By Emeka Aginam
The panel of judges of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria( ISPON)  Software innovation cup competition for tertiary institutions in Nigeria  on Monday  shortlisted  20 schools for the finals kicking off in Tinapa,   Calabar, Cross River State  tomorrow.

This may have started generating anxiety among the contestants who are eager to know their status and plan their next strategic moves to win the Cup.

The  shortlisted schools are not limited to the following: Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State; University of Uyo, Uyo; Cross River State University of Technology(CRUTECH), Calabar; Yaba College of Technology, Lagos; Federal Polytechnic, Idah; Abia State Polytechnic, Aba; Delta State University, Abraka; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye;  and University of Lagos, Lagos.

Others include, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Kano University of Science and Technology, Kano; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Uyo City Polytechnic, Uyo; University of Calabar, Calabar; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; Osisatech College of Education, Enugu; University of Ibadan, Ibadan and Covenant University, Ota

The competition which is being hosted by the Cross River State Government is sponsored by NITDA, NIGCOMSAT and supported by  21st Century, Zinox, MTN, Huawei, NCC, NCS and CPN amongst others has cash prizes of N1million to be won.

“All roads lead to Tinapa. This is the beginning of a software innovation revolution for Nigeria whose potential has been latent for too long.

“The Federal Government has re-affirmed its commitment to support the use of Nigerian software intellectual property and the challenge is before our industry to transform the economy,” ISPON President Chris Uwaje said in a statement.