TheNewsGuru

Tag: ICT

  • Plateau govt. seeks partnerships with Facebook, Google, others

    The Plateau Government says it is initiating talks with its development partners, multinationals like Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and local organisations to develop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the state.

    The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Dan Manjang, disclosed this on Wednesday in Jos when the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau Council, paid him a courtesy visit.

    Manjang said that the desire of the government to partner with these organisations was in a bid to facilitate the development of ICT skills of its people, especially the youths, through training using these platforms.

    “We are consulting with our development partners and will soon commence talks with Facebook, Google, Microsoft and some other local organisations to ensure the skills of the Plateau people are harnessed,’’ he said.

    The commissioner said the state government was working toward organising a science and technology summit, adding that government hoped the event would herald the formulation of a viable science policy.

    “The relevant technology centres in our state presently produces mobile aids for physically challenged people and our science production centre produces laboratory equipment for secondary and tertiary institutions.

    “The works from our technology incubation centre have been presented at international forums such as a drone produced there was presented at a competition in Indonesia.

    “We emerged third at the competition; a tractor and bullet-proof vests and many more have been produced at the centre.

    “The state government wants to encourage these inventors to do more by revamping these centres and creating a more enabling environment through training and provision of equipments and infrastructure,’’ he said.

    Manjang told the correspondent chapel officials that journalism could also be synchronised to ICT, adding that reports could be presented from the fields through digitisation.

    Mr Aminu Yusuf, the Chairman, Plateau Correspondents Chapel, said the visit was to congratulate the commissioner on his new appointment and discuss on possible collaborations.

    Yusuf urged the commissioner to discharge his duties efficiently, saying he was assigned to the office because of his pragmatic disposition and pedigree.

    The commissioner was sworn into office on March 1.

     

  • 20 MDAs seek NITDA’s clearance of IT projects

    No fewer than 20 Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs) have submitted requests to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in 2018 for clearance of their information technology projects.

    Mrs Hadiza Umar, the NITDA Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday.

    She said that some of the MDAs had been fully cleared, while some others had provisional clearance and the rest at various stages of the clearance process.

    Umar noted that NITDA recently cleared the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Information Communication Technology (ICT) security and system infrastructure upgrade projects.

    According to her, the cleared projects include Enterprise Network Security – Gateway Security project – aimed at upgrading the bank’s network appliances and ensures that network appliances are highly available and provides comprehensive real real-time protection against advance threat.

    She said that clearing of the projects would enhance ICT performance and protect the country’s cyberspace against threats.

    She said that potential targets of cyber-attacks were bank, health, power and transportation systems, as well as other critical national infrastructure.

    “The CBN, in its efforts toward mitigating these threats, especially in the country’s financial institutions, initiated the implementation of the projects,” she noted.

    NITDA is responsible for implementing the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and coordinating general information technology development and regulation.

    Section 6 of the enabling Act mandates NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardisation, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of information technology practices in Nigeria.

     

  • Broadband penetration: NCC to license more infracos, auction additional spectrums

    In the bid to achieve its broadband penetration target, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it will license more infrastructure companies (Infracos) and also auction additional spectrums very soon.

    Professor Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC stated this recently saying Nigeria is left with just 8 per cent to attain the 30 per cent broadband target set by the Federal Government by the end of this year.

    “At the moment, Nigeria has moved from 10 per cent to 22 per cent broadband penetration in the pursuit of the 30 per cent target set for December 2018.

    “Effort is ongoing to deepen the penetration as part of this administration’s eight-point agenda.

    “Plans are also ongoing to license Infrastructure Companies, Infracos, auction some frequency licences, while some are being initiated and some being reframed to achieve the broadband penetration target.

    “In broadband, we have moved from 10 per cent to 22 per cent broadband penetration at the moment. All these are going on simultaneously,” Danbatta said.

    Meanwhile, Edo state government has made drastic moves to take advantage of this development with the view to attracting more telecoms infrastructure to the State in order to provide its citizens with world class telecoms and ICT services.

    In an elaborate meeting between the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the NCC, led by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Mr Sunday Dare, the NCC assured Obaseki of readiness to support the achievement of the ICT aspirations of the State through the deployment of fiber infrastructure under the Commission’s InfraCo project and interventions by the Universal Service Provision Fund.

    Dare, at the meeting, assured the Governor that NCC is keen to partner Edo State to achieve win-win solutions in the overall interests of the good people of Edo State.

