By Funmilola Gboteku

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), has begun the 2024 edition of its innovative technology programme, Inclusive Technology For All (IT4All), to empower physically-challenged people.

Yemi Odutola, the External Relations Lead, W.TEC, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the 2024 edition of the annual training was in collaboration with the Children’s Developmental Centre (CDC).

NAN reports that the Children’s Developmental Centre (CDC) is a service-oriented, not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to providing a broad range of educational and support services for children, young people with developmental disabilities and their families within Nigeria.

Odutola said that the IT4Allprogramme, which was in its sixth year, aimed at supporting people with developmental disabilities (including visual and hearing impairments, Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome).

He said that IT4All worked to bridge the digital divide and empower the participants with essential technology skills.

According to him, the IT4All programme seeks to use technology, through weekly STEM workshops, to encourage and direct the creativity of physically-challenged people, and improve their problem-solving skills.

Odutola said that the programme was for both males and females, adding that the age range for participants was between 10 years and 45 years.

He said that IT4ALL also equipped teachers to enhance their regular classroom teaching using digital tools.

“The inclusive programme offers comprehensive training in scratch programming, employing an illustrative approach to teach fundamental coding principles.

“Through this innovative curriculum, participants gain proficiency in computer logic and unlock opportunities to explore various computer programmes.

“Remarkably, many of the beneficiaries have experienced transformative outcomes, enabling some to reintegrate into conventional schooling environments.

“Some have also mastered digital services like WhatsApp, playing computer games and general use of mobile devices,” he said.

The W.TEC official explained that the therapeutic programme had recorded many improvements in its participants.

According to him, teaching tech skills to individuals with developmental learning disabilities offers numerous advantages.

He explained that learning tech skills could stimulate cognitive development by providing opportunities for problem-solving, critical thinking and logical reasoning.

Odutola said another advantage was improved communication, noting that tech tools often offered alternative communication methods, allowing individuals with disabilities to express themselves more effectively.

“It increases their independence, proficiency in tech skills and empowers individuals with disabilities to navigate digital platforms independently, enhancing their autonomy and self-reliance in everyday life.

“Also, they can have employment opportunities, as tech skills are increasingly in demand in today’s workforce.

“By equipping individuals with disabilities with relevant tech skills, they gain access to a broader range of employment opportunities and can contribute meaningfully to the workforce.

“Social Inclusion is another key advantage. Technology provides avenues for social interaction and community engagement, enabling individuals with disabilities to connect with others and participate in online communities,” Odutola said.

He said that, overall, teaching technology skills to individuals with developmental disabilities not only equipped them with practical digital literacy but also fostered their personal growth and independence.

According to Odutola, in an effort to further champion inclusivity for special people in Nigeria, IT4All will commemorate the 2024 International Autism Day on April 2 and International Disability Day on Dec. 3.

He added that the initiative underscored W.TEC’s commitment to raising awareness and fostering support for individuals with developmental learning needs. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has issued registration guidelines to data controllers and processors of major importance to ensure the growth of the data privacy ecosystem.

Mr Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations of the commission, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

Bamigboye stated that the guidelines notice became necessary so as to clarify on the categories of organisations required to register with the commission as encapsulated in the Nigeria Data Protection ACT (NDPA) 2023.

Referring to Section 5(d), 44 and 65 of the NDPA, Bamigboye noted that organisations of particular value to the economy or security of Nigeria were designated as data controllers and processors of major importance.

“A data controller or data processor shall be deemed to have particular value or significance to the economy, society or security of Nigeria.

“This has made such to be designated as major importance if it keeps or has access to a filing system for the processing of personal data.

“The commission also identifies specific data processing such as those involving sensitive personal data, cloud computing, trans-border data transfers, processing personal data of over 200 data subjects.

“We also classify access to data storage platform of third parties in commercial transactions as necessary factors in considering organisations that are data controllers or processors of major importance,” he said.

