Expert Raises Alarm over Info Technology Abuse by Nigerian Youths, Urges Collective Action

By Praise Chinecherem

A university lecturer, Prof Virginia Ejiofor has expressed concerns over increasing abuse of Information Technology (IT) particularly among youths, calling for collective actions to fight the trend.

She said amidst the abuse, IT had however remained great tool for advancement which must continuously be harnessed for ultimum satisfaction.

Ejiofor, professor of computer science spoke at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state while delivering the 115th Inaugural Lecture themed, “Information Technology, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”

Describing IT as double-edged sword – a tool for advancement and potential weapon for harm, the varsity don stressed that realizing such duality was key to shaping a digital future for the collective benefits of all and sundry.

According to her, IT had not only enhanced communication and advanced healthcare, education, agriculture and business, it has equally improved governance and public service as well as increased career opportunities for the youths.

“The positive impacts of information technology on economic growth, education, governance and global connectivity is undeniable and has shaped a more interconnected, efficient world,” she added.

Ejiofor however listed negative sides of IT as cyber security threats, privacy concerns, digital divide, job displacement, misinformation and fake news, cybercrime syndicates, cyber bullying and online harassment, addiction and mental health issues, among others.

“The accompanying risks from cyber attacks and data breaches to ethical abuses and societal disruptions cannot be ignored.

“Even more alarming are the deliberate exploitations of IT for criminal and harmful activities that threaten societal trusts and security,” she added.

While calling on individuals, organizations and governments to take advantage of immense opportunities offered by IT, the varsity don urged the bodies to remain vigilant, foster digital responsibility and implement effective policies that mitigate risks.

“The future of IT will depend on our collective ability to harness its good, confront its bad and guard against its ugly sides.”

On the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, Ejiofor warned the electorate to be wary of misinformation, disinformation and fake news.

She stressed the place of verification of information before believing or sharing such.

She cited example of a candidate of a political party in one of the advanced countries who misinformed the electorate through an AI powered video, alleging his opponent had resigned two days to the election, which turned out to be fake.

“Electorate must carefully verify every information that comes their way before accepting it as true and possibly sharing to others,” she said.