Internet Society Nigeria Chapter
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| General Information | |
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| Type: | ALS |
| Country: | Nigeria |
| Region: | Africa |
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The Internet Society Nigeria Chapter is an African Chapter and a member of the Internet Society (ISOC).
History
The idea to setup a chapter of the Internet Society in Nigeria was mooted by a group of friends in July 1997. It was borne out of an urgent necessity provoked by the doctoral thesis of an Electrical Engineer. As a PHD student in the Electrical Engineering Department of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt (Nigeria), he urgently required some data/bibliography/documentation for his research programs. He hit a dead end in the search for these vital materials. He therefore contacted a friend in the Department of Electrical Engineering RSUST who referred to another friend. This friend is already exposed to Internet facility for over one year. Internet offers access to an avalanche of information/materials in diverse fields of human endeavour. By the use of Internet, the student was able to reach out to different sources for the vital materials badly needed for his research. Thrilled by this discovery and the realization that life could be made much easier in various fields of human endeavour if many more people come to know about Internet and take advantage of it, the friends decided to be organized and popularize Internet in Nigeria. Some other friends were involved in the process and the product is the birth of Internet Society Nigeria Chapter. Other people also showed interest and became pioneer members as well. Dr. Vint Cerf of ISOC in USA, co-inventor of the computer networking protocol, TCP/IP, which has become the language for Internet Communications, was contacted and much encouragement was received for the formation of the chapter.
Chapter Formation
On January 19, 1998 the first general meeting with all the first 26 members of the chapter in attendance appointed the Executive Committee as follows: Prof. Thomas Chukwuemeka Nwodo (President) Engr. Giandomenico Massari (Vice President) Engr. Effiong B. Umoren (General Secretary) Engr. Odieari O. Oruye (Social/Program Secretary) Engr. Christopher Ahiakwo Okwuchukwu (Technical Secretary) Mr. Alapuye S. Cotterell (Financial Secretary) Mr. Abiola Sikiru Abdulaziz (Treasurer) Mr. Ishaku Tikon (P.R.O.) Other Officers: Mr. John Fakado (Esq.) (Legal Adviser) Mr. Kajode Adetunji (Auditor)
Immediately, the process for recognition both locally and at the US main office was put in motion. After several months on June 3, 1998 we were recognized as chartered chapter by US main office, and on June 8, 1998 we were recognized as registered society in Nigeria. Presently, the organization has a membership strength of 68 units cut across the nation. With an aggressive membership drive in place the membership is expected rise very soon.
Chapter Rejuvenation
In 2017, a rejuvenation exercise commenced.
This exercise saw to the reviewing and presentation of a new constitution. It also led to the election of new leadership for the Chapter (2017-2020). In 2020, it successfully handed over to a new team.
The elected Rejuvenation Executive Council for the ISOC Nigeria Chapter are :
President: Adewole Ajao Vice-President: Prince Iniobong Eka Secretary General: Auwal Alhassan Tata Programme Secretary: Ogundele Olumuyiwa Caleb Treasurer: Mary-Jane Sule Financial Secretary: Fawole Bukola Public Relations Officer: Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo
Chapter Projects
In 2018, the new Executives relaunched the chapter in Abuja. In 2021, a new set of Executive's took office. In 2023, a new batch of leaders emerged.
Since its rejuvenation, it has successfully started and executed Webinars, Training Sessions with collaborative partnership on programs and projects.
The chapter is on Giga Status in ISOC. It has produced ICANN Fellows, Leadership on Chapter Advisory Council, as well as a Board of Trustee in ISOC.
In 2023, it held the position as 2nd best chapter in Africa.