The Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria has intensified efforts to strengthen professional standards and stamp out quackery in Nigeria’s Information Technology sector ahead of its 2026 Information Technology Professionals’ Assembly and Annual General Meeting.
Speaking during a virtual press conference on Friday, the President and Chairman of Council, Essien Eyo, said the council would enforce stricter compliance with professional regulations to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s computing ecosystem.
Eyo warned that unlicensed practice in the IT sector would no longer be tolerated, stressing that the council would strengthen enforcement measures in line with its statutory responsibilities.
According to him, the law makes it compulsory for all individuals and organisations involved in computing and professional IT services to be registered and licensed by the council before operating legally in the country.
“It is illegal to engage in computing and professional practice without satisfying the requirement of registration and possession of a valid licence,” he said.
The CPN president stated that the council remained committed to eliminating quackery, arbitrary practices and poor professional standards within the sector.
“CPN is committed to ensuring high professional ethics and standards, and we will continue to intensify efforts to eliminate quackery, arbitrary practice and lack of standards in the IT sector,” Eyo added.
He revealed that the 2026 IT Professionals’ Assembly would hold on May 13 and 14 at the NAF Conference Centre and would focus on advancing regulatory compliance, professional development and collaboration within the industry.
The 20th edition of the assembly is themed, “Digital Resilience and Inclusion for Smart Economy,” a theme Eyo said aligns with Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the conference
would address the urgent need for a secure, inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem capable of withstanding technological disruptions, cyber threats and evolving economic challenges.“In an era defined by rapid technological change, cybersecurity threats, economic disruptions and evolving digital demands, resilience ensures that digital infrastructure and institutions can withstand shocks and sustain growth,” he said.
“At the same time, inclusion guarantees that no segment of society is left behind in accessing digital opportunities.”
Eyo noted that discussions at the assembly would centre on emerging digital risks, ethical technology deployment, inclusive policy frameworks and stronger collaboration among government agencies, industry stakeholders, academia and civil society groups.
He further disclosed that the event would feature the induction of new members into the computing profession and would be held in a hybrid format to encourage wider participation
“The 2026 IT Professionals’ Assembly is not just an event but a strategic platform for shaping Nigeria’s digital destiny,” he stated.
Eyo also confirmed that the keynote address would be delivered by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Vice President of Council, Aliu Abdullahi, said the establishment of CPN was aimed at ensuring proper regulation of Nigeria’s expanding IT sector.
Abdullahi explained that the council’s responsibilities include setting professional standards, accrediting academic programmes, conducting examinations, regulating practice, enforcing ethical conduct and maintaining the national register of computing professionals.
He reiterated that all individuals and organisations engaged in IT training, computing services and related activities must be duly registered and licensed by the council.
He also called on media organisations to support public awareness efforts surrounding the forthcoming
