Information and Communication Technology (ICT) experts have said that the availability and use of varying technologies is key to driving a knowledge economy in Nigeria.
Industry experts gathered at the maiden edition of Think Breakfast Series’ (TBS) organised by Nigeria CommunicationsWeek and CFAtech.ng in Lagos, recently, to discuss the factors hindering the growth of knowledge led market solutions which could boost the country’s economy.
According to Ayotunde Coker, Managing Director, Rack Center, one major solution would be to build critical infrastructure such as broadband to stir up the knowledge led economy.
“The impacts of broadband penetration on economic growth are obvious. Both the ITU and GSMA have stated continuously that a 10 percent increase in broadband penetration yields a 1.4 percent increase in GDP. Yes, broadband penetration brings about improvement of productivity in enterprises; acceleration of innovation by new consumer applications and services; more efficient functional deployment of enterprises, access to consumers and social impact from consumer access to products, services and content.
“Knowledge economy eco system requires varying technologies to thrive particularly fibre then of course LTE, 5G is coming into the mix now. Of course the impact and benefits of cloud services can’t be over emphasised. More so cloud services will create significant positive impact on SMEs particularly for cost savings, optimisation and efficiency,” Coker said while presenting on ‘The Challenges & Importance of Building a Knowledge-Led Economy through ICT.’
Also speaking, Muhammed Rudman, the chief executive officer, Internet exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), said there was need for a legal framework to protect Intellectual Property (IP).
The laws when promulgated as shield for protect intellectual properties; the judges and lawyers need to be informed on the principles in order to ensure proper interpretations and enforcements.
Rudman added that funding framework for start-ups has not encouraged innovation which necessities for various channels to step up interests of angle investors in Nigeria.
“Basically, it’s all about pervasive enabling infrastructure, learning frameworks, e-government enablement and executive drive amongst others. Opportunities include a diversified export oriented economy enhanced GDP growth of about 18 percent, economic and country efficiency, educational and health implications and systematic GDP impact on all value chains. We have a lot to gain from the knowledge-based economy”, he said.
Craving for local content and indigenous data hosting, Sunday Folayan, President, Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NIRA), said that unlike in other climes, Nigerian call centers staff range from 24-30.
“Does it mean that Nigerians become productive from age 22 and people between the ages of 18-22 are not skill ready? Usually call centre staff age is 18-22, by 24 they move to knowledge processing. This is one thing we must look into as an industry to place our young people on the right footing.
He also encouraged individuals and organisations to join in the .ng domain name crusade. “This should be default for Nigerian businesses there is increasing interest in Nigerians patronising .ng domain companies as 80 percent is mainly people process.
Yele Okeremi, Managing Director of Precise Financial Systems (PFS) said that the ten pillars the World Economic Forum (WEF) uses to gauge nations shows that Nigeria is lagging in areas such as skill, knowledge and competence.
According to Okeremi, technology as a tool and technology professionals can assist in enhancing the ease of doing business particularly by ensuring that e-government platforms are deployed.
He said, “Leadership is key to this transformation and we should leverage the new mindset of the youth by focusing more on skills rather than paper qualifications. Leadership engagement- continuous awareness, education and enlightenment of our leaders across board to understand the importance of technology and the knowledge economy is primary in achieving the knowledge-led economy, because it is what the legislator knows that he will present at the floor of the chamber, which often times becomes laws of the land.
Also speaking, James Emadoye, President, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), noted that the journey to a knowledge based economy is linked to a quality education sector.
To Emadoye, there is a need for technology companies like Rack Centre to collaborate with educational institutions particularly universities to enable them enjoy the benefits of cloud services because it is expensive for universities to building their own data centers. Instead, they should focus on knowledge delivery.
Jumoke Akiyode
