In recognition of his achievements and contributions to the IT profession in Nigeria , the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has honoured the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami with the Professional Fellowship of Nigeria Computer Society (FNCS) award.
Dr. Pantami received the conferment which is the highest and most prestigious fellowship of the Society at the just concluded 2018 National Information Technology Merit Award (NITMA) ceremony held in Lagos at the weekend. Through the NITMA, the NCS recognises notable individuals that have contributed immensely to the development of information technology (IT) in the country.
According to the organizers, the NITDA boss was recognized for his immense contributions to the development and growth of IT in Nigeria.
As the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, Dr. Pantami has influenced significant changes in Regulation and IT project clearance for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to achieve common goals and promote government digital services.
Pantami who is widely known as an advocate for Local Content Development has a First Degree, Master’s Degree and PhD in Computer Science.
Under his supervision, NITDA has ensured that foreign products and services are only patronised if it’s proven beyond reasonable doubt that such cannot be done locally, which has resulted in ICT contributing 11.81% to the GDP of Nigeria.
Others conferred at the event include the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede, Dr Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu of Usmanu Danfodio University and NITDA’s Governing Board Member, Mrs Monilola Udoh, Director Information Technology, Ministry of Communications, among others.
Recall, in 2017, the British Computer Society (BCS), the leading professional body of IT experts globally also conferred its fellowship on Dr Pantami.