This was disclosed by the Director General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE when he received in audience the Director General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Professor Mohammed Ladan Tawfiq at the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters, Abuja.
Inuwa who was represented by Director, Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions (ITIS), Dr Usman Gambo Abdullahi, said that NITDA’s major focus is to regulate and develop ICT for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, (MDAs) therefore, NIALS will also be considered for its intervention.
“NITDA’s major focus is to regulate and develop ICT in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and your Institute has so far met all requirements for the Agency’s support and intervention,” he said.
He asserted that, with all round the clock power supply for higher Institutions of learning, the Agency has provided over 100 PCs with same facilities adding that “so far, the Agency has offered Virtual Libraries to over 20 institutions this year. And With the support of the DG, the Agency will provide IT Training Centre for NIALS to accommodate more IT knowledge-based students.”
While making his request, Director General, NIALS, Professor Mohammed Ladan Tawfiq noted that under his watch, the Institute has begun online courses to train Lawyers and Judges in an ideal ICT environment hence it becomes expedient to seek for NITDA’s intervention, technical guidance and collaboration.
“We need NIDTA’s technical guidance to drive our purpose for the online courses we started in training Judges and Lawyers in an ideal online environment,” he said.
Prof. Ladan revealed that the Institute has in recent times been showcasing NITDA’s activities and guidelines through its platform, he however implored the Agency to provide adequate ICT tools and facilities to enable them do more.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Director eGovernment Development and Regulation Department Dr Vincent Olatunji commended the DG, NIALS for taking the step to collaborate with NITDA.
He however advised the Institute to set up ICT department which the technical group from NITDA can always provide support to ensure cyber security within their system.
In his contribution, the Head Legal Unit, Barr Emmanuel Edet said, so far, NITDA have been in partnership with Institutions in areas of Legal Research For Lawyers and Judges and have also provided capacity building by way of giving out scholarships for Masters students.
Edet added that, the Agency is partnering with Universities like, University of Lagos, Bayero University and others for capacity buildings and scholarship.
The duo however agreed to constitute a working Committee to further strengthen and fast track the Institute’s request with a possible Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).