The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Thursday invited citizens, especially software developers, to participate in the agency’s ‘Nigeria COVID-19 Innovative Challenge’.
Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporare Affairs and External Relations of NITDA, made the announcement in a statement issued in Abuja.
Umar said that the challenge was organised as part of NITDA’s strategic initiatives aimed at identifying and showcasing innovative technology that would help in containing the pandemic.
According to her, it will focus on cushioning the effects, create awareness on measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and engage stakeholders in discussion.
“NITDA, through its subsidiary, Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE), is calling on Nigerians, especially software developers, to apply for opportunities to participate in the “Nigeria COVID-19 Innovative Challenge”.
“Nigeria COVID-19 Innovation Challenge is an online innovative challenge set up to meet the challenges mankind is facing as a result of the Coronavirus.
“Given the current circumstances being experienced in Nigeria and the world at large, this call is on developers, entrepreneurs and other creative minds to explore, experiment and build software solutions to help address this crisis ravaging our economy,” she said.
She added that applications from prospective participants should include mitigating the health and social impacts of COVID-19 in Nigeria using innovative technologies.
Umar stated that it should showcase relevant innovative technologies developed by Nigerians towards COVID-19 and could be used in the future for similar pandemics.
According to her, their application should look at facilitating processes along the prevention, detection and treatment value chain of COVID-19.
“It should cushion the financial, social impact of COVID-19 during and after the pandemic in Nigeria and possibly beyond.
“Registration for the programme commenced on Friday, April 24, and expected to close on Friday, May 1.
“Further information can be found on the event website:https://nigeriacovid19.futurehack.ng.”
She said the challenge was open to Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