    In his remarks, the Governor noted that the Edo State Government is focused on exploring non-oil resources and has therefore articulated developmental priorities focusing on creating a sense of order (participative, accountable and open governance); and a sense of security, safety and stability necessary to attract requisite investments to develop the State.

    Since its developmental goals relies on the seamless availability of telecoms/ICT infrastructure, Edo State is passionate about the need to attract robust telecoms infrastructure to drive manufacturing, education and other socio-economic activities.

    As an example of the State’s forward-looking approach, the Governor noted that Edo State has always made provision for shared fiber ducts in its road projects and looks forward to engaging with NCC and operators to agree on fiber deployment projects and routes as necessary.

     

  • OAU opens ICT knowledge-driven Park

    The Nigerian Computer Association says a knowledge-driven park with a Centre of Excellence in ICT situated in the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to train software engineers will be ready in May.

    Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, the President of the Nigerian Computer Association made this known on Wednesday at an Academia-Industry Engagement/Interface seminar in Lagos.

    The World Bank, the sponsor of the park known as Oak-Park, has donated eight million dollars toward its development since 2014 when it started.

    The park is aimed at creating a regionally recognised and knowledge-driven high quality post graduate education, and will ensure the uptake and commercialisation of research and technology to advance the growth of ICT industry.

    Aderounmu, who is the Director of the project, said the inside the park would be a Centre of Excellence in ICT, which would serve as a training hub in software engineering for Nigeria and other countries in the sub-region.

    “It will develop the next generation of scientists, researches, teachers, entrepreneurs and product developers in the area of ICT by enrolling new post graduate students from Nigeria and West African countries.’’

    He said the Oak-Park would provide the launch pad for start-up companies produced from the university and would enable partnering with ICT companies.

    “The Oak-Park will stimulate creativity and excellence in research and innovation in ICT applicable to other fields and related to regional developmental objectives.

    “It will expand learning opportunities for postgraduate students in all the sectors by deploying existing and new development in ICT for which OAU is leading in the sub region.

    “The park will leverage on the intellectual infrastructure and output of the university to serve as the launch pad for start-up ICT companies borne out of university’s research activities by partnering companies.’’

    He said some of the existing facilities that would make up the park were data centre servicing 400 computer nodes, cyber security research laboratory, post graduate research ICT laboratories among others.

    Aderounmu said that for the project to thrive, the university would have to collaborate with ICT companies.

    “The university cannot do it alone without the help of ICT companies, and that is why we are here today to show you what the park is about and how you can be part of the business,’’ he said.

    He said the park would also provide employment opportunities for postgraduate students,“ he said.

    Aderounmu expressed the hope that the project would be completed in May.

     

  • NIPOST emerges in final selection of World Summit on Information Society award

    The Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) has been selected as one of 90 finalists of the annual World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Prizes contest.

    Mr Francklin Alao, the General Manager, Corporate Communications of the agency made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to Alao, WSIS is a global initiative recognising innovative projects that use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to better the world.

    He said the finalists known as WSIS champions represent the top 90 projects selected from 492 nominated projects around the world.

    “The project that won NIPOST the finalist place is the NIPOST Address Verification System (NIPOST AVS), which seeks to create a centralised and up-to-date database of physical addresses and details of their occupants.

    “It is aimed at bridging the gap in our national financial inclusion strategy to empower the CBN’s Know Your Customer (KYC) and improve our national security infrastructure while creating hundreds of jobs in a commercial manner.

    “This is one of the new projects created by the organisation to impact on more Nigerians, especially at the rural level and we hope to come out as a winner of one of the 18 prizes at the end of the summit,’’ he said.

    Alao said the WSIS Prizes 2018 edition is the 15th edition and will be held in Geneva, Switzerland on the March 20.

    The general manager said the prestigious award started since 2012.

    “It has been recognising remarkable efforts made by entities and organisations from around the world that focus on accelerating socio-economic progress of the whole world as a community,’’ he said.

    WSIS champions represent all regions of the world and all stakeholders that deploy ICT to implement WSIS Action Lines and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is a two-tier United Nations sponsored summit on information, communication and information society.

    It aims to bridge the global digital divide separating rich countries from poor countries by spreading access to the internet in the developing world.

     

  • ICT-based teaching: Edo Govt. calls for 300 primary school teachers

    ICT-based teaching: Edo Govt. calls for 300 primary school teachers

    The Edo State Government has called for 300 volunteers among primary school teachers working in public schools to pilot its Edo Best programme, an initiative designed to introduce and entrench the use of computers, tablets and other Information and Communication Technology-based gadgets for teaching across the state.

    Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Basic Education and Acting Chairperson, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Oviawe, who disclosed this, urged teachers in public primary schools to tap from the opportunity to upgrade their skills and become versed in updated approach for imparting knowledge.

    She said the programme is expected to lead to better learning outcomes and a more robust, up-to-date approach to classroom management in public schools.

    Edo Best Programme is an initiative of Governor Obaseki administration, conceived to transform primary education in the state.

    According to Dr. Oviawe, “In the pilot phase, 300 schools will be selected to launch the initiative and the headmasters/headmistresses and teachers who would head or teach in these schools have to be trained in the use of computers and other gadgets to teach in the classroom. By the next academic year, all headmasters/headmistresses and teachers in the state will be required to go through this training.”

    She said at the end of the training, teachers and head teachers will each receive a computer tablet loaded with lesson notes.

    On how the teachers can enroll for the programme, she said, “Teachers are requested to forward their Names, positions (HM or Teacher), salary grade level, academic qualifications, the LGAs where they currently teach and their present school to Edo SUBEB. Every volunteer must send their information.”

    She allayed fears that the programme is intended to test teachers, noting that further enquiries on the programme should be routed to SUBEB.

     

  • UNESCO, Lagos State Govt partner to train 4,000 youths on ICT

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) says it is partnering with the Lagos State Government to train four thousand youths on Information Communication and Technology (ICT) skills.

    Mr Ydo Yao, the Regional Director of UNESCO, made this known on Thursday in Abuja.

    Yao spoke at the graduation ceremony of 418 youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on development of mobile applications for entrepreneurship.

    He said that UNESCO was committed to remodel ICT by engaging youths in the country meaningfully to be self-reliant economically and contribute to nation development.

    According to him, the training is in line with the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development to reduce unemployment rate.

    “UNESCO is engaging young women and men in promoting peace and ensures the prevention of violent extremism.

    “We have already started discussion on how to work with the Lagos State Government to empower 4,000 unemployed youths within two years,” he said.

    The regional director said that the demand to train youths in ICT skills across the country was high, noting that the organisation was committed to support the government, both at national and state levels.

    Also, Mr Moses Viho, the Assistant Director Planning in the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, said that the state had a great number of unemployed youths which makes the training imperative.

    According to Viho, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund is willing to provide counterpart funding and technical skills to train youths.

    He said: “UNESCO has shown competence in the training of youths in ICT skills and that is why we are looking forward to commence this YouthMobile Project in Lagos.

    “We are looking forward to starting the programme in May, to engage our youths and reduce the rate at which social vices happen in the state and its environs.”

    Viho recalled that the Technical Working Group of the project recently took a stock of the facilities in Government Technical Colleges in the state to assess the level of infrastructure in the institutions.

    He said that they wanted to ascertain their readiness toward actualising the project.

    Viho, however, called on supporters of the project in the FCT to extend its support to Lagos for an inclusive ICT development in the country.

     

  • How NCC’s strategic vision plan is impacting telecoms in Nigeria

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, has said the strategic vision plan unveiled by his commission two years ago in form of 8-Point Agenda has so far made a significant impact on the growth of telecommunications sector in Nigeria.

    Danbatta who spoke at a panel session of the just concluded 2018 World Mobile Congress in Barcelona, Spain, however, called on the global policymakers in the telecommunication industry to ensure not only renewed thinking in the development of policy frameworks but also to promote innovation and investment in the sector.

    “In Nigeria, we are trying to digitally transform and the process is on-going as I am talking to you. Hence we’ve been paying attention to 5 interdependent elements of the digital transformation processes: enabling policies and institutions, human capital, applied ICT industry, communications infrastructure ICT applications and institutional change,” he stated.

    Speaking further, Danbatta observed that broadband penetration in the country merely stood at about 8 per cent when he took over the mantle of the leadership of the industry, but it is now 22 per cent, according to the ITU-UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development.

    “We also decided to look at how we can improve Quality of Service consistent with key performances indicators that characterize the quality of service. The information we are getting from the consumers as well what we source from network operators is that Quality of Service has improved. The experience by consumers through their accounts also indicate significant improvement,” he noted.

    He also told the gathering about successful auctioning of the spectrum, 2.6 GHZ band, which he said has already been assigned, which contributes to broadband penetration in the country.

    To empower the consumers of the industry in the country, the EVC noted that, the year 2017 was dedicated as the year of the consumer.

