of information and computer technology.

The university dons from Kenya, The Gambia, Ghana, South Africa and Nigeria said that Africa was yet to maximise the use of ICT for its development activities.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday, the Provost, College of Information Technology, Kwara State University, Malete, Professor Kazeem Gbolagade, who is also the chairman, local organising committee of the fifth U6 international conference of the U6 Initiative for Development, called for adequate funding of the ICT sector for creation of inherent millions of jobs.

“Nigeria, like other African countries are yet to maximise the use of information and computer technology in its development activities. The federal government should start that now. We are saying there’s no job, but there are jobs everywhere. There are millions of jobs in ICT and space technology that can be created, for example, but there are no capable hands to do them. FG, State, and stakeholders should pump money in the application of ICT even in job creation. Without information technology, there will be no development in Africa, or let’s say that the development will be low, minimal and close to zero,” he said.

The university don, who said that information technology would assist agricultural productivity and food security in the continent, added that the Kwara State University (KWASU) had established collaborative research activities among experts in agriculture and computer science technology to improve Agric yield and productivity in fishery and solar power production, for example.

He said that over 100 participants from seven African universities, including vice chancellors, were expected at the international conference, adding that over 70 papers would also be presented.

Professor Gbolagade, said that the conference had its theme; Resolving development challenges of Africa using multi-disciplinary research, added that sub-themes were woven around politics and economics, food and agriculture, education, science and technology, medical and health sciences, religion and culture, peace and security, tourism and hospitality, information and technology.

He said that the conference aimed at resolving some developmental problems in Africa and not only that of Nigeria.