Computer Science Department Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria. 20 February ‘Gbenga Sesan | A New INFORMATION Society

OVERVIEW… ¶ Introduction to the Information Society ¶ ICT: The Convergence ¶ Multistakeholder, Multidisciplinary … ¶ The New I.S. and the Global Economy ¶ African Youth in the Information Society ¶ What are you(th) doing? ¶ Life in the 25th Century

Introduction to the Information Society Human existence has gone through distinct phases – from pre-civilisation through the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions and to the Information Age The Information Age is revealing a complex convergence that seeks to create a new society driven by information, communication and (emerging) technologies This new society, the Information Society, is driven by ICTs, and an evident shrinking of space and dissolution of physical boundaries – globalisation The Information Society embraces a multi-stakeholder approach, bringing governments, businesses, civil society, academia and SIGs (e.g. youth) together

ICTs: The Convergence ICTs: Information and Communication Technologies (the means of generating, processing, transporting and presenting information) Old ICTs exist, but the new ICTs follow:  Information Technology Computers; Data processing/number crunching  Telecommunications  Telephones, fax, satellite, TV; Plain Old Telephone System (POTS)  Networks  Internet, data, satellite, cell; Pretty Amazing New Services (PANS) ICTs: Convergence of Communications, Computers, Consumer electronics, Content Convergence at the level of technology – all is in bits (binary digits); industry ; policy & regulation ; advocacy and multi-stakeholder participation

Multistakeholder, multidisciplinary… The Information Society operates on a multi- stakeholder platform, and it also throws up the “multidisciplinary” concept – different disciplines contribute their quota and at the end, a structured matrix of efforts produce a beautiful society for all Every profession is repositioning for improved relevance in the new Information Society – from Accounting ( New Accounting ) to Agriculture ( Precision Agriculture ), and Computing ( Information Sciences ) too! This new paradigm is also shifting educational standards – from what you have (certificate) to what you know (expertise) Nations are not left out. Natural resources no longer give directions to Human and Intellectual Capital

The New Society & the Global Economy The world has woken up to a change in economic standards and indices – a New Economy is here The New Economy is driven by ICTs, and each nation or people group’s response to this determines which side of the divide they’re on Africa’s response to the New Economy is responsible for our present situation, made worse by corruption and lack of adequate leadership In the New Economy, work styles are different! Familiarity with emerging technologies and appropriate use of existing technologies are not negotiable The New Economy holds respect for global citizens, not local champions

African Youth in the Information Society Africa has a lot of catching up to do as far as the Information Society is concerned Young people are the most dynamic users of new ICTs and can help extend, maintain and improve information and communication flow and efficiency Present response of African nation states to the demand of this new society includes the development of ICT policies and establishment of structures The Nigerian National Policy on Information Technology, as an example, established NITDA and puts its vision as, ‘ To make Nigeria an IT capable country in Africa, and a key player in the Information Society by the year 2005, using IT as the engine for sustainable development and global competitiveness ’

What are you(th) doing? ITU Africa 2001, Johannesburg: 98 young people from almost all African countries invited by the ITU through an essay writing competition worked together and set the tone for the African Youth Initiative - WSIS PrepCom 1, Geneva: Less than 10 young people representing different continents warm their way into hearts of delegates and established the now dynamic youth caucus of the WSIS and the YCDO framework – Paradigm Initiative Nigeria: 6 young Nigerian graduates who, along with their “primary jobs”, are committed to the empowerment and inclusion of Nigeria’s youth in national development and global participation –

Life in the 25th Century The only passport that will grant access to the future is today’s preparations The need for personal development cannot be over emphasized - it provides a platform for nation building and global participation TIPS FOR TOMORROW:  You must settle the issue of career choice before you step into tomorrow  If your goals in life only exist in your head, and they only come up during discussions, you are only day-dreaming. Get a pen and write down your goals  Those who seek to make impact within their community always end up improving themselves  Plan, review… plan again if you falter. Be consistent…

A New INFORMATION Society ‘Gbenga Sesan | THANK YOU Questions? Computer Science Department Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria. 20 February 2004.