NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Nigeria positions self as AI Hub with innovative launch
Science & Tech

Nigeria positions self as AI Hub with innovative launch

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By Stellamaris Ashinze

 

Nigeria has taken a significant step toward becoming a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the launch of a National AI Strategy, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, says.

 

Tijani made this known at the launch of the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Collective Industry (NAICI) in Lagos on Tuesday.

 

He said that the launch aimed at harnessing the power of AI to drive economic growth and development.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the AI Collective is a community of practice charged with supporting strategy development, and ensuring ethics and safety are central to the advancement of AI in Nigeria.

 

Tijani said: “The National AI Strategy was developed through a collaborative process involving government, academia, and industry.

 

“Nigeria’s approach to AI strategy development is unique and has garnered international recognition.

 

“The country’s model involves identifying and engaging with Nigerian researchers and experts in AI, both locally and internationally, to develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses the nation’s specific needs and challenges.”

 

According to him, the government has taken concrete steps to support AI development, including funding research projects and establishing partnerships with private sector companies.

 

“With its innovative approach and commitment to AI development, Nigeria is positioning itself as a hub for AI in West Africa.

 

“The country’s strategic location, large population, and growing economy make it an attractive destination for AI investment and innovation.

 

“Nigeria’s AI strategy will serve as a model for other African countries and contribute to the continent’s economic development,’’ he said.

 

Tijani emphasised the importance of building a community of practice around AI and encouraging collaboration between industry, academia, and government.

 

He, however, stressed that the country was not talking enough about the power that it had or could produce when everyone comes together to do things.

 

He said that there was no country in Africa where this sort of thing was happening today, adding that Nigeria was still, however, slightly behind.

 

The minister noted that everyone could see the sort of acceleration that Nigeria was leading, adding that if all continued on this path and truly understood what was happening today, then all would see that the future was bright.

 

“So, the challenge that we have is that AI is going to exacerbate the gaps and differences between nations when it comes to productivity,’’ he said.

 

He urged all stakeholders to work together to achieve the country’s AI ambitions and ensure that the benefits of the technology was shared by all.

 

“As the country moves forward with its AI strategy, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential benefits, including increased productivity, improved competitiveness, and enhanced economic growth.

 

“However, they also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, including the need for significant investment in infrastructure,” he noted.

 

Also speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Data Science Nigeria (DSN), Dr Olubayo Akanmbi, outlined the key areas of focus for the AI Collective.

 

Akanmbi said that the AI collective included research and development, sector-specific innovation, policy advocacy, and international collaboration.

 

He said that the AI Collective would provide a platform for industry players to work together to create innovative solutions, mobilise support for young startups, and create sectoral networks to drive domain-specific use cases.

 

According to him, the initiative will also focus on policy advocacy, and ensure that AI is used in an ethical and responsible manner.

 

Akanmbi emphasised the importance of international collaboration, noting that the AI Collective would tap into global centres of excellence to power the work being done in Nigeria.

 

He also announced the launch of the Diaspora Connect, a platform that would enable Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to the development of AI in the country.

 

“The AI Collective will also provide a platform for sectoral networks to drive AI adoption and sector transformation.

 

“Industry stakeholders are encouraged to volunteer as champions in various sectors, including telecoms, creative economy, real estate, government, health, agriculture, financial inclusion, and fintech,” the DSN CEO said.

 

He expressed optimism that the AI Collective would drive impact and transform various sectors of the economy, and encouraged all stakeholders to get involved and support the initiative.

 

Officially opening NAICI, the Dean of Information Systems, Lagos Business School, Dr Olayinka David-West, highlighted key aspects of Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy.

 

David-West emphasised the need for a framework that would guide the country’s approach to AI development.

 

She said that Nigeria’s AI strategy was focused on leveraging technical innovation, local talent, and strategic collaboration to drive sustainability and economic growth.

