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NCC Proposes New Model to Accelerate Broadband

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed the setting up and licensing of infrastructure companies (InfraCos) to accelerate the deployment of broadband in the country under the National Broadband Network (NBN) Deployment plan.

The proposed a new broadband structure that will consist of InfraCos providing intercity fibre and others providing metro fibre, while geographically-focused InfraCos will provide wholesale bandwidth services on “a non-discriminatory, open access, price regulated basis.

According to a notice on NCC’s website “The objective of this initiative is to stimulate a new national broadband network that is not only more widespread but also faster and more secure than what is available today, thereby stimulating other sectors of the economy and leading to higher economic spinoffs for Nigeria. In addition, it will offer efficient connectivity as well as ultra high-speed broadband services that is available, affordable and sustainable”

The document, titled “Open Access Next Generation Fibre Optics Broadband Network Industry Consultation Paper November 2013,”  they  will also be required to focus on the “deployment of metropolitan fibre and provide transmission services, available at access points (Fibre to the Node or Neighborhood – FTTN) to access seekers, leverage existing inter-city fibre to deploy their services, and purchase/lease transmission or long haul fibre capacity from other providers, where available, for the purpose of interconnection.”

NCC added that “the proposed structure allows existing players to operate on the basis of business-as-usual, with the option of transferring/leasing their inter-city and existing metropolitan fibre infrastructure to the InfraCos.”


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Nigeria Risks Missing out on $1.2 Trillion AI Opportunity- NigComSat

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Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), the country’s satellite operator, has warned that Nigeria may lose a $1.2 trillion share of the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) economy by 2030.

Nigeria Risks Missing out on $1.2 Trillion AI Opportunity- NigComSat

Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, managing director, NigComSat made this known in a statement issued at the weekend.

Egerton-Idehen’s comment followed her participation in the 12th Regular Meeting of the National Council for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, held in Makurdi, Benue State.

She also emphasized the urgent need for policy action to harness the potential of artificial intelligence.

The meeting was organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy with the theme “Accelerating the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence through Policy and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

According to Egerton-Idehen, AI is transforming industries, economies, and societies worldwide, with projections indicating it will contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.

Africa is expected to gain $1.2 trillion of this, but only if the right policies and innovations are put in place.

Egerton-Idehen highlighted AI’s transformative potential in agriculture, particularly in Benue State, Nigeria’s “food basket.”

She noted that machine learning tools could revolutionize agricultural practices by improving pest detection and optimizing planting schedules using satellite imagery.

 

“AI offers us the chance to not only flourish economically but also to achieve food security. However, we must ask ourselves if we are prepared to manage this technology responsibly,” she added.

However, Egerton-Idehen also pointed out that internet access remains a significant barrier to AI adoption in Nigeria. As of early 2024, only 45.5% of Nigerians had access to the internet.

She stressed the need for a coordinated effort to expand access to digital infrastructure while enforcing relevant policies.

“For AI tools to be effective, basic digital infrastructure is essential. Addressing this gap must be a priority,” she said, stressing the need for a coordinated effort to expand access to digital infrastructure while enforcing relevant policies.

Reflecting on the discussions at the meeting, Egerton-Idehen expressed both optimism and urgency, noting the rapid pace of AI advancements globally.

“AI is happening. We have the opportunity to manage this technology revolution responsibly, both in Africa and globally, through innovation and governance,” she said.

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has released a draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, aiming to position Nigeria as a global leader in AI.

The draft strategy outlines strategic pillars for responsible AI development and seeks to foster a robust ecosystem for innovation.

This initiative builds on earlier efforts, including the establishment of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in 2020 and various funding programs for AI research and startups.

While the NAIS is still in draft form, it reflects Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging AI as a transformative tool for economic and social development.

 

 


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Digital Literacy Initiative: NITDA and Ministry of Education Join Forces

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As part of its mandate to foster digital literacy, cultivate talents and empower Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has initiated a partnership with the Ministry of Education to revolutionise Nigeria’s educational system.

This visionary effort to integrate digital literacy comprehensively into Nigeria’s educational framework came to light during a courtesy visit to the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, by DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa and his management team on Friday.

The partnership forms a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, an ambitious vision to equip young Nigerians with the critical skills required to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

This initiative seeks to embed digital literacy across all levels of education in Nigeria, starting from the foundational stages in kindergarten through to secondary schools and tertiary institutions, in order to achieve short-term target of 70% and long-term target of 95% digital literacy by the year 2030

During the meeting, Inuwa underscored the urgency of fostering a digitally literate population, highlighting the potential of digital skills to transform lives and economies.

“The future is digital, and the world is evolving faster than ever. If we are to prepare our youth for tomorrow’s challenges, we must begin with today’s education.

“This collaboration with the Ministry of Education is a bold step toward ensuring that no Nigerian child is left behind in this journey toward global competitiveness and innovation,” he remarked.

