The Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) has advised those engaging in the sales or use of computing facilities and provision of professionals services in computing to register with the council.
Its President/Chairman-in-Council, Prof. Charles Uwadia, who gave the advice at a virtual news conference said it was illegal to engage in computing and professional practice without satisfying the above registration conditions and possession of a current valid licence.
“As you are aware, CPN was established through Act No 49 of 1993. It was signed on June 10 and gazetted on Aug. 9 that year.
“It is a corporate entity that is charged with the regulation, control and supervision of the computing profession and practice in Nigeria, in line with Section 1(2) of the Act.
“The council herein referred to as CPN is under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education,’’ the council president said.
He said the council’s function include- determining the standards of knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the computing profession and improve those standards from time to time as circumstances might permit.
Uwadis made known that, in accordance with the provision of the Act, the establishment and maintenance of a register of person seeking to be registered under the Act to practice the computing profession and the publication from time to time of the list of such persons.
He said the council was responsible for the organisation of computing practice in Nigeria, and supervision of the practice of computing in Nigeria.
According to him, it is responsible for screening of individuals seeking to be registered to engage in the sale or use of computational machinery and techniques related, as well as the provision of professional services in computing.
Other responsibilities: include ensuring high computing professional Ethics and Standards, creation and sustenance of local and international contacts for members, reduced charges for some specific professional services and facilities.
Uwadis revealed that the council determines the academic standards in Computer Science, Computer Engineering and other related disciplines; accreditation of institutions’ courses and programmes as well as evaluation of certificates.
The president said the council also has the responsibility of conducting professional examinations in computing, in collaboration with the Nigeria Computer Society.
According to him, it also engages in publication of register of computer professionals and other professional works like journals.
He called on members of the public to partner with the council to make Nigerians well informed of events and activities, geared toward assisting the country to maximise its potential in information technology and using information technology.
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