- NITDA Pushes for AI-Security Integration as Pillar of Nigeria’s Digital Future
- Nigeria’s prosperity will not be dictated from Silicon Valley or Shenzhen
Nigeria’s digital destiny found its voice in Kano, where ConNovate2025 transcended the bounds of a mere conference and became a rallying cry for technological sovereignty. The 19th International Conference of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) gathered leaders, innovators, and scholars—not just to deliberate, but to declare that the nation’s prosperity must be built on a foundation of homegrown innovation.
At the heart of this defining moment was NCS President, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, FNCS, who delivered a message that cut through the noise of imported solutions: Nigeria cannot thrive by endlessly adopting foreign technologies. True prosperity will only emerge when we cultivate, own, and scale our indigenous innovations. His words were more than an address—they were a challenge to government, industry, academia, and the youth to break free from dependency and to embrace the responsibility of building a resilient technological ecosystem for Nigerians, by Nigerians.
This is the hard truth we must confront: while Nigeria has embraced the digital age with zeal, the very backbone of our infrastructure remains tethered to foreign control. This dependence weakens our sovereignty, drains economic value, and stifles the creativity of our innovators. Dr. Aliyu’s vision is clear—our technological independence is not simply about access or connectivity, but about designing and deploying tools that transform agriculture, healthcare, and education. A future where technology is not just consumed, but created here, is the essence of true digital independence.
The choice of Kano as the host city was deliberate and symbolic. By stepping outside the usual tech corridors of Lagos and Abuja, NCS sent a bold message: the digital future of Nigeria must be inclusive, decentralized, and powered by every region. In recognizing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as a “builder of a new Kano State,” Dr. Aliyu underscored that progress requires both grassroots participation and political will. Digital transformation cannot be a privilege of the few—it must be a national mission.
Representing NITDA’s Director General, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, Engr. Salisu Kaka painted a picture of Nigeria’s next frontier, anchored on three pillars: intelligence, security, and sustainability. “In Nigeria, trust is the ultimate currency,” Inuwa warned, pointing to the scourge of scams and cybercrime. He left no doubt that innovation without security is unsustainable—like a race car without brakes.
The international spotlight shone as well. Prof. Anthony Wong, President of the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP), reminded participants of the urgent need to safeguard indigenous knowledge in the age of AI. With Nigeria’s cultural and ecological heritage being digitized, he commended Nigeria’s active role in the WIPO treaty protecting genetic resources. The implication is profound: our digital sovereignty is not just about technology—it is about protecting our identity, culture, and intellectual wealth.
The mission of NCS is crystal clear: to build a resilient, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem. Achieving this requires more than policies—it demands nurturing local talent, creating platforms for innovation, and building bridges across sectors.
Dr. Aliyu re-emphasized that ConNovate2025 was not only a gathering but a springboard for action. The responsibility now rests on all of us—government, private sector, academia, and the vibrant energy of Nigerian youth—to convert dialogue into reality.
The climax of ConNovate2025 came with the election of new National Executive Council members during the AGM. Despite a heated campaign season, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu retained his seat as President, with Dr. Charles Onyeukwu elected as Deputy President. Other key leaders include: Shulammite Ileibiyi (Chair, Publicity, Events, and Trade Services), Nwaocha Vivian Ogochukwu (Chair, Innovation, Research, and Development Committee), and Olusegun Alabi (Chair, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee). Together, this team carries the weight of steering NCS towards innovation, inclusivity, and ethical excellence.
Beyond speeches, CONNOVATE 2025 witnessed a week-long festival of ideas and innovation.
The programme featured plenary sessions, a doctoral consortium, youth and entrepreneurship forums, Fellows Forum, IT quiz competitions, and an induction ceremony for new members.
The message from Kano is undeniable: Nigeria’s prosperity will not be dictated from Silicon Valley or Shenzhen—it will be authored here, by us. ConNovate2025 has lit a flame of possibility. Now, the challenge is to keep it burning until every sector, every region, and every citizen feels the impact of a truly Nigerian digital revolution.
The IFIP President Prof. Wong in cultural festivities with traditional dancers at the closing dinner
During the opening ceremony
At the opening ceremony
Ohhh great event with lot’s of memories and experience
This is a big step for Nigeria. Emphasizing AI-security and protecting local knowledge shows we’re not just consuming tech from abroad but shaping our own digital future.