Information & Communication Technology Arena

Abia State Polytechnic emerged winners in the maiden edition of the institute of software practitioners of Nigeria (Ispon) National Software Innovation cup competition with their Biometric Finger Print Voting System application.

They beat 19 other tertiary institutions across the country that made it to the finals in Tinapa, Calabar. The University of Lagos was the 1st runner-up while, Delta State University, Abraka was the 2nd runner up.

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State who hosted the competition was so impressed with the performance of the students that he announced additional monetary rewards to all of them. The Abia state Polytechnic team was given N1million; 1st runner-up N500, 000; 2nd runner-up N250,000; and N100,000 to the remaining 17 teams from the different tertiary institutions that contested.

The governor said: “this is a very historic moment for us and a proof that there is hope for Nigeria, these young talents have shown us that with little encouragement and the right mentoring we can rule the world.”

Governor Imoke also, announced that the competition will be hosted again by the Cross River State government in 2012 at Tinapa, Calabar but this time it will include secondary schools in the state.

Chris Uwaje, President of Ispon says: “No nation can succeed in the new 21st century economy without a framework for constructive investment, incubation, development and mastery of its indigenous software knowledge base.’

The Abia Poly team of three was led by Ifeanyi Anyadike. Other members of the team were Ifeayichukwu Enyika and Anslem Nkoro.

“This is a big boost to our ambition and career objectives. We are more than ever convinced now that it pays to be focused and hardworking. We remain grateful to Ispon and the governor of Cross River State for this opportunity given to us to showcase our skills and talents.”

Apart from the cash prizes, trophies, and certificates, the top three teams will under mentoring, incubation and venture capital readiness training and a high level meeting with the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, at a later date in Abuja.

The event was part of the two-day Ispon Software National Conference and Competition. The Conference was attended by a capacity of more than 750 participants made up of government officials, academia, IT Professionals, captains of the software industry, students and media.