 

According to her, the strategy is built around five key pillars: infrastructure development, building a world-class AI ecosystem, AI adoption across sectors, responsible AI development, and a robust government framework.

 

The dean emphasised the importance of using AI to drive economic growth, improve educational and healthcare outcomes, and enhance the standard of living for Nigerians.

 

David-West also highlighted the need for AI adoption in various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, finance, healthcare, education, and public sector governance.

 

She said that the strategy was bold and audacious, with 12 goals and 34 initiatives aimed at achieving economic growth, social development, and technological advancement.

 

David-West emphasised the importance of governance and responsible AI development in ensuring that no Nigerian was left behind in the process. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinka Fadare

NASENI vows commitment to promoting made-in-Nigeria products
Science & Tech

NASENI vows commitment to promoting made-in-Nigeria products

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By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has reiterated its resolve to promote made-in-Nigeria products.

Dr Abdulfatai Ambali, Head, Department Manufacturing Services of Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute (HEDI) a division of NASENI, gave the assurance during a Focus Group Meeting with stakeholders by the agency in Dutse.

The stakeholders include industrialists, local manufacturers and technology innovators, among others.

According to Ambali, the focus meeting was convened to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and boosting patronage of locally made products.

He described NASENI as pivotal to national development and urged consumers to actively support made-in-Nigeria products while calling on manufacturers to uphold quality standards.

“This meeting was basically based on made-in-Nigeria products because by our mandate, we are to develop home based technology for the country and we now have what we call 3Cs, which is: collaboration, creation and commercialisation,” he said.

He explained that under collaboration, the agency partners with individuals, groups, organisations and the academia where students and lectures venture into various research works.

“Most of these research works by our students are just kept in our universities, so we are trying through collaboration to ensure that such ideas come to life to benefit Nigerians,” he said

Ambali added that under creation principle, there was skills development where series of training and innovation were established for Nigerian youths and local manufacturers.

According to him, under the principle of commercialisation, the agency is making efforts to ensure that whatever is achieved through collaboration and creation get to the market.

He said that if local products were not being patronised by Nigerians, all investments being made by government and other collaborators become a waste, adding that it was what the agency was making frantic efforts to correct.

He said that the agency was not satisfied with the level of patronage for locally made products by Nigerians, hence the focus group meeting to create awareness.

He expressed the hope that at the end of the programme, there would be more patronage, value and improvement on locally made products.

He encouraged Nigerians to patronise Made-in-Nigeria products, while also appealing to manufacturers to ensure that their products meet top-quality standards.

“We are making sure that these products are up to standard. At NASENI we have various departments looking into quality of products, we are collaborating to ensure that these products compete globally.

“NASENI will make sure that these products have the same standard with those being imported into the country. The whole idea is to stop such importation so that we rely on our own products and become self-reliant,” Ambali said.

A participant, Mrs Fatima Ibrahim, commended the agency for the programme, saying that it will go a long way in promoting patronage of locally made products among Nigerians.

She also urged the agency to support local manufacturers to enhance their production.

Another participant, Muhammad Ibrahim, lauded the agency for organising the meeting,

“This is what has never been done before, because you have less than 10 per cent of the participants knowing about NASENI, but today, people in Jigawa can boast of knowing the agency and what they do.”

Ibrahim said that the meeting was an eye opener that would contribute to increasing local production and enhancing acceptability.

“This will encourage local production and domestication of all our products. This is a worthy effort and Nigerians should key into it,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

FG, French coy sign MOU on cybersecurity resilience, academy
Science & Tech

FG, French coy sign MOU on cybersecurity resilience, academy

284 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SecDojo, a French-based cybersecurity training and upskilling company to build cybersecurity resilience and an academy.

Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations of NITDA said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Umar said the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, signed the MoU with Mr Younes Benzagmout, Chief Executive Officer of SecDojo at the on-going Gulf International Technology and Exhibition (GITEX) Africa in Marrakech, Morocco.

