Nigeria’s digital destiny found its voice in Kano, where ConNovate2025 became more than a conference – it was a rallying cry for technological sovereignty.
The 19th International Conference of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) brought together leaders, innovators, and scholars. Their message was clear: Nigeria’s prosperity must be built on home-grown innovation, not borrowed solutions.
At the heart of this moment was NCS President, Dr Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, FNCS. His address cut through the noise of imported technologies. Nigeria, he said, cannot thrive by endlessly adopting foreign systems. True prosperity will come only when we cultivate, own, and scale our indigenous innovations. Dr Aliyu’s challenge was directed at government, industry, academia, and youth alike: break free from dependency and take responsibility for building a resilient technological ecosystem – for Nigerians, by Nigerians.
Nigeria has embraced the digital age with energy. Yet its infrastructure remains tethered to foreign control. This weakens sovereignty, drains economic value, and stifles innovation. Dr Aliyu’s vision is for independence that goes beyond access and connectivity. It is about designing and deploying tools that transform agriculture, healthcare, and education. True digital independence means becoming creators, not just consumers, of technology.
The choice of Kano as the host city was deliberate. By stepping outside the usual tech hubs of Lagos and Abuja, NCS sent a powerful signal: Nigeria’s digital future must be inclusive and decentralised. Recognising Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as a “builder of a new Kano State,” Dr Aliyu emphasised that transformation requires both grassroots participation and political will. Digital progress cannot be a privilege for a few – it must be a national mission.
NITDA Director Salisu Kaka highlighted Nigeria’s next frontier, grounded in intelligence, security, and sustainability. “In Nigeria, trust is the ultimate currency,” he warned, noting the damage caused by scams and cybercrime. Innovation without security, he cautioned, is like a race car without brakes.
The international spotlight also shone. IFIP President Anthony Wong reminded participants of the urgent need to protect indigenous knowledge in the age of AI. With Nigeria’s cultural and ecological heritage increasingly digitised, he commended the nation’s active role in the WIPO treaty on genetic resources. Digital sovereignty, he stressed, is not just about technology. It is also about protecting identity, culture, and intellectual wealth.
The mission of NCS is clear: to build a resilient, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem. Achieving this requires more than policies. It demands nurturing talent, creating platforms for innovation, and building bridges across sectors. Dr Aliyu reiterated that ConNovate2025 was not just a gathering, but a springboard for action. The responsibility now rests with government, private sector, academia, and especially Nigerian youth, to turn dialogue into reality.
The conference climaxed with the election of a new National Executive Council during the AGM:
Dr Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu retained his position as President. Dr Charles Onyeukwu was elected Deputy President. Other appointments included:
- 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.
This team now carries the responsibility of steering NCS towards innovation, inclusivity, and ethical excellence.
The message from Kano is unmistakable: Nigeria’s prosperity will not be dictated from Silicon Valley or Shenzhen. It will be authored here, by Nigerians. ConNovate2025 has lit a flame of possibility. The challenge is to keep it burning until every sector, every region, and every citizen feels the impact of a truly Nigerian digital revolution.
Captions: (left) IFIP President Anthony Wong with Nigerian colleagues at the opening ceremony; (right) NCS President Dr Muhammad Sirajo Aliy gives his opening address.