Computer Science Department Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria. 20 February 2004.

1. A New INFORMATIONSociety ‘Gbenga Sesanwww.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com Computer Science DepartmentBabcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria. 20 February 2004.

2. 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

3. 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 shrinkingof 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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’

8. 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 - www.ayinitiative.net • 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 – www.ycdo.net • 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 – www.pin.itgo.com

9. 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…

10. A New INFORMATION Society THANK YOU Questions? ‘Gbenga Sesanwww.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com Computer Science DepartmentBabcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria. 20 February 2004.