Umar stated that the MoU was towards continued efforts in strengthening national security which would build digital trust and safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure.

She said it would also strengthen national resilience against cyber threats through targeted capacity building initiatives.

“This strategic partnership is designed to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape through comprehensive capacity-building initiatives.

“The collaboration will focus on the establishment of a Cybersecurity Academy, delivery of advanced training and simulation programmes.

“It will foster development of customised curricula, educational resources, facilitation of research, knowledge sharing and professional exchange programmes,” she said.

Inuwa at the MoU signing expressed hopes that the collaboration would be a major milestone towards securing a digital future for the country.

He said that as Nigeria continue its digital transformation journey, investing in human capital was paramount for the desired technological component of innovative ecosystem.

The D-G said there was a growing global demand for cybersecurity professionals and there was need for Nigeria to partake in bridging the gap.

“Globally, we have the gap and in Nigeria, we have a young population that if we harness well, we can train and connect them with the global value chain.

“This will provide cybersecurity services and capture the market,” he said.

He reiterated the need to integrate digital skills into the country’s formal education systems which would involve the engagement of stakeholders especially the Federal Ministry of Education.

“This goes beyond NITDA, it is a national opportunity that involves the Ministry of Education to institutionalise digital literacy through formal education.

“Currently, what NITDA offers are skills acceleration programmes because these critical digital competencies are not taught in schools.

“To prepare for the future, we must embed these skills into our national education framework,” he said.

Benzagmout expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with Nigerian stakeholders.

He said the collaboration would bring SecDojo’s innovative training platforms and methodologies to support Nigeria’s cybersecurity professionals.

He added that it would also contribute to the development and execution of a comprehensive national cyber capacity-building strategy.

GITEX Africa, which is the largest technology and startup exhibition in Africa, is holding in Morocco from April 14 to April 16.

It is being attended by industry players, the academia and investors, among other participants.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ismail Abdulaziz

Agency trains youths on microwave communication, telecommunications installation, maintenance
Science & Tech

Agency trains youths on microwave communication, telecommunications installation, maintenance

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has begun the training of 50 youths on microwave communications, telecommunications installation and maintenance skills acquisition.

The two weeks programme is being carried out in collaboration with Grassroots Bridge Builders (GBB), a multi-purpose limited company in Abuja.

The programme is tagged NASRDA/GBB Acquisition Development Project 2025 on Telecom Operations and Maintenance (O&M).

Microwave communication/transmission is a communications system that uses a beam of radio waves in the microwave frequency range to transmit video, audio or data between locations.

The Director-General (D-G) of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, at the opening of the programme, said that NASRDA was engaged in youth empowerment because it would contribute to development of the country.

Adepoju also said that youth empowerment was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

“Youth empowerment is in realisation that there is no nation that can become a developed nation without engaging youths in real skills acquisition.

“This programme for grassroots youths is on the microwave communication and telecommunication installation, maintenance and deployment.

“With the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President and the commitment of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, we believe this platform will bring the dreams of Nigerian youths to reality,” he said.

According to him, the appropriate time to equip the youth is now, as Nigeria is among the largest telecommunication market in Africa, hence the need to capture the market.

Adepoju said the skills acquired would enable the beneficiaries become economically reliant and employers of labour.

He also said that while there was a need for more investments in the telecommunication sector, it would require maintenance and trained personnel.

“The deployment and maintenance of telecommunication mass require more hands, Nigerians who are well trained and can be helped by government policies, especially the innovative ideas from the Ministry of Youth Development.

“This is one of the components that the space agency and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology is plugging into.

“We are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution with emerging technologies such as Artificial intelligence and Robotics, and Nigeria can be an active player by engaging the youth practically.

“We are giving more than 50 Nigerian youths opportunity to acquire this highly technical skill and competence that they can start off immediately after the training,” he said.

He said there were plans to expand the programme to the states, relevant agencies of government for consolidation.

