Telecom
Coderina Partners SAP, NLN to Launch INClusive STEAM Libraries Project
Addressing Africa’s skills gap in the age of technology would require bold steps to be taken in the area of capacity building.
Cross section of partners and students present at the event
As part of efforts to address these issues and more, Coderina Education and Technology Foundation in collaboration with SAP and National Library of Nigeria (NLN), has launched INClusive STEAM Libraries Project aimed at evolving libraries across Nigeria to become venues for informal Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) centers to provide the youth with lifelong learning skills and competencies
According to the World Economic Forum, “The root of unemployment is not only a lack of jobs; a key underlying issue is also the inadequately educated workforce. And this challenge is likely to be amplified in the coming years due to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by fast-paced technological progress combined with other socio-economic and demographic changes, which will further transform labor markets.” Hence the time to start addressing skills shortages is now. Education must be aligned to the pace of change and expanding skill needs of Industry 4.0 be it formal or informal.
L-R: Folusho Ade-Ogunrinde, Technology Head, SAP Africa; Ibukun Olufon, Account Executive in a chat with Mr. Femi Niyi, Chairman BOT, Coderina Education and Technology Foundation.
The goal of the Inclusive STEAM Libraries project is to create an enabling environment for every young learner including and out-of-school and unemployed youth, or those looking to gain job-readiness skills where they can visit to gain practical hands-on, minds-on learning experience in coding, robotics, 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Web & App Development and other 4IR skills and competencies while also being provided with information, opportunity and choices to prepare them for the future of work or entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the project launch in Lagos on Saturday, November 13, 2021, Mrs. Obianuju Onuorah, Deputy Director/Head of Branch National Library of Nigeria, Lagos State, expressed delight over the project which will boost hands-on experience among student community in the library.
She said that although for ages library is known as a ‘silence zone’, however NLN is moving along with trends in the world hence the creation of digital sections.
Onuorah who described the initiative as ‘very good initiative’, further said, “I believe strongly that the students and staff will benefit from it. Initially, the Library is seen as a very quiet place; where you come and read.
“However, as the reading culture changes, the library has become an inter-disciplinary community. We have to move along with trends in the world. So, in the library now you have the digital section.
“Also, we have discovered that students do not appreciate long reading. They prefer the hands-on experience and that is why the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has created the digital section where we catch them young. The only difference in the library is that the students are monitored to avoid abuses or misuse of the digital tools.
“So, I am very happy with this initiative because it will benefit our community, especially those that ‘do not like to read’, they will benefit more with the hands-on experience.
The Deputy Director noted that NLN is interested in promoting STEAM “because our mandate is to make sure the Nigerian society reads. So, how do we accomplish that? We organize readership promotion campaign through which we sensitize the general public, especially students and pupils on the need to read. We believe that when we catch them young they will grow with it”.
Titilayo Adewumi, Regional Sales Director – West Africa – SAP represented by Folusho Ade-Ogunrinde, Technology Head, SAP Africa, said the INClusive STEAM Libraries Project falls within the core vision of the company.
According to her, SAP’s reason for the partnerships is to uplift the host communities, amongst other reasons.
Adewumi said, “At the core of SAP vision is to improve people’s lives and to help the world run better. We do that through technology and partnership. The reason for the partnerships is to uplift the communities in which SAP is present”.
Highlighting how the INClusive STEAM Libraries Project will impact on the students, she said “I believe that this is the beginning for these children who probably haven’t experienced this sort of skills building opportunities; seeing LEGO education kit sets and seeing robots for the first