Population census information system is at the centre of all population activities. Population census is the complete process of collecting, compiling, evaluating, analyzing and publishing demographic, economic and social data of all persons in a country or area at a specific time. To make a successful census exercise, the people for whom the arrangement has been made must properly be educate and fully informed about the arrangements.

In other words publicity, public enlightenment and education on the subject of census are unavoidable pre-conditions for a successful exercise. This duty though significant, is only additional to the National Population Commission (NPC). The commission can therefore not commit much of its resources to it, for cannot handle the assignment professionally the way the media do. This is because the most potent strategies and the technical format for effective publicity of any event belong to and remain with the media. What this suggests is that the NPC has no option but to evolve, nurture, cherish and sustain a cordial relationship between the media.

1.1 BRIEF HISTORY OF NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION (NPC).

The National Population Commission (NPC) has its based from Calabar from where it was called “Bureau of Population”. In 1988, it became imperative that Akwa Ibom was deed fit for it establishment. As at then, Mr. Isaac Udoukpong was the Head and as Acting Assistant Director, and as at this time, the commission office was located at No. 2 oku street in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

In 1990, the name “Bureau Of Population” was changed to National Population Commission (NPC) in preparation for the 1991 National Census Exercise. After the 1991 census, Mr. N. A. Nsudu took over as the state director. The present state Director is Mr. Benjamin Isaac Nda-Obong. Mr. Francis Mosses Ekpo is the Honorable Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom Satae at the board of the commission. He works here in Akwa Ibom state and also in Abuja. Mr. Mfoniso Umoden is the head of population management while Mrs. Mercy Darnley is the comptroller in NPC Uyo L.G.A office.

In November 2012, Chief Iheama Duru was appointed the chairman of National Population Commission. She has 37 commissioners working her, one from each state of the country and F.C.T inclusive. Finally, the office of the NPC is located at No. 15 Akpan Essien Lane in Uyo L.G.A of Akwa Ibom state.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In ancient days, National Population Commission (NPC) usually process their data or records manually, which makes the whole work so boring, delaying and cannot keep up-to-date records or data. Storage facility was too poor and cannot give a genuine and accurate result at the end of the exercise because they will be carrying data from one place to another. There is always a tendency for NPC to lose their records and data collected during the programmed and their result cannot be accurate or reliable at the end of the exercise.

Since this has been their problems before now, there is a way out before 2016 population census begins, which is to set up a competent computer for the storage of information gathered by designing a data base system for their used. This data base system will solve their problems of saving, retrieving, and compiling, keeping up-to-date data and for easy use in case of emergency need. Finally their staff has to be train on how to operate the propose system.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objective of this study is to design and implement a computer-based Information System for National population Commission that will assist in maintaining up-to-date and accurate information in the following areas:

(1) Determining the total number of persons in a particular area.

(2) Determining the gender composition, marital status and occupation of the population at different administrative divisions e.g

(i) Helping in individual identification

(ii) Knowing the level of literacy and illiteracy

(iii) Knowing the level of employed and unemployed

(3) To project for future needs and realistic future development.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Since Population census Information System is very important, especially with the proposed 2016 census that is up coming, the significance of this study is to assist in the following areas:

(1) EDUCATION: Data collection from population census will assist government in determining

(i) The number of people who can read and write.

(ii) The level of educational status for the literate.

(iii) The number of school age children who are presently not in school

(iv) The number of schools to be provided.

(2) HEALTH: Data collected will assist government at all-levels in planning for the information on

(i) Numbers of people and their health needs

(ii) The amount of money budgeted for health needs

(iii) The number of hospitals to be provided.

(3) ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS: Data collected will provide basis for evaluation of various development programs undertaken by the government.

(4) EMPLOYMENT: This will assist in establishing the levels of employment/unemployment for future planning and for job creation by providing the following information:

(i) Number of employed persons and type of work

(ii) Distribution of unemployed persons

(iii) Number of persons in schools that will require employment in the near future.