The D-G, however, said that beneficiaries who had basic knowledge in the field were selected.

“Until we break down the component of national development, will we not do justice to the development of the youth and Nigeria as a whole?”

Dr Haruna Mohammed, the Chairman NASRDA/GBB Project Committee, said the programme was in line with the three-point agenda of the agency.

This, according to him, includes transformation, staff development and private sector engagement in space development.

Mohammed said that the participants would learn how to protect telecommunication infrastructure, serve, build confidence and empower communities as well as learn skills of safety and awareness.

Mr Ibrahim Igoche, the Chief Executive Officer of GBB, said the programme would train the youth on helping to resolve telecommunication issues in the country.

“We want to give back to Nigeria; we want to ensure that youths are removed from vices, that they bring positive ideas and ensure that we contribute our quota to nation building.

“By the end of this programme, we should be able to install Microwave and Base Transceiver Station conveniently and understand the technology behind telephoning systems.

“Maintenance is a continuous process, and every working equipment requires maintenance and today, we are here to learn attitude to maintenance and give a better network to Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Telecom: Consumers demand better services amidst tariff hike
General News , Science & Tech

Telecom: Consumers demand better services amidst tariff hike

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By Jessica Dogo

Some telecommunication service consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have urged Mobile Network Operators to improve their services to match the recent hike in their tariffs.

They made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

The subscribers said in spite of the increase in subscription rates mobile networks could remain epileptic for hours.

In a publication dated February 6, 2024, the Executive Vice-chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, said that the commission would hold service providers accountable for poor service delivery.

Mr Ogah Paul, one of the subscribers said he had enough data on his network but could not access internet because of epileptic network.

He urged service providers to fix the problems surrounding the poor services.

“The only thing they know is to drain data without any good service delivery. I feel like crying because of a problematic network. I have been receiving server error since morning.

“To even download and watch a video sent to me takes me almost one whole day. “I wonder if members of staff of the service providers are enjoying the service they render to us.

“We cannot make calls, access the internet or even to receive calls,’’ he said.

According to him, unfortunately, the network providers put up some of the best adverts about their products and services which they cannot meet.

Mr Victor James, another subscriber said he had enough data but was not able to use it to his satisfaction.

“Why does their data plan not reflect immediately you buy data? Sometime it takes as much as 24 hours to reflect.

“I am really tired of this. The network is really bad. I have enough data but I cannot use it the way I want.

“I hope the issues get resolved as soon as possible so that I can access my data without further delay,” he said.

However, Ms Josephine Tanko, told NAN that she had not problems with her network providers.

“It is fast and reliable. I think it is the network that gives the best internet speed and quality.

“It will always be my best that is why I will always choose it over any other network,” she said.

She called on networks that did not meet their subscribers expectations to ensure that they improved on their services. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Uche Anunne

Expert tasks NAESENI on solar panel production 
Science & Tech

Expert tasks NAESENI on solar panel production 

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By Sylvester Thompson

Dr Balarade Ahmad, a legal practitioner says mandate of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) should be expanded to include engaging in mass production of solar panels and batteries.

Ahmad said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

The core mandate of NASENI includes developing Nigeria’s science, technology, and engineering infrastructure to enable it drive industrialisation and economic growth.

It involves fostering research and development, promoting indigenous technology solutions, and providing the necessary infrastructure for local industries.

The lawyer urged that NASENI should set up large scale solar photovoltaic (PV) factory and be engage in the production of high capacity batteries.

He told NAN that he had earlier advanced this position in his dissertation for the award of Doctor of Philosophy degree in 2024.

He said the research focused discovering the uncertainties solar panel businesses face in the country as well as business models being deployed to navigate them.

He said the importation of solar panels and accessories posed a great challenge to local businesses, adding that NASENI’s involvement in the business could be a game changer.

“Some of these uncertainties are policy, customers’ purchasing power, environmental and exchange rate, as well as security and market uncertainties.