    “When we started the campaign, we were inundated with a deluge of complaints, especially on unsolicited text messages sent to consumers, and in many cases, they were surcharged. We have put behind this menace in Nigeria through the campaign.

    “As I am talking to you we have a Do- Not- Disturb- facility, which is very easy to use by consumers. More than 9million users have activated this facility. Again, close to that number have gained access to our 622 toll-free line which is provided to consumers to lodge their complaints on the quality of service provided by the telecommunication firms,” he explained.

    He, however, observed that: “There is a need for renewed thinking in developing policy and regulatory framework in the industry. The Regulator should promote innovation, investment and better quality of service, as well as put in place mechanisms that will limit unfair pricing and exploitation of consumers”.

    Other notable industry giants who participated in the panel discussion include, Ajit Varadaraj Pai, the Chief Regulator of the United States Federal Communications Commission, Ram Sewak Sharma, the Chief Regulator of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, and German Dario Arias Pimienta of Communications Regulatory, Colombia.

     

  • Minister inaugurates agencies’ boards, charges on synergy to facilitate ICT development

    The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, on Tuesday urged agencies under the ministry to collaborate toward repositioning the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector for better service delivery.

    The minister made the call during the inauguration of the boards of agencies under the ministry of communications in Abuja.

    The agencies are the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and the Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT).

    Shittu attributed the major problem besetting the ICT sector as inadequate synergy of government institutions.

    He therefore urged the members of the boards of the agencies to work together toward repositioning the sector for better service delivery.

    ‘’I urge you to make this synergy a core principle in your various spheres of authority to facilitate seamless development in the sector.

    ‘’I have no doubt that you are experienced and eminently qualified for the task ahead.

    ‘’I must remind you however that your new role confers on you both privileges and great responsibilities requiring high level of commitment and urgency,” he said.

    He briefed them on the ongoing reforms in the agencies and advised them to prepare their minds and work productively toward realising the set goals.

    The minister, who congratulated the boards’ members, charged them to immediately hit the ground running.

    Mr Abdulaziz Abdullahi, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the inauguration would provide accelerated development in the ICT sector.

    He noted that access to ICT had become critical for participation in the economic, political and social life both at the national and global levels.

    ‘’New technologies such as internet of things, cloud computing, mobile money, etc, are also introducing new possibilities and therefore it is crucial that Nigeria harnesses the potential of these technologies to promote social and economic development in the country.

    ‘’While the ministry is leading in the overall coordination and oversight of the ICT sector, the agencies under it, which boards are being inaugurated today are established to provide special services to the populace.”

    Abdullahi, therefore, wished all members of the boards a very rewarding tenure.

    Responding on behalf of other boards’ members, the Chairman of NIGCOMSAT Board, Chief George Moghalu, said members were fully conscious of the enormity of the responsibility before them.

    Moghalu, who assured the minister of their unflinching support toward realising the ministry’s goal, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for finding them worthy for the appointment.

    Prof. Adeolu Akande is the Chairman of NITDA and Mr Maimuna Yahaya Abubakar, the Chairman of NIPOST.

     

  • Computer society holds roundtable to address ICT projects failure

    The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Abuja chapter, on Monday said it was planning a roundtable to address failure of ICT projects implementation in the country.

    Mr Rex Abitogun, the Chairman of the society made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.

    Abitogun said the society would hold the roundtable with ICT heads in government organisations and the private sector.

    He said the roundtable became necessary following recent report by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) that most ICT projects implemented in the country were not successful.

    “So we need to come together to look at what is responsible for the failure, if it is coming from the government side or private sector.

    “These are what we want to look at in the Chief Information Officers forum,“ he said.

    Abitogun said the society had recently donated computers to six public schools spread across the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Abitogun said that the six schools got about 15 computers, adding that the empowerment was part of the intervention the society was coming up with.

    The chairman said it was part of its contribution to bridging the digital and technology among the underprivileged, especially in rural areas.

    He said the initiative was geared toward promoting the use of ICT among children in the FCT.

    “For those schools we donated the computers, we have given them our contact, if they have any problems with the computers we can send our people there to effect repairs.

    “We plan to do more in terms of empowering schools with computers and very soon we will meet some organisations to see how they can key into the programme,“ he said.

    The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is the umbrella organisation of all information technology professionals, interest groups and stakeholders in Nigeria.

    Formed in 1978 as Computer Association of Nigeria (COAN), it transformed into NCS in 2002 as a result of harmonisation with other stakeholders and interest groups.