The Computerize Nigeria Project (CNP) has intensified its push for a new knowledge base for Nigeria with the launch of a new scheme that would, for the first time in history, inject 1.5 million laptops into the Nigerian IT space.
Anchored on a time tested statement by Leo Stan Ekeh, founder of the Computerize Nigeria Project, that “in this knowledge century no man is born poor, with digital knowledge you can control your destiny”, the scheme seeks to empower Nigerians to overcome most of the challenges against self actualization.
The reputable international brands participating in this project include Zinox, HP, Toshiba, Dell, and Acer. True to its public acclaim as the organization that breaks barriers to create access to computer ownership, the Computerize Nigeria Project has made this offer as attractive as possible to Nigerians. The biggest obstacle removed is the request for bank guarantees before participation in computer ownership schemes. There are no bank guarantees. Nigerians can pay in attractive cash prices or in a flexible payment plan up to 18 months installment. The monthly stipend is barely over N4, 000 monthly. There is also a 12 months manufacturer’s warranty to be enjoyed by all laptops bought. Computer ownership has never been easier said Loretta Agbakoba, head of the Computerize Nigeria Project. She said that in addition the first 100,000 laptops bought would come standard with over 1,000,000 e-books and a Zinox digilamp free.
Agbakoba said that the project is meant mainly for employees of the public and private sectors, military and para-military establishments, educational institutions, professionals, small offices and home offices. She said that Computerize Nigeria has provided the best opportunity for employers to computerize their operations and work forces. Agbakoba said that she shared the concerns that 1,500,000 laptops do not mean much to a population of 140-150 million people but she said that it is a commendable starting point. She asked skeptics to imagine what 1,500,000 laptops would do to the quality of products from the educational system, especially if they came standard with e-books.
Agbakoba said that a million systems within the civil service would make a lot of difference in terms of service delivery. She said that she expects the Governments in Nigeria to partner with the Computerize Nigeria Project to deliver at least 10 million laptops into the Nigerian economy in the next 36 months. Beyond the Governments, public spirited individuals should step out and be counted on the side of the Computerize Nigeria project. Only a conscious and massive computerization project can guarantee that Nigeria achieves the millennium development goals. We urgently need a new knowledge base to join Brazil, India, and China as the emerging powers of the 21st Century.
Computerize Nigeria Project, a non- profit organization, was launched by a team of IT technocrats led by Ekeh in 2001. The launch opened a new vista in cost effective digital tooling of individuals, institutions and corporate persons while launching the first computer ownership scheme in Nigeria. The Board of CNP is presently chaired by Prof. Ibidapo Obe, renowned scientist, academic, and administrator.