Telecoms and IT industry set to Empower Educational Sector at EduNet Africa Conference 2011.

Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN) have pledged their support for the event EduNet Africa Conference being hosted by Emerging media publishers of Techtrends in collaboration with Centre for Information Technology and Systems,University of Lagos on the 7th-8th July at Afe Babalola Conference Centre,UNILAG.

Speaking on behalf of ITAN,Dr.Jimson Olufuye,President ITAN said the event is one that is commendable and hence the associations full support at the event.In a related development,Speaking on ATCON’s support for the,Engr.Titi Omo-Ettu said,”this event being organised by Emerging Media,Publishers of TechTrendsng.com fits into ATCON’s Agenda for the year and merits her support.Therefore we are totally in support of the event as this will help build capacities in our educational institutions”

Register for the event at: http://www.edunetafrica.com/register-here

Why This Conference was instituted?

This is the era of knowledge –based economy. The new information and communication technologies (NICT) especially the Internet has become a veritable tool for learning, research, business development and growth, mass communication, social empowerment for social changes. With the Higher education in developed world playing key roles in research of these new technologies and how they help in development(ICT4D) and transform businesses into great organizations like Google, Facebook,Twitter etc.High institutions of learning in Africa have paid little attention in harnessing the potentials of the Internet in learning, teaching, research, development and socialization.

With increased Broadband access into Africa, most tertiary institutions in Africa now have internet labs that are well equipped with internet facilities and new technologies; this is a welcomed development and a right step in the right direction. But one question that comes into mind is-are these internet facilities being maximized by the lecturers, researchers, students and the university, teaching and learning community as a whole? Has the presence of these internet labs impacted positively on the teaching and learning process of these institutions?

It is obvious that the internet facilities in these tertiary institutions are not being put to optimal use, because of this, Internet education has become necessary to equip the university community in Africa with possibilities and opportunities that will make them take their rightful place.

Therefore to empower the teaching and learning community in Africa with the right internet education as identified above, this conference known as EduNet Africa Conference (EduNet Africa) is here to bridge this digital divide and infopoverty in Africa.A similar successful event was held in 2010 in Nigeria called the Nigeria Internetworld Conference and Exhibition (NICE).

What is EduNet Africa Conference All About?

EduNet conference is the leading internationally recognized conference for Higher Education community in Africa. It is being hosted annually in different tertiary institutions across the continent. This event is meant to create an environment to learn, network with stakeholders in ICT industry, share ideas that will enhance the effective use of the Internet facilities and the new technologies in the university and Institutions of higher learning in Africa.

This event brings together delegates from education and training institutions, Government and regulatory authorities, International organizations like the UNESCO,ICT experts and stakeholders, Internet based businesses, service providers, e-Commerce providers, startups, IT companies, that are involved in online marketing, e-commerce technology, web technology and development, content development and management, to interact,learn,network,share ideas that will benefit the education sector in Africa using ICT.

One of the unique features of EduNet Afric Conference is the opportunity it offers African Startups to showcase their product and services through the African Startups Showcase (ASS) at the event. African Startups will have opportunities and exposure to venture capital, partnership, loans, grants, scholarship etc.at the conference. They will be given opportunities to be part of International events like the World Summit Youth Awards organized by the United Nations.

What are the Objectives of this Conference?

-To explore the opportunities and possibilities the internet, mobile and new technologies provide within the academics in the areas of e-learning, business, communication and social changes (ICT4D).

-To educate and empower our teaching, learning and Training community with Internet education that will improve the quality of teaching, learning, e-collaboration, research and development in Africa.

-To spark up netpreneurship and digital revolution in Africa by creating opportunities for our institutions to develop applications that will compete favorably globally. It is an event that encourages African Startups through the African Startup Exhibitions.

-To help fully integrate ICT into academic curriculum

-The conference will no doubt dissuade the youths from cyber crimes and open their minds to good and profitable use of the Internet and new technologies.

-It affords opportunities for businesses to leverage on the event to expose their product and services to their target audience and also seek future opportunity within the teaching and learning Community in Africa.

-It is the best place to network with top ICT experts and businesses in Africa. Young technopreneurs will meet top ICT experts that will serve as their role models.

How do we achieve these Objectives?

These objectives of the conference will be achieved through high quality Presentations, Exhibitions and Networking at the event.

The seminar sessions will provide quality education and answers to issues based on the broad topics above and speakers are professionals from relevant institutions, organizations and government agencies.

The panel discussion will offer an interactive session that will further explore the topics and issues in focus.

The exhibitions will provide participants with the needed marketplace that will help them implement strategies learnt from the seminars. They will also meet suppliers and Internet service providers face to face, see latest products and compare prices, find new technologies they can use.

In terms of networking, it will serve as the largest gathering of leading IT Professional in Africa who have interest in the educational sector, Internet based professionals, Service providers, Web strategists, Equipment manufacturers, University dons, students; this offers the best opportunity to network.

Register for the event at: http://www.edunetafrica.com/register-here