Software Development Competition Holds in Jos

Emma Okonji

nHub Nigeria, in collaboration with Qitech Technologies and Knowhow Media International, publishers of IT Edge News.Com, will in November this year, organise the second software and apps competition also known as hackathon event.

This year’s competition is designed to foster interest among young people in software development and the entire spectrum of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

The event, which is scheduled to hold in Jos, Plateau State, is expected to attract international stakeholders and the local ICT community.

Tagged Hackjos, the four day software development marathon will also feature a one day conference with the theme: “How ready is Nigeria for the internet of things (IOT)”. The event is conceived to be a meeting point for budding entrepreneurs and already established tech-companies as well as for policy makers and investors angling to bet on technology innovation.

About 30 teams consisting of a minimum of three developers/‘hackathoners’, 10 judges, 10 tech support team and over 300 live audience and spectators, will be housed for four days in a marathon of wit, entrepreneurship and mental fitness to develop apps-solutions under the framework of Nigeria’s readiness for IOT and sector-by-sector challenges in Nigeria’s economic space.

The Hackjos competition is bringing together tech-savvy citizens, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, students, programmers and developers across Nigeria under one roof for 48 hours to get involved and showcase their ingenuity and talents in the pursuit of creating compelling solutions that cut across mobile, desktop, web and hardware that will help solve problems relevant to the various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The Chief Executive Officer of nHub Nigeria, organiser of Hackjos, Daser David, said: “People may wonder why Jos. We are bringing people to experience the changing dynamics in Jos. We want them to come see the quiet transition as Jos acquires a new reputation as the go-to-place for innovation to harness the ability of young people for innovation in ICT.”

The Head, Plateau State ICT Agency, Mrs. Rahab Shik, on behalf of the state government, said: “We welcome participants and international delegates to Hackjos 2016 into Jos, a home of peace and tourism. Despite recent sad challenges, Jos beckons with opportunities for various economic activities. We are glad to share with the world our improving statistics on conflict management and restoring of order for business.”

Chairman, Qitech Technology Limited, Dr. Sola Afolabi, said: “Dwindling oil revenue and a large population of young people would only mean that Africa’s largest economy will have to rework its fate on its youth and the expansive ICT sector. We are happy to collaborate on an event themed on innovation, youth and the future of Nigeria.”