Telecom
22 Institutions, Others Set to Enjoy N16.7bn Broadband Access Projects
More than 22 institutions in the country, comprising 18 universities, and six polytechnics, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), drawn evenly from the six geopolitical zones in the country, have benefited from a Federal Government’s broadband infrastructure projects designed to accelerate the Nigeria Digital Economy efforts.
L-R: Prof. Muhammed Abubakar, Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone; Prof. Adeolu Akande, Chairman, Board of Commissioners, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC and Mr. Kashifu Abdullahi, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, at the launch of Information Technology infrastructure projects for small businesses and public presentation of a book by the Minister in Abuja on Thursday.
At the unveiling of the projects being driven by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who presided over the event, said the projects underscores the importance of broadband connectivity and access as central to the accomplishment of the targets of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030 for a digital Nigeria, and that the project is in line with the mandates of President Muhammadu Buhari on job creation and economic diversification.
Pantami, who was joined by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Mohammed Bello at the event, disclosed that the key infrastructure being provided for the project, comprise of broadband infrastructure for tertiary institutions of learning; broadband infrastructure for MSME; distribution of 6,000 e-pad tablets, in addition to provision of broadband connectivity to 20 markets as a pilot.
He said the interest in supporting the MSMEs is justified by their current contribution of more than half of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) prior to COVID-19 outbreak, and now constitute 96.7 per cent of entire businesses in the country, and therefore, “any effort to develop our economy without bringing such important sector into the equation will amount to efforts in futility.”
At the event, which had in attendance the Chairman of the Board of the NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande; the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta; the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed; and the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof Idris Bugaje, a book authored by Pantami, titled “Skills Rather Than Just Degrees” with foreword written by Brad Smith, President of Microsoft Corporation, was unveiled for the industry.
Pantami said the book is his intellectual contribution to bridging skills gap to enable Nigerians to tap into the opportunities that exist in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and other sectors of the economy.
The book was reviewed by three different Vice Chancellors – Prof. Muhammad Abdulazeez of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; Prof Owuanari Georgewill of University of Port Harcourt; and Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas of Bayero University Kano, who commended the efforts of the Minister in putting his thoughts and experience to paper. They recommended the book, which they commended highly.
In their comments, NCC’s Akande and Danbatta, corroborated that the project will fast-track and enhance the ongoing efforts of the NCC’s to deepen connectivity towards achieving the targeted broadband penetration of 70 per cent by 2025.
NCC’s Chairman, Prof. Akande, assured of the commitment of the Commission in completing the projects, which will add the necessary fillip to achieving the major objectives spelt out in the NDEPS, 2020-2030.
The EVC of NCC, Prof. Danbatta, highlighted the Commission’s drive towards deepening broadband penetration in the country and the promotion of digital skills acquisition to improve service delivery in other sectors of the economy, including education, commerce, healthcare, agriculture, finance, transportation, governance, among others.
The event attracted so many stakeholders especially from the academia, as well as technology enthusiasts, including prospective start-up companies, fintech organisations and other interested sectors whose activities are billed to be energized through diligent implementation of the NDEPS and other extant policies guiding the digital economy agenda of the Nigerian government.
EMOSIM, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has partnered with Tata Communications to power its entry into the Nigerian telecommunications market.
This collaboration will help EMOSIM launch a MVNO and Nigeria’s first travel eSIM for outbound travellers and provide seamless connectivity and telecom services across the region.
according to the companies, leveraging the industry leading MVNE platform with key features like Integrated KYC, Digital onboarding, interoperability and more by Tata Communications MOVE™, EMOSIM aims to deliver unmatched network reliability, seamless user experiences and fast-track digital adoption in Nigeria.
“Our collaboration with EMOSIM underscores a shared vision for digital inclusion and technological advancement, aligning with Nigeria’s commitment to innovation in telecommunications”
In a continued effort to empower young Nigerians as active participants in the nation’s development, Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T) brought together 1,200 young Nigerians for a Civic Participation Workshop, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to take on active roles in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Founded in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for economic transformation, YP4T continues to establish itself as a mobilizing force for young professionals committed to driving national progress.
The workshop featured dynamic and interactive sessions on policy making and advocacy, digital citizenship and social media activism, leadership and public speaking, and understanding government and the constitution.
Participants had the opportunity to engage with experienced facilitators, ask critical questions about how to better integrate into political and civic spaces at both local and national levels, and receive practical guidance on how to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s development.
A resounding theme that emerged throughout the event was the growing number of young Nigerians approaching voting age, with speakers and facilitators emphasizing the urgent need for them to ensure they are registered to vote.
