Education

 Computer Programming: University of Ibadan Emerges Best University

University of Ibadan (UI), in Abuja emerged the best Nigerian university in the area of computer programming, followed keenly by a private institution, Bells University Ota. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) came third out of the 16 institutions that participated in the Second Nigerian Universities Computer Programming Contest (NUCPC) organized by the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) aimed at identifying and encouraging young talents in Mathematical sciences.

UI took home the 'Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu Cup for Computer Programming' and it will lead others to the forthcoming West African Regional Universities Computer Programming Contest (WARC) in Nigeria before the end of this year.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Education, Dr. Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu who inaugurated the 'National Advisory Committee on NUCPC' lauded the NMC because of its commitment to the development of the mathematical sciences in the country. Aja-Nwachukwu said that for the Vision 2020 of the Federal Government to become a reality, efforts must be geared towards science education, research and development, adding that it is the bedrock for national development.

He said that for Nigeria to keep abreast with global trends of technological advancement, and for Nigerian universities to achieve international recognition; the country's university students and upcoming computer scientists should be motivated and encouraged to participate in the world's most prestigious programming contest.

Noting that the contest is for the improvement of the teaching and learning of mathematical sciences at all levels of education in Nigeria, the minister said government is making frantic effort to place the country in her rightful position in the world of advanced technology as a vehicle for the achievement of its Vision 2020.

"Investment in science is vital for developing nations. In order to achieve Nigeria's quest for sustainable economic growth and development, it is necessary that the country effectively promote excellence in science and technology. A country that neglects science education for its citizens does so at its own peril," he added. He further promised that the Education Ministry will look into any constraint the NMC may face in discharging the noble task of developing the Mathematical Sciences in the country.

Speaking earlier, Director-General of the NMC, Prof. Sam Ale noted that the contest was organised from the internally generated fund of the centre, adding that the budgetary proposal for the event will be presented for inclusion in next year's budget to help institution to contest. Prof. Ale lauded Aja Nwachukwu for his interest in the development of Mathematical sciences stating that the contest which attracts over 82 countries globally is yet to have any Nigerian university feature in it.

He said with the contest now taking place in the country, Nigerian university system will soon have a representative at the global and regional level, a move which will lead to the recognition and acceptance of Nigerian programmers in the field. "For Nigeria to keep abreast with global trends of technological advancement, and for Nigerian universities to achieve international recognition, our university students and upcoming computing scientists should be motivated and encouraged to participate in the world's most prestigious programming contest" he stated.

Also speaking the Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on NUCPC and chief judge of the contest, Prof. Adenike Osifisan said a lot of support is needed for the Mathematical sciences and especially the ICT sector in Nigeria. She said that no country can move forward in the present dispensation without proper investment in ICT, adding that Nigeria must be able to create soft-ware in the ICT and sell to other countries just like India has done.