It is not hard to see that in this era that is defined by technological advancements and widespread utilisation of cyberspace, it would only be proper for undergraduates in the nation’s tertiary institutions to cash in on the trend if they must remain relevant in this increasingly competitive world.
Both education and technology experts are of the view that any student armed with relevant information about trends in ICT strategies will have an edge over his colleagues, both within and outside the university system.
According to them, the ICT is considered the buzz around the world, hence the rush by companies, individuals and educational bodies to tap into its gains.
Some experts who spoke with BusinessDay recently noted that it is quite sad that most Nigerian students do not fully appreciate the huge benefits they stand to derive from knowing the implications of ICT on their fields and future careers.
One of them, Adegoke Olufemi, an ICT professional and instructor based in Lagos, linked this to what he termed faulty ideas and inadequate information on how to go about it. “Career development for students and graduates alike in the next couple of years including improvements in living standards, rational utilisation of resources, among others, would depend largely on ones knowledge and advancements in various academic disciplines, especially ICT,” he stated. He added that the objectives of Information Technology application cannot be over-emphasised as virtually all aspects of human activities have something to do with it.
Olufemi further pointed that it is the responsibility of the present generation of students to forecast the trend of development in ICT that will channel their future careers in the right direction.
On his part, Muyiwa Olushola, a lecturer, noted that ICT in any academic field entails a systematic investigation for career development which has taken centre stage in Western universities. Olushola was precise when he informed that the main criterion by which “world-class universities” are ranked is not so much about the volume of teaching, student population, etc but through the versatile ultilisation of information technology in all their academic outputs, an example of which is the virtual class room pattern of learning.
In his words: “Once students are conversant with the basic knowledge of IT, no doubt it would boost their marketability in a global job search.” He however regretted that not many students have so far appreciated the vast and profitable job opportunities available in Nigeria, one of which is IT.
KELECHI EWWUZIE
