Computer Software Industry, A Potential Source of Job and Wealth Creation for Youths in Nigeria

Abstract

Oluwole Charles Akinyokun

Information Technology (IT) is the fastest growing technology in the world today. The hardware was the major driving force of computer between 1940 and 1979 but things changed dramatically since 1980s when the major driving force of computer is software. This development changed the national resource-based economy to knowledge based economy. The engine of IT as a global agent for societal change in an emerging knowledge economy is computer software. The computer software is a tool for good governance, optimal productivity, transparency and accountability with a proven potential to contribute to national Gross Domestic Product. Software development is the new shift in the history of human development with immense ability to bridge the economic gap between the developed nations and developing nations. The classifications of the nations of the world during the Agricultural, Industrial and IT revolutions are presented and the position of Nigeria at each stage was identified. The desk study of the comparative analysis and evaluation of software industry in India, Israel and Ireland are presented. The study of software industry in Nigeria with emphasis on the vision, missions, objectives, strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats are presented. It is argued that Nigeria has the potentials for the emergence as a global competitor in software products, services and markets with ancillary beneficial impact of poverty alleviation, gender equality, job creation and wealth creation of youths in the world at large.

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