The theme of the Assembly, "Digital Resilience and Inclusion for Smart Economy," reflected the growing need for robust digital systems capable of withstanding emerging challenges while ensuring that all segments of society benefit from digital transformation initiatives. The well attended event which was declared open by the Chief of Staff to the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, also had in attendance, Chief Executives of sister Agencies.

Keynote Addresses

a. Keynote Address by the Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)

The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, delivered a keynote address focusing on the role of technology in enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement processes.

Key highlights of his presentation included:

• The need for greater adoption of digital platforms in government procurement activities.
• The importance of cybersecurity and data integrity in electronic procurement systems.
• Strategies for improving service delivery through digital transformation.
• The role of IT professionals in supporting government reforms and ensuring compliance with procurement regulations.
• The necessity of building resilient digital systems capable of sustaining uninterrupted public services.

Dr. Adedokun encouraged IT practitioners to collaborate with government institutions in developing innovative solutions that promote transparency and value for money in public sector operations.

b. Keynote Address by the Honourable Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy

The Honourable Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy was represented by the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs. Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen.

In her presentation, she emphasized the Federal Government‘s commitment to accelerating digital transformation and creating an inclusive digital ecosystem that supports economic growth. Other major points highlighted Mrs. Egerton – Idehen’s presentation included:

• Expansion of digital infrastructure across the country.
• Bridging the digital divide through increased access to broadband connectivity.
• Promotion of digital literacy and capacity building initiatives.
• Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship within the technology ecosystem.
• Strengthening cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard national digital assets.
• Leveraging satellite technology and emerging technologies to enhance connectivity in underserved communities.
• The need for collaboration among government, industry, academia, and professional bodies in building a resilient and inclusive digital economy.

She reaffirmed the government‘s dedication to policies and programmes aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading digital economy in Africa.

Key Recommendations

Based on deliberations at the Assembly, the following recommendations were made:

• Intensify investments in digital infrastructure and broadband expansion.
• Strengthen cybersecurity frameworks and promote cyber awareness.
• Enhance digital literacy programmes across all levels of society.
• Encourage research, innovation, and technology entrepreneurship.
• Foster stronger collaboration between government, industry, academia, and professional bodies.
• Promote policies that support digital inclusion, particularly for underserved and rural communities.
• Continue capacity-building initiatives for IT professionals to meet global standards and emerging industry demands.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the event was a resounding success. It is a statement of fact that Council is making successes out of its legally-backed mandate of regulating and enforcement of standards in the Nigeria IT education and practice. The sustenance and consolidation of this effort will bring about sustainable developments in the Information Technology industry in Nigeria and open it to global competitiveness.  It is hoped that the gains of the successes and collaborations that aided the successful convocation of this year’s IT Professionals’ Assembly/AGM be built on in order that greater successes could be achieved/attained at all other activities of Council

The 2026 IT Professionals’ Assembly bears further testimony to the resolve of Council to keep playing its constitutional role of setting computing standards in the country. It was a very successful event, going by the reviews and the commendations received from virtually all quarters.