Software development in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions receives boost from NITDA
Understanding the vital role played by Tertiary Institutions in aiding research and development of Software service in Computer and Information technology, the National Information Development Agency (NITDA) has renewed its commitment and support for higher institutions across the Nation.
This was manifested in its release of about N6.25 million to three institutions of higher learning, to boost the level of research and development on ‘Software’ which is key to technological advancement the nation years for.
NITDA revealed that selection of the institutions was based on their performance at the 2012 National software development competition organized by the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) in Calabar, Cross River State.
Presenting the awards to the recipients, the Director General of NITDA Professor Cleopas Angaye said he was impressed and convinced that Nigeria has bright prospects in exploring the potentials of the ‘Software Market’ globally.
He also asserted that NITDA was committed to the promotion of “Software in Nigeria”, thereby enhancing and acceleration the diversification goal of the present administration from solely depending on crude oil, to exploring other viable sectors.
The recipients of the awards include Abia State Polytechnic for the Best Software Design Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Minna for Software Development Excellence, and the D-G’s personal award for Best Open Source Software of the year which went to Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Speaking on his personal award Professor Angaye noted “I decided to take up the sponsorship of the Best Open Source Software of the Year award due to my profession as a software practitioner and the need to encourage the discovery of globally competitive critical mass of other software engineers in Nigeria.”