Nigeria Computing Society: Becoming A Member

The Nigeria Computing Society, NCS for short, is a body for computer professionals in Nigeria. NCS is actively involved in the development and promotion of the computing and technological culture in Nigeria. The organization is open to computer, information, and technology professionals in Nigeria.

If you are a computer professional, you sure do need to become a part of this platform as you can enjoy the numerous benefits available to its members and also be a contributor to the advancement of the computing and technological ecosystem in Nigeria.

We have prepared the post for your sake to provide answers on what society is all about and how you can be a member of society. The article will explain in detail the procedures and requirements that you need to become a member including other crucial information you need to know.

Also, check out Computer Professional Bodies in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Computing Society

The Nigeria Computing Society was formerly known as the Computer Association of Nigeria (COAN) before it was changed to its present name in 2002.

The establishment of NCS in 1978 came as a result of the need to build and bring together every computer professional, interested group, and stakeholder in the information and technology field in Nigeria.

The aim is to use this society as a platform for sharing ideas, and resources and bolstering the reach and capacities of the computing field in Nigeria.

As a member, you get to get the following benefits:

Access to many vital resources and ideas as well as collaboration with professionals in the computing field in Nigeria.
Boost your rank and recognition in the computing field and your portfolio
Access to programs and initiatives set up by the government at Federal, state, and local levels in Nigeria. In addition, you get to get access and updates to the foreign programs and initiatives too.
Get access to funding and support for your research and various related endeavors.

How to become a member of the Nigeria Computing Society

There is an entrance for anyone ranging from students, stakeholders, interested groups, and corporate organizations as long as you are in the line of computing, information and communication technology, or any related field.

However, there are different modes of membership and the requirements are different from one another. In essence, individuals seeking membership as students cannot have the same requirements and level of membership as a professional or stakeholders.

In addition, their ranks will determine the level of access they have to specific benefits and resources.

How to join Nigeria Computing Society as a Student

NCS is open for students who will like to be a member of the organization as a student. You must be at least 16 years of age and also must be studying computer science or any related course in a recognized tertiary institution in Nigeria.

Follow these steps to kick-start your membership registration as a member of NCS as a student.

Visit the NCS website https://www.ncs.org.ng/membership-2/levelreg/ Download the membership form and fill out the necessary information
Await confirmation: Once your application has been processed, you will receive confirmation of your membership from NCS through your email. With this, it shows your registration process is halfway done.
The final stage is the payment stage. You will also need to pay the required membership fee, which is N1,600.

Joining Nigeria Computing Society as a Corporate Body

Check eligibility: NCS offers membership to corporate bodies involved in the development, use, and application of Information Technology and related products and services.
Fill out the membership form: Visit the NCS website (https://ncs.org.ng/membership/) and click on “Corporate Membership”. Download the membership form, fill it out, and attach relevant documents such as company registration documents, tax clearance certificates, and other required information.
Submit the membership form: After filling out the form, you can submit it via email or in person at the nearest NCS office. You will also need to pay the required membership fee, which varies depending on the size of the organization.
Await confirmation: Once your application has been processed, you will receive confirmation of your membership from NCS. This will give you access to NCS events, publications, and networking opportunities.

Other categories of membership follow the same procedure but the membership fee and the requirements for the membership are different for each category.

As provided on the official website, the requirements for each category are as follows:

Professional Fellow

The highest membership level in society. The position is reserved for only the best and proven professionals in the field. Such a person must:

Prove his/her professional activities
Recognized as an authoritative figure in the field.
Have a record of remarkable contributions in the field and society as well.

Also, check out the Importance of Technology in Education.

Other important requirements include:

Minimum age of thirty years and at least ten years of relevant professional working experience and at least five of which must have been in a position of senior management responsibility.
Regarded by society as the right and proper individual to get such recognition.
Possesses an examination certificate or examinations that the society has approved for the membership grade.
Has two Fellows endorse their application in writing and in the manner specified from time to time by the Society.
A candidate for the Fellowship grade must have been a Member for at least 10 (ten) years, of which at least 2 (two) years out of 3 (three) years (before the date of application) can be substantiated as to regular attendance at or involvement in Society events.
Registered with CPN for at least three years.

Requirements – (B):

First degree(HND or B.Sc.) in Computer Science/Information Technology/any related discipline OR Computer Professional Examination (CPE Stage II)
Practicing IT for a minimum of 20 years
Must have registered with NCS and CPN or concurrently registered with the Fellowship application.
Must pay a special admission fee to be determined by the Council.
Must also fulfill ii, iii, v in Requirements – (A) above

Member

Those who wish to apply to become Members must meet at least one of the requirements listed below:

B.Sc./HND in computer science, information technology, or a related field with at least five years of professional experience in computing or IT after graduation from an accredited institution
M.Sc./M.Tech in computer science/information technology or a related field with at least three years of documented post-graduate experience in computing/IT and a B.SC. or HND in an unrelated field in addition to a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in computer science/IT with at least three years of relevant professional experience
The Computer Professionals Examination (CPE) III must have been passed.

Associate Member

To be considered for admission at this level, prospective candidates must fulfill at least one of the following conditions:

Less than five years of proven post-graduation professional experience but a B.Sc. or HND in computer science, information technology, or related courses
A master’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field plus at least two years of verifiable post-graduation work experience
Along with a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Computer Science or Information Technology and at least two years of verifiable post-PGD professional experience, you must also have a B.Sc. or HND in unrelated courses.
The Computer Professional Examination (CPE) II must have been passed.

Graduate Member

The following qualifications must be met by potential applicants to be admitted at this level:

Less than three years of post-graduation work experience with a B.Sc./HND in computer science/information technology or similar fields

Technologist

At least one of the following requirements must be met by potential applicants:

Computer Professional Examination (CPE) Certification Exams, such as Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, etc., for a national diploma for an accredited institution

Student Member

Students currently undergoing a course of study in computer science/ Computer Engineering/Information Technology or related courses in a University or Polytechnic or other Institutions of Higher Learning recognized by the Society.

Honourary Fellow

Awarded to people who are not professionals in computers but who have helped the nation’s information technology industry advance in some way.

Affiliate

Given to candidates who have completed at least one year of computing training or have worked in a computer set for at least two years but are not computer graduates.

Corporate associate

Awarded to Business Organizations or Companies having a Computer Interest that have registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Two (2) or more of the organization’s members must be NCS-registered.
You have shown your dedication to the advancement of the information technology community and your professional development by joining the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS).

Final notes on Nigeria Computing Society

NCS is one the biggest computer professional bodies to join in Nigeria. Becoming a part is essential for career development in computing and advancement as well. The post contains vital information on how to join and the benefits one stands to gain from being part of it.

Before you go, check out The Importance of Technology.