According to him, to ease of doing business, particularly for small organisations involved in potentially high-risk data processing, the commission varies the payable fees according to level of Major Data Processing (MDP) involved.

He added that MDP was classified into three levels, which included, Ultra High Level (UHL), Extra High Level (EHL) and Ordinary High Level (OHL) of Major Data Processing.

Bamigboye said that their fees payable were N250,000, N100,000 and N10,000 respectively.

“Organisations in the MDP-UHL categories include but are not limited to commercial banks operating at national or regional level, merchant banks, telecommunication companies.

“Other MDP-UHL Insurance companies, multinational companies and payment gateway service providers.

“Organisations within MDP-EHL category are Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, Micro finance banks, higher institutions, hospitals providing tertiary or secondary medical services and Mortgage banks.

“At the MDP-EHL category we have organisations such as Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, primary and secondary schools, Primary Health Centres, others who engage with data-subjects on behalf of other organisations.”

He added that the breakdown of the categories was contained in the Guidance Notice posted on the commission’s website www.ndpc.gov.ng.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of NDPC, also urged data controllers to avoid activities that may put citizens at risk in the course of sharing their personal data.

Olatunji said “the risks are getting higher even as the opportunities are also increasing.

“We are reminded of the warning by those in the frontiers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, that we have a price to pay for liberty, which is eternal vigilance.

“It is therefore important to properly and functionally identify the persons and the data processing to which we must direct the torch of vigilance.

“Registration is one in a continuum of measures we are taking in this regard and it is the entry point of accountability going forward.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the commission announced a six-month registration window for data controllers and processors.

They were expected to register with the commission between January 30 and June 30, 2024. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The Director-General, Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, has reiterated the organisation’s commitment to accelerating service delivery in innovative science, technology, and engineering to foster national development.

Onyenekwe said this at the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (FMIST) First Quarter Ministerial SERVICOM Committee (MSC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

He emphasised the necessity to revitalise collective service delivery in various workplaces, aligning with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda of Productivity, Innovation, Science, and Technology.

Highlighting SHESTCO’s achievements, he mentioned breakthroughs in the development of innovative products such as the synthesis and characterisation of chemically recyclable and biodegradable polymers, lead carbon batteries, and refractory bricks for furnace and oven applications.

Expressing optimism for the meeting’s outcome, Onyenekwe anticipated the formulation of a new service delivery strategy to effectively meet the needs and expectations of the people at all levels of leadership and management.

Mr Abdukadir Saidu, the Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, FMIST, outlined the meeting’s objectives as peer review, sharing best practices, experiences, and ensuring the sustainability of the Federal Government’s service delivery initiative.

Saidu emphasised the collaborative efforts needed to achieve the ministerial SERVICOM unit’s objectives, ensuring that focal officers of various agencies take responsibility for driving the initiative positively within their respective organisations without compromise. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Jessica Dogo

The Federal Government and the World Bank are targeting three billion dollars to fund additional 120,000km fibre optic cables to leapfrog broadband infrastructure and connectivity in Nigeria.

The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ engagement with the theme “Realising a Nigerian Vision of Broadband for All”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Ministry of Communications in conjunction with World Bank.

Tijani, who expressed hope that the funds would be raised in the next two or three years, said the project involved stakeholders from the private sector, and that it would be delivered in the next three years.

According to him, it has become imperative to seek investments in the nation’s digital backbone to facilitate access at affordable prices to the digital space for all Nigerians.

“We are here with critical stakeholders on how to attract investments and fund our broadband infrastructure.

“I am sure everybody that is listening to me probably understand that now we cannot do without technology on internet; so, we all need quality access regardless of our location.

“There is need for us to invest in that databank. So, it is the kind of thing that we call the telecommunications infrastructure, or in some cases, we call the fibre optic cables.

“So, there is actually a cable that helps us make it possible for internet to happen,” minister said.