“The fact that solar entrepreneurs in Nigeria can identify these uncertainties means that they can support the penetration of solar as an alternative to Nigerians

“There is a need for expanded research on the additional components of Dynamic Capabilities (DCs), specifically idea screening, uncertainty and risk management,’’ he said.

He urged Solar Photovoltaic Entrepreneurs (SPVEs) deploy Business Model Innovation (BMI), and participate in policy formulation and implementation for the sustainability of their businesses.

The SPVEs are individuals who establish and manage business pertaining to the solar energy industry.

According to him, when solar entrepreneurs deploy the BMI, it will reduce energy cost and make it more affordable to Nigerians.

NAN reports that BMI involves adapting or reinventing how a company creates and delivers value to customers, potentially through new revenue streams, distribution channels, or value propositions.

The process aims to create a more sustainable and competitive business model that better aligns with changing market needs.

Ahmad explained that the business model would allow solar entrepreneurs to push their products and services to energy poverty prone areas.

Ahmad urged government agencies to support SPVEs by providing information and knowledge-sharing platforms and reliable financial support mechanisms. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Benue govt receives 20 electric cars for taxi
Science & Tech

Benue govt receives 20 electric cars for taxi

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By Dorathy Aninge

The Benue Investment and Property Ltd (BIPC) has received 20 electric/solar cars to launch its modern taxi service in Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo towns.

The Managing Director of BIPC, Mr Raymond Asemakaha, while receiving the cars, said the development would reduce costs and allow citizens of the state to have value for their money as well as create jobs for youths.

He said that the company is targeting about 100 of the cars for taxi services.

“This initiative aims to provide efficient and cost-effective transportation, create jobs for local youth, and offer citizens better value for their money by reducing emissions contributing to a cleaner environment.

“The cars are zero-emission cars and are eco-friendly, have a control system and a geofencing technology that can show the location and an in-built CCTV to track movement, monitor and ensure security of passengers.

“We are going to have an assembling and charging plant at our BIPC mergemax (CNG/Petrol Station) beside the head office.

“All the parts are going to be there for regular and routine maintenance, and a single charge is going to cover 500 kilometres,” Asemakaha said.

According to him, a mobile app is being developed to allow commuters to book online and ensure seamless services 24 hours.

He lamented the increasing cost of transportation in Makurdi, noting that the initiative is part of the government’s deliberate efforts to crash prices of transportation.

Asemakaha said the Benue Green Wheels initiative marks a vital step forward in promoting sustainable transport solutions and improving the quality of life for Benue residents to foster inclusive governance policy of the government. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

NITDA warns against fake Google play store
Science & Tech

NITDA warns against fake Google play store

249 total views today

 

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a public advisory warning Nigerians about a fraudulent website impersonating the Google Play Store.

Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at NITDA, made this known on Friday in Abuja.

Umar stated that the fake website was distributing a new malware strain known as the Play Praetor Trojan.

“Cybercriminals are using fraudulent websites designed to mimic the Google Play Store to lure victims into downloading malicious applications,” she said.

She explained that the fake Play Store links were being circulated through various social engineering tactics, including phishing emails, malicious advertisements, and SMS messages.

According to Umar, once the fake application is installed, the Play Praetor Trojan gives attackers unauthorised access to the victim’s device.

“This access can lead to data theft, credential harvesting, financial fraud, remote control of the device, and further malware deployment,” she warned.

She urged the public to download apps only from the official Google Play Store or other trusted sources.

Umar also advised users to verify app developers, read reviews before installation, regularly update their devices and apps to patch vulnerabilities, and use reputable mobile security solutions to detect and block threats.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

SHESTCO urged to embrace emerging technologies
Science & Tech

SHESTCO urged to embrace emerging technologies

254 total views today

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has urged staff of Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) to show greater commitment to acquiring innovative skills in line with international best practices.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Asanye Esuabana, made the call during a courtesy visit to SHESTCO in Abuja.