According to Inuwa, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that every child in Nigeria is adequately prepared to participate in a global economy increasingly defined by digital transformation.

In his response, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa praised NITDA’s forward-thinking approach and affirmed the Ministry’s unwavering support for the initiative. “Education remains the foundation upon which national development is built.

“We are ready partner with relevant stakeholders to embed digital literacy into our educational framework, empower our children with the tools and skills they need to not only adapt to change but to drive it,” he said.

With CISCO, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC), and other stakeholders involved, there is already shared commitment to creating an inclusive and technology-driven educational ecosystem.

This ecosystem will empower young Nigerians to not only consume technology but to innovate, lead, and compete on the global stage as the nation progresses into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The collaborative effort is set to tackle various dimensions of digital literacy, ranging from curriculum development to teacher training and capacity building.

It will also involve the deployment of state-of-the-art digital tools and infrastructure across educational institutions.

This holistic approach is designed to provide students with hands-on exposure to technology, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills from an early age.

Furthermore, the partnership aims to create a ripple effect that goes beyond the classroom, it sets to empower educators with the requisite skills to teach digital literacy effectively and transform the entire teaching and learning process in Nigeria.

It will also focus on addressing regional disparities by ensuring equal access to digital resources in underserved and rural communities, leaving no child or teacher behind.

The involvement of key stakeholders like CISCO, NBTE, NUC, NTI, NMC, and UBEC further strengthens the initiative.

Their combined expertise and resources will provide a robust framework for implementing the partnership’s goals. From introducing cutting-edge technology in schools to fostering a culture of innovation, the collaboration is poised to redefine what education means in Nigeria.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of positioning itself as a continental leader in digital transformation and innovation. With technology increasingly shaping the global economy, Nigeria’s youth stand at the forefront of this revolution, ready to harness the opportunities presented by a digital-first world.

The partnership further indicates federal government’s commitment to achieving inclusive and sustainable development through digital literacy, and reshaping the very fabric of Nigerian education, ensuring it aligns with the demands of the modern era.


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MTN Awards N2.5m to Top Fellows at Media Innovation Programme Graduation

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MTN Nigeria recently celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP), awarding a total of NGN 2.5 million in cash prizes to three outstanding fellows. The graduation ceremony took place at the Pan-Atlantic University in Ibeju-Lekki, highlighting MTN’s commitment to fostering innovation in the media sector.

Launched in partnership with the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, the MIP is designed to equip media professionals with essential skills in traditional journalism while emphasizing the importance of technology in storytelling. Over six-months, fellows engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that included topics such as media entrepreneurship, ICT in media, and ethical journalism.

During the graduation ceremony, three fellows were recognized for their exceptional contributions including the MTN Nigeria Chairman Award for Innovation awarded to Augustus Aigbe of Cool FM; the MTN Foundation Chairman Award for Innovative Reportage to Moninkanola Ogidan of Adaba 88.9FM, Akure and the MTN Award for Best Reporting awarded to Chiemelie Ezeobi from ThisDay Newspapers.

The Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, emphasized the importance of the media innovation and adaptability in media, stating that these awards represent an investment in the future leaders of journalism. “At MTN, we believe a lot in excellence, which is why the partnership with Pan-Atlantic University is still ongoing. We recognise that the future of media lies in innovation and adaptability.

“These awards do not just celebrate the Fellows’ achievement; we are investing in the next generation of media leaders. In an era where digital platforms redefine how stories are told, media practitioners must be equipped with the skills and resources to thrive.”

Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication, highlighted the significance of investing in future media professionals to drive positive societal change while maintaining ethical standards. “In recent times, technological innovation, social media, Artificial Intelligence and the likes have been viewed as dangerous, due to their misuse, although they are not in themselves bad.

“And this is one thing that drives our programs for media practitioners. Our vision is to train and equip competent and professional persons who will use these technological advancements and platforms as a means to contribute to the good of the society.”

The ceremony ended with the Class President, Nifemi Oguntoye expressing his gratitude towards MTN and Pan-Atlantic University for providing a transformative experience that fostered cultural diplomacy between Nigeria and South Africa. “We’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best minds in the industry. The lessons learnt during our study trip, discussions and engagements have been invaluable. We are eternally grateful to Pan-Atlantic University and MTN for the commitment to empowering Nigerian journalists. A number of our colleagues look forward to having this experience in the next cohort and we know they will not be disappointed”, he said.

To date, MTN Nigeria has invested over NGN 300 million in the media. MIP not only aims to enhance the skills of individual practitioners but also seeks to contribute to a more robust media landscape capable of navigating the complexities of a digital economy projected to reach $18.3 billion by 2026. The event reflects MTN’s ongoing dedication to bridging the digital divide and enhancing media capabilities within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving landscape.


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