The discussions reinforced the principle that active civic engagement begins with exercising the fundamental right to vote, ensuring that young voices are represented in shaping the country’s future.
The workshop concluded with a compelling panel discussion led by YP4T Regional Director, Mr. Alex Oware, who engaged Mr. Wale Fadare, Personal Assistant to the President on General Duties, in a conversation about what true nation-building requires from young Nigerians.
Speaking on the importance of participation, Mr. Fadare stressed: “True transformation is a collective effort. Young Nigerians have the energy and vision to drive change, and it is vital that we all work together to build a stronger, more resilient nation. A crucial part of this is making sure that more young people take their civic responsibilities seriously, from understanding governance to ensuring they are registered to vote.”
The event marks a significant moment for YP4T, which recently surpassed 3,000 registered young professionals dedicated to supporting and advancing the policies of President Tinubu. This growing community reflects a shared commitment to ensuring young people are not just beneficiaries of development, but key architects of Nigeria’s progress.
Further reinforcing this commitment, YP4T announced an upcoming Educational Grant Program that will support 100 final-year secondary school students across Nigeria with funds for their final certificate examinations.
This initiative seeks to remove financial barriers for promising students, ensuring they have the opportunity to complete their education and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth.
Speaking on the significance of the program, Alex Oware, Regional Director for YP4T, stated:
“Education is the foundation upon which strong nations are built. By supporting 100 young Nigerians in their final year of secondary school, we are not only investing in their future but in the future of the country itself.
“This grant represents an opportunity for these students to complete a critical stage of their education, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress.
“We believe that empowering young minds today will yield leaders who drive innovation, governance, and prosperity tomorrow.”
By fostering leadership, civic responsibility, and policy engagement, YP4T is strengthening the economic, technological, and entrepreneurial landscape of Nigeria.
This workshop and the forthcoming grant program reaffirm the organization’s mission: to empower young professionals not just to envision change, but to actively shape it.
Telecom
Google Launches Hustle Academy 2025: Empowering SMBs in Africa with AI-Powered Training and Mentorship
Google on Thursday announced the opening of applications for the 2025 edition of its Hustle Academy program, designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Building on the success of previous years, the program will continue to emphasize AI-powered business training, alongside the launch of a new season of the popular “Hustle Academy Brings You” speaker series.
Despite their critical role in driving Africa’s economic growth, SMBs across the continent often face significant hurdles. Limited access to funding, inadequate business resources, and a lack of specialized skills hinder their ability to scale and thrive. Google’s Hustle Academy directly addresses these challenges by providing practical training, expert mentorship, and a robust entrepreneurial network, enabling SMBs to overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential.
Since 2022, Google’s Hustle Academy has provided critical support to over 15,000 SMBs who have completed the bootcamp. The 2025 program will further equip entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to scale their businesses in today’s digital landscape.
“We are thrilled to launch the 2025 Hustle Academy, continuing our commitment to empowering African entrepreneurs,” said Kristy Grant, Head of B2B Marketing, SSA at Google. “This year, we are reinforcing our focus on AI-powered business training, enabling SMBs to leverage cutting-edge technology for growth. We are also excited to bring back ‘Hustle Academy Brings You’, featuring inspiring stories from successful African business leaders.”
The free, virtual Hustle Academy 2025 bootcamp will provide participants with in-depth training on:
AI Integration: Learning how to incorporate AI into operations, marketing, and customer engagement.
Core Business Fundamentals: Covering business strategy, financial management, digital marketing, and leadership development.
To be eligible, SMBs must have been operating for at least one year in Kenya, Nigeria, or South Africa and be seeking to expand their business. Participants will benefit from expert mentorship, practical case studies, and networking opportunities.
Complementing the bootcamp, the new season of “Hustle Academy Brings You” will feature candid conversations with prominent African entrepreneurs, including:
Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble
Brian Jura, Founder & CEO, Home 254 Apparel
Foluso Ogunwale, Founder of i-Fitness Gym and Wellness Center
Nobukhosi Mukwevho, Founder and CEO of Khosi Nkhosi Fashion House
Yolanda Odida, Founder of Pure Purple
These episodes, available on the Google Africa YouTube channel, will offer valuable insights into the challenges and successes of building businesses in Africa.
“By combining practical training with inspiring stories, we aim to provide SMBs with the tools and motivation they need to succeed,” added Grant.
Applications for Hustle Academy 2025 are now open at g.co/hustleacademy.
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