According to him, Nigeria has laid 3,035km fiber optic cables, but 120,000km fiber optic cables would be required for Nigerians to have quality and efficient access to the Internet and other digital services irrespective of their locations.

In his remarks, Mr Franz Drees-Gross, the World Bank Regional Director, (Infrastructure) West and Central Africa, said the first phase of the project would involve laying 95,000km fiber optic cables across Nigeria.

Drees-Gross said it would improve access and digital services content in the country.

He described Nigeria digital ecosystem as vibrant, adding that the World Bank was deeply involved and interested in supporting Nigeria to raise the needed funds for the project.

“We plan to set up a digital National Broadband fund and to roll out about 95,000 kilometers of what we call middle mile cable.

“That is the terrestrial cable in the territory of Nigeria to bring broadband to more parts of the country.

“I think Nigeria has about 35,000 kilometers of broadband cable. The idea is to add another 95,000 and what we are discussing with the government is what is the best way to finance that?

According to him, Nigeria has a very impressive and vibrant digital ecosystem in Lagos, adding that Nigeria can be the hub for exporting digital services to West Africa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Funmilola Gboteku

Subscribers of telecommunications company, 9mobile, have flooded the company’s X (formerly Twitter) page with complaints over its poor network services in parts of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a look at the telco’s X page revealed bitter complaints by subscribers in different states of the country of the deplorable condition of its network services.

Mr Johnson James (@DonJoshnson0), a subscriber, said: “Because of you guys my subscription have expired, I don’t have network on my phone since last week this frustration is too much I may be leaving this line very soon.

King Wisdom David (@ I am KWD), who also complained on the telco’s X page said : “I can’t verify my WhatsApp due to no network for more than one month now, this is really bad and heart breaking.

On his part, Ubong-Abasi Maurice (@MORISOFLIFE), another subscriber, said it was hard to contact 9mobile’s customer service, adding that their Whatsapp channel was also not working.

“I am sad and regret the day I ever bought 9mobile. Please fix your line,” he said.

Nafi’u Abdul (@froshgreg) said: “What is happening to your network, it has been five days now, I can’t receive or make call. I can’t even use my own data.

Similarly, Anita Biddel (@AnitaBiddel) also said: “No network for almost a week now.

“I can’t receive or make calls, plus my data should have probably expired now.

“How would you guys compensate us for this, because for many of us, this might be our work lines.”

Also complaining, Ibraheem (@Ajibsonn1) said that the network had been shabby for the past three days in Kano metropolis.

“This is bad, you need to fix your line,” Ibraheem said.

Another subscriber, Abdulgafar Khalid (@abdulgafarkhal6) said: “Honestly speaking, I regret using your network.

“It has been more than three weeks since when I last saw network on my line here in Bauchi State.

“I can’t remember when last I had network in my line for 24 hours, but I think it’s now time to part ways.”

Also, Mr Deolu Ogunbanjo, President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), confirmed to NAN on Sunday in Lagos that subscribers complaints on poor quality of services by the telco was true.

According to Ogunbanjo, rumors have been circulating that another telco was planning to acquire 9mobile.

“I believe the telco has stopped putting efforts into expansion and investing in infrastructure because it would soon be acquired, hence the reason for its poor network services,” Ogunbanjo said.

To buttress subscribers’ grievances, NAN reports that data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that 9mobile suffered more customer losses in November 2023 as 1,646 of its customers moved to other networks.

According to the latest industry statistics released by the telecom regulator, a total of 2,433 mobile subscribers ported out of their networks in November.

Out of these, 1,646, representing 68 per cent, left 9mobile to other networks.

Other operators also recorded outgoing porting, but the numbers were insignificant compared with 9mobile.

MTN, for instance, lost 274 customers, same as Airtel, while Globacom recorded 239 outgoing porting.

On the other hand, MTN, which is the largest operator by subscriber number, still gained more customers from other operators.

