In a recent interview with In The Know Nigeria, Information Technology (IT) expert Mr. Victor Chidiebube John shared his insights on how technology is playing an increasingly important role in Nigeria’s economic landscape. From driving business productivity to offering new job opportunities, Mr. John highlighted key areas where IT could transform Nigeria’s future, particularly in empowering youth, supporting small businesses, and bridging the digital divide.
IT: A Catalyst for Economic Change
Mr. John emphasized that Information Technology is a critical tool for addressing the nation’s economic challenges. He noted, “IT helps businesses optimize their operations, improving efficiency and productivity. It fosters innovation and competitiveness, both of which are crucial for Nigeria’s economic advancement.” According to him, IT supports e-commerce, digital payments, and even remote work, offering immense opportunities for young Nigerians.
He continued, “The integration of IT into business processes has the potential to unlock new markets, boost the economy, and create employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians, especially in rural areas.”
Empowering Youth through Digital Skills
As unemployment remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, Mr. John believes that IT can serve as a powerful tool for economic empowerment. “We are seeing a surge in the demand for digital skills such as programming, digital marketing, and data analysis. The rise of freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr is enabling young people to tap into the global economy,” he explained.
Furthermore, Mr. John pointed to Nigeria’s thriving e-commerce platforms, such as Jumia and Konga, as key drivers of digital entrepreneurship. “Young people can leverage e-commerce to start businesses, sell goods, and reach customers all over the country and beyond,” he said.
Bridging the Digital Divide
While technology has the potential to revolutionize Nigeria, Mr. John emphasized that access to IT tools and education must be expanded, particularly in rural areas. “It’s essential to invest in rural internet infrastructure and digital literacy programs. Only then can we ensure that the benefits of IT are distributed equally,” he stated.
He also suggested affordable internet access and device financing as key strategies for narrowing the digital divide. “Mobile phones are already becoming essential tools for education and business. By developing low-cost smartphones and offering public Wi-Fi hotspots, we can ensure that even those living in poverty are not left behind in the digital revolution,” he added.
IT in Small Businesses: Survival and Growth
Mr. John also underscored the importance of IT for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. He said, “SMEs are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and they can thrive by embracing IT. Digital payment systems, cloud services, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools are invaluable assets for SMEs looking to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.”
He advised businesses to invest in social media marketing and cybersecurity measures to protect themselves against the growing number of online threats. “In today’s digital world, cybersecurity should not be an afterthought,” he cautioned.
Remote Work and Global Opportunities
With the rise of remote work, Mr. John highlighted the growing opportunities for Nigerians to tap into the global job market. “The future of work is changing, and Nigerians can benefit from this shift by developing in-demand digital skills,” he said. “By creating professional profiles on platforms like LinkedIn and joining freelance marketplaces, Nigerians can access a global pool of clients and work from anywhere in the world.”
The Role of Government in IT Education
According to Mr. John, the Nigerian government has a critical role to play in fostering IT education. “The government must integrate IT into school curricula, provide funding for digital infrastructure, and offer scholarships for IT-related studies,” he said. He also advocated for public-private partnerships to provide internships and job placements for young people entering the tech sector.
Affordable IT Solutions for All
When asked about the affordability of IT tools for those living in poverty, Mr. John suggested various cost-effective solutions. “There are numerous free and open-source software options available, such as LibreOffice, which can help people access essential IT tools without breaking the bank. Public Wi-Fi hotspots and online education platforms like Coursera and edX also offer valuable resources to help Nigerians gain new skills,” he explained.
IT for Social Welfare and Public Service
Mr. John also discussed the role of IT in improving public service delivery in Nigeria. He explained, “Technology can streamline public services and improve efficiency. From electronic health records (EHRs) to telemedicine, IT can revolutionize sectors like healthcare and education. We can also enhance social welfare payment systems and use data analytics for better policy development.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of IT in Nigeria
Looking ahead, Mr. John is optimistic about the role of IT in Nigeria’s future. “In the next five to ten years, we will see Nigeria emerge as a hub for African tech talent and innovation,” he predicted. “IT will drive economic diversification, foster entrepreneurship, and improve governance and public service delivery.”
He reiterated, “With the right investments in digital skills, infrastructure, and innovation, Nigeria can leverage IT to become a global leader in technology, creating jobs, empowering youth, and boosting economic growth.”
As the country continues to grapple with socio-economic challenges, Mr. John’s insights provide a hopeful vision of how IT can play a transformative role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
