By Buhari Abba
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has inaugurated an Advisory Committee on Technology, Innovation, Creativity, and Prosperity (TICAP) to deepen its use of technology and innovation for social development.
The committee, inaugurated on Monday in Kano, comprises experts drawn from academia, the ICT industry, and other technology sectors.
Members include Dr. Sanah Abdullahi Mu’az of the Department of Software Engineering, Bayero University Kano; former Chairman of the Kano State Chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Rabi’u Haruna; Engr. Kamaluddeen Umar of Bayero University Kano; Muhammad Sani; and Mubarak Ahmad.
Speaking at the inauguration, CITAD’s Executive Director, Malam Y.Z. Ya’u, said the committee was deliberately composed of seasoned professionals to provide the balance of academic knowledge, industry expertise, and creative thinking that the organisation seeks.
“CITAD is deliberate in assembling this group of seasoned professionals because we recognise the importance of blending academic knowledge with industry practice and technological creativity,” Ya’u said. “We believe your expertise will guide us in making TICAP a true driver of innovation and prosperity for society.”
Also speaking, CITAD’s Human Resources Officer, Muhammad Sani Sa’idu, said the committee was established to serve as more than a symbolic advisory body.
“This committee is not just advisory in name; it is designed to serve as a think tank that helps us set realistic goals, provide feedback, and create an enabling environment for new ideas to thrive,” Sa’idu stated.
He added that the body would help foster accountability, promote innovation, expand CITAD’s impact, and ensure the organisation’s programmes remain relevant to both community and national needs.
Reading the committee’s Terms of Reference, Sa’idu outlined seven key responsibilities: providing supervisory support to TICAP, advising on scalable technology solutions, serving as a sounding board for new ideas, reviewing the quality of projects, recommending new work areas, supporting capacity building, and carrying out other assignments to advance societal progress.
According to the organisation, TICAP forms part of CITAD’s new thematic focus on harnessing technology and creativity to address emerging challenges in Nigeria.