Nigerian Researchers Shine at ICEGOV 2024 in South Africa
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Nigerian Researchers Shine at ICEGOV 2024 in South Africa
Advancements in Digital Governance Highlighted at Global Conference
Five Nigerian researchers made a significant mark at the 17th International Conference on the Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2024), held in Pretoria, South Africa. The prestigious conference, organized by the United Nations University and UNESCO, attracted over 336 participants from 49 countries, underscoring the global importance of digital governance.
Nigerian Delegation and National Commitment
Representing Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, was Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). In his address, Abdullahi emphasized that the contributions of Nigerian researchers align closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a national strategy focused on leveraging technology for economic diversification and enhancing governance.
Abdullahi highlighted the competitiveness of the conference, noting that out of 157 submitted research papers, only 85 were accepted. The Nigerian delegation’s success at ICEGOV 2024, he said, showcases the country’s potential to drive technological innovation and economic growth through research in digital governance.
NITDA’s Support for Technological Innovation
Reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to fostering innovation, Abdullahi stressed the agency’s role in supporting research and technological development. “Our participation here at ICEGOV demonstrates our dedication to ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of digital governance advancements,” he stated. The research presented by the Nigerian scholars is expected to contribute to policies that will further drive Nigeria’s digital transformation and governance improvements.
Pioneering Research in Digital Governance
The five Nigerian researchers presented cutting-edge studies aimed at enhancing digital transformation, e-governance, and economic development through technology. Below is a summary of their contributions:
Bridging the Broadband Gap: Hassana Asuku
Hassana Asuku presented her paper, “Bridging the Broadband Gap,” which outlines strategies to improve broadband access in Nigeria’s rural areas. Her research emphasizes how enhanced connectivity can promote economic inclusion, boost civic engagement, and help close the digital divide in underserved regions.
Digital Competency in the Public Sector: Adeyinka Patrick Adewumi
Adeyinka Patrick Adewumi addressed the critical issue of low digital literacy among Nigeria’s civil servants. In his presentation, “Digital Competency in the Public Sector,” he proposed a model for improving digital skills through targeted training and infrastructure investments. His research aims to accelerate digital transformation in government institutions.
Scalable Digital Public Infrastructure: Dr. Agbali Mohammed
Dr. Agbali Mohammed introduced his research on “Scalable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI),” which focuses on the challenges of deploying effective DPI in Nigeria. His study calls for enhanced public-private partnerships and better regulatory frameworks to address barriers in the digital infrastructure landscape.
Simplifying Tax Compliance for SMEs: Dr. Tanimu Mukhtar Garba
Dr. Tanimu Mukhtar Garba showcased Taxpoynt, a digital platform designed to simplify tax compliance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given the pivotal role SMEs play in Nigeria’s economy, Garba’s research offers a practical solution for fostering economic growth by easing the tax process for this crucial sector.
Safeguarding Citizens’ Freedoms in E-Governance: Dr. Salihu Dasuki Ibrahim
Dr. Salihu Dasuki Ibrahim presented a study titled “Citizens’ Freedoms in E-Governance,” which explores how Digital Public Infrastructure can protect citizen liberties while addressing issues such as inadequate ICT infrastructure and data privacy concerns. His work underscores the importance of balancing technological progress with safeguarding civil rights in the digital age.
Nigeria’s Growing Influence in Global Digital Governance
The contributions of these researchers not only position Nigeria as a key player in the global dialogue on digital governance but also reflect the country’s dedication to using technology to spur sustainable economic growth. Through these innovative efforts, Nigeria continues to reinforce its role in advancing the use of technology for improved governance and economic development on the global stage.
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