Out of the 2,433 incomings reported in the month, MTN received 1,470 customers from other networks.

The data shows that Airtel also received 668 customers from other networks, while Globacom gained 211 customers from other operators.

However, 9mobile, which lost a significant number of customers to other networks, also recorded the least incoming porting as only 84 subscribers moved to the network in the month under review.

The movement (porting) of subscribers was achieved through the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) instituted by the telecoms regulator, which allows customers to change their service providers without changing their numbers.

NAN reports that efforts to reach the telco to get a reaction failed to yield result.

However, 9mobile on its X page had apologised for the inconveniences caused by poor network services to each subscriber that complained. (NAN)
Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Emmanuel Jonathan

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) says it will partner the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to refurbish and revamp their redundant operational assets.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (ECC/CEO) of NASENI, Mr Khalil Halilu, made the pledge in a statement after a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Mr Kayode Egbetokun, in Abuja on Monday.

Halilu said the assets expected to be revamped and refurbished include, vehicles, helicopters, confiscated and forfeited vehicles.

“This is part of moves to support the Police Force in boosting its operational capacity to improve the security situation in the country in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Agenda on Security.

“NASENI will mobilise and deploy financial and technical resources needed to retool, upgrade and modernise the NPF Vehicle Maintenance Workshops nationwide.

“NASENI will as well recover, repair and reactivate all police vehicles that are not functional.” the statement quoted Halilu as saying.

According to him, some of the benefits to be achieved from the exercise will include, Improved security, conversion of NPF vehicles from petrol and diesel to electric and compressed natural gas (CNG).

This, he said would be in compliance to climate change action.

Other benefits to be derived from the project would be to support local content efforts by prioritising the use of locally manufactured materials.

NASENI also said that there would be opportunities for skill acquisition, job creation and commercial returns to sustain ongoing maintenance of Police assets.

The Inspector General of Police was also quoted in the statement as saying that the collaboration between NASENI and the NPF was apt and timely.

“This partnership will go a long way in impacting positively on the operations of the Police Force, our security architecture and overall service delivery.”

Egbetokun further assured of the cooperation of the NPF towards providing the necessary support to NASENI to deliver on its mandate.

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences (NSPS) has advised the Federal Government to invest in creating an enabling environment for research, innovation and education in physical sciences.

This is contained in a communique signed by the President of NSPS, Dr Oladiran Abimbola, at the end of its second annual conference held from Feb.1 to Feb.4 in Kwara State University, Ilorin.

Abimbola stated that although the federal government had continued to support scientific endeavours but more efforts were needed.

“The federal government should consider increased investment in research infrastructure, laboratories and advanced equipment.

“Modernising facilities will empower scientists to conduct cutting-edge experiments and contribute meaningfully to global scientific knowledge.

“There is the need to revamp science education, implement policies that enhance the quality of science education at all levels, thereby fostering a culture of curiosity and critical thinking.

“The federal government should encourage the implementation of robust environmental policies because leveraging the insights from physical sciences can inform strategies for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices,’’ Abimbola said.

The president recognised the role the general public played in supporting scientific endeavours, hence, calling for the community’s involvement in science-related activities.

According to him, encouraging citizen’s science initiatives and fostering curiosity about the physical world will contribute to a scientifically aware and participatory public.

He urged the general public to inspire and support the aspirations of budding scientists, saying that encouraging students to pursue careers in physical sciences would ensure the continuity of groundbreaking research and advancements.

Abimbola added that NSPS remained resolute in advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and contributing to the scientific landscape on both national and global scales.

The conference with theme: “Physical Sciences: Current Trends and Modern Perspectives’’, featured research presentations, inter-disciplinary dialogues, technological integration and awards. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Deji Abdulwahab

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences (NSPS) has honoured four scientists with Doctorate Degree (PhD) and a cash prize of N250,000 each, for their remarkable research strides in physical science.

