By Khalid Ibrahim, Kano
Abdurrahman Isa Ali is a young computer scientist who had inspired a lot of youths to become self-reliant and in this interview with Stallion Times in Kano, the young inspirational scientist talks about Nigerian youths among other issues
Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Abdurrahman Isa Ali popularly known as Abdul Pantami, I was Born on 4th Oct, 2000) to the Pantami family in Gombe state, though I was raised in Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
I attended Kaimhill primary school from 2009 to 2014 and completed my secondary School at Harlaw Academy in Aberdeen and Scotland. I obtained B.Sc. in Computer Science from University of Bedfordshire London.
What is your view on the Nigerian youth?
Nigerian youth are very enterprising and productive what they only need is a push from those that matters. It is also apparent that, education remained a critical factor that must be deployed in tackling a lot of issues that deals with the Nigerian youth.
I am optimistic that, positive and effective utilization of the Nigerian youths in the national development plan will surely be the antidotes to the negative attribution of the present Nigerian youths.
Do Nigerian youths have vile role to play in the nation’s economic growth?
Of cause they do, in fact they are the leading catalyst in the national economic growth. For example, Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017–2020 (ERGP) recognizes the need for a digital-led strategy to make the Nigerian economy more competitive in the 21st century global economy. You can bear me witness when you talk about digital-led strategy you are directly referring to the youths.
In 2015, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) proposed the transition of the economy into a digital economy through investments in digital infrastructure, and more specifically broadband, which is a key driver of digital economy growth and I strongly believe involving the youths here will sure yield the needed result.
Do you believe the present Nigerian youths are ready for this?
You see, impossible is nothing when you have the right mind handling the right positions. In a country like Nigeria, the subject of digital economy is capable of creating job opportunities and who are the jobless at present?
I am sure Nigerian youth are more than ready to make the needed positive change in the entire Nigerian system. That is why I kept saying that my dream is to see a productive and educated Nigerian youth.
Do you believe is the use of technology to solve issues?
I am a staunch believer in the power of emerging technologies capable of transforming the economy of the country.
That is why I strongly believe in the initiative taken by President Muhammadu Buhari in renaming the ministry of communications to the ministry of Communications and Digital economy which shows that my country is moving in the right direction in terms of economic revitalization processes.
I am of the opinion that Nigeria being the biggest economy in Africa with one of the largest populations of young people in the world is well-positioned to develop a strong digital economy, which would have a transformational impact on the country.
Where do you see the Nigerian youth in the nearest future?
I see the Nigerian youth at the helm of African affairs in the nearest future and gradually, the Nigerian youth will move the nation to places in the world ranking of nations with viable economy.
Nigeria as a nation is indeed treading towards an effective economy despite issues relating to the present pandemic which affects the global economy.
As a Nigerian, I have seen opportunities for the Nigerian youth to make the needed differences and I am sure with the right push, the Nigerian youth are ready to make Nigeria proud in the nearest future.
