Cell Phones and Internet: Luxuries or Tools of Development? (Friday)
Dr. Anup Basu, Department of Computing Science; Dr. Lord Mawuko-Yevugah, Department of Political Science; Omolola Olobayo, Gomola Ventures and Global Soap and Detergent Industry, Nigeria; Dr. Wisdom Tettey, Faculty of Communication and Culture, University of Calgary Moderated by Nancy Hannemann, University of Alberta International, and Dr. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, Vice-Chancellor, Kwara State University, Nigeria
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Students’ Union Building
Dinwoodie Lounge
Three-quarters of the world’s four billion cell phones are located in the developing world. In places where infrastructure such as
roads, postal service and landlines is limited, cell phones can substitute for travel and allow quick access to information, in turn
contributing to growth in GDP. Find out more about how telecommunication technology is transforming developing countries and the
prospect for universal access to cell phones and the internet. We will link live to Kwara State University in Nigeria to gain perspectives directly from the developing world.
Anup Basu is a Professor in the U of A’s Department of Computing Science and is currently the iCORE-NSERC Research Chair.
His current research applications include 3D/4D image processing and visualization especially for medical applications,
multimedia in education and games, and wireless 3D multimedia transmission.
Lord Mawuko-Yevugah teaches in the U of A’s Department of Political Science where he recently completed his doctorate. A former
Ghanaian journalist, his recent research focuses on the politics of international aid and critical globalization theory.
Omolola Olobayo is a highly respected business person and Managing Director of Gomola Ventures and Global Soap and
Detergent Industry, Ilorin, Nigeria. Her company is a representative in Ilorin for all the major cell phone providers: MTN, GLO
and more.
Wisdom Tettey is Professor and Interim Dean, Faculty of Communication and Culture, University of Calgary. His research
focuses on the relationships among information technologies, diasporas, knowledge mobilization and state capacity
building in Africa.