She stated that for the Complex to remain relevant in the scheme of things, staff must improve their knowledge of recent emerging technologies.

“Like the genetics, DNA, chromosome, amongst others. For now this genome editing, that is a burden.

“I don’t wish people from India, China, South Africa, to come and do it for us. We should be the ones.

“But if you do the research yourself and come up with those things that can make us also to get these things institutionalised in Nigeria, we can also now trade it to other African countries,” she said.

Esuabana emphasised the need to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, robotics, and others.

Earlier, the Director General of SHESTCO, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, said their mandate was to develop facilities for the effective practice of science and technology in the country at no cost.

He noted that their research and development activities cover all areas of science and the environment, including agriculture, medicine, and basic sciences.

“We also expected to operate international relationship between Nigeria scientists and also foreign scientists. One other very important mandate is also for us to carry structured manpower training.

“Structured manpower training in the sense that science is dynamic, is always evolving, new ideas, new techniques are always coming up, and therefore it is expected that scientists here are supposed to be ahead of others,” he said.

Onyenekwe added that in Feb., some scientists from SHESTCO represented the country at the 15th International Invention Fair held in Kuwait.

“Out of 29 inventions in the natural science category, SHESTCO ERA’s Anti-Epilepsy Herbal Tea won bronze.

“Out of 26 inventions, SHESTCO’s Artificial Intelligence Enhanced Hemoparasites Detection (AIEHD) Model won silver in the AI category. Nigeria emerged third in natural science and second in AI”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SHESTCO is a parastatal under the Ministry of Science and Technology. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Technical education crucial to Nigeria’s industrialisation-Association
Science & Tech

Technical education crucial to Nigeria’s industrialisation-Association

232 total views today

By Sylvester Thompson

The Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria (APPN) says technical education is crucial to Nigeria’s industrialisation, as Polytechnics address labour market needs and provide diverse pathways for students.

Dr Benjamin Achiatar, President of the association, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

Achiatar urged the Federal Government to pay attention to all technical and technology education in Nigeria, adding that interest in technical and technology education has declined in the last few years.

“We are getting an increasingly lower number of students applying to polytechnics and monotechnics through JAMB, and this is affecting the economy as a whole,’’ he said.

Achiatar called on President Bola Tinubu to sponsor a bill for an Act to abolish the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and bachelor degrees.

“China has chosen to maintain its polytechnic system, also called higher vocational education, to have theory, academics and knowledge alongside practical solutions.

“These polytechnics also support the country’s economic development goals, and key policy initiatives including the Made in China 2025 initiative,’’ he said.

Achiatar, who is the Proprietor of Gboko Polytechnic, said that the association was made up of 56 approved private polytechnics and about 50 approved monotechnics and almost 100 independent innovation centres.

He said that polytechnics are different from universities basically because they train both theory and emphasise practice.

Also speaking, Mr Olusola Alalade, General Secretary of APPN and representative of the proprietors, Igbajo polytechnic, recalled that the United Kingdom established polytechnics in the 1960s.

He said that it was part of a broader effort to expand higher education, provide vocational and technical education, focusing on practical skills and knowledge to produce manpower for the middle level.

Alalade explained that it was also to address specific economic and social needs towards industrialisation with key policy initiatives.

“This helped the country to become an industrialised nation as the available technical manpower was the engine of the industrialisation,’’ he said.

He stated that the continued policy initiatives and changes in 1992 led to the conversion of polytechnics into universities.

Alalade said that it was to expand the mandate and establish greater autonomy, flexibility, and freedom to determine their own academic programmes and research agenda.

“The distinction between universities and polytechnics has diminished, as many institutions now offer a range of academic and vocational programmes, and this trend is global,” he said.

According to him, polytechnics are established to play a vital role in providing technical and vocational education, entrepreneurship, workforce development and applied research and innovation.

He said that they were also established to promote accessibility, affordability, and community engagement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Joseph Edeh

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