It urged young academics to put more interest in physical science because there are lots of prospects in the field.

The President of NSPS, Dr Oladiran Abimbola, said this on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the ongoing second annual conference of NSPS in Ilorin, Kwara.

NSPS’s conference which is slated to hold from Feb. 1 to 4, collaborates with Kwara State University, Malete, under the theme “Physical Sciences: Current Trends and Modern Perspectives.”

The scientists included Dr Suleimon Abimbade, whose research was in the area of Mathematics and Statistics, Dr Eucharia Onyekwere, Computer Science, Dr Kehinde Omotesho, Physics section and Dr Abiodun Adeoye for Chemistry section.

Abimbola said physical science comprised of the five disciplines, which included Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science and Earth Sciences.

He said that the PhD reward was to encourage the scientists and motivate others for notable research outputs.

“These recipients demonstrated exceptional research prowess and innovation during their doctoral studies which reflects NSPS’s commitment to nurturing and celebrating emerging scholars in the field.”

Abimbola said that physical science field was evolving, while new areas were emerging which was changing the narrative in the area.

“Nigerians should show more interest in physical science because different fields are sprouting from the field of study, which have gone beyond the traditional way that people know about it.

“In physics there are interesting areas evolving and one of them is Quantum Computing, whereby you can work with lots of companies.

“We want young academics that they should put more interest in physical science because there are lots of prospects,” he said.

He added that efforts were being made to promote the study of some of the current emerging areas of physical science in Nigeria.

According to him, over the years, poor infrastructure and lack of standard laboratories has impeded the viability of physical science.

Dr Babatunde Falaye, Secretary of NSPS, said the conference provided the platform for members of the society to explore, discuss the trends that shape the present and future of the discipline.

“The world we live in is continuously propelling towards scientific discoveries and almost everything within the world is rooted in science.

“This conference is trying to explore some of these diverse areas, the technological trend, advancement recorded over the years especially by Nigerian Physical Scientists in areas of physical science.

“The conference is a platform to introduce some of these latest trends and introduce it to our people and we hope it will have positive impact especially for scientific discovery and innovations,” Falaye said.

Highlight of the event was the investiture of two scholars, Prof. Kayode Oyewumi and Prof. Oluwasesan Falaiye, both of the Department of Physics, University of Ilorin for significant impact in physical science.

NSPS is a non-profit, non-political organisation of physical scientists created to provide a platform for scholars, researchers and professionals to share knowledge for scientific growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Jessica Dogo

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has advocated for a robust technology workforce to spearhead digital revolution in the public sector.

Tijani made the call at a one-day event titled “Talent, Technology and Transformation”.

The event was the inaugural ceremony of DevsInGovernment, which was supported by Galaxy Backbone on Thursday in Abuja.

DevsInGovernment is a community of technologists and tech enthusiasts in the Nigerian civil service.

The minister described the event as an avenue where Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government engage in discussions, share insights and collaboratively contribute to the digital processes in the public sector.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s mandate underscores the need for a technology-savvy workforce to achieve this objective.

Tijani outlined the event’s purpose, describing it as a platform for technologists within government agencies to collaborate, share insights, and collectively contribute to the digitalisation of public sector processes.

He announced plans to establish a dedicated hub for technologists to generate and support innovative ideas, fostering a culture of innovation in the public sector.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Faruk Yabo, highlighted the importance of an enabling environment, including policies and regulatory frameworks, for the development of various sectors.

Yabo shared the success story of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, which became the first fully digitised ministry in June.

Acting Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, Abdul-Malik Suleiman, commended the minister for creating DevsInGovernment, emphasising the significance of building communities of professionals with shared ideas for successful digital transformation.

Suleiman envisioned the community as a platform for IT professionals to progress through different learning stages, ultimately contributing to transformative public service.

The establishment of DevsInGovernment signals a strategic move toward cultivating a technology-driven workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the 21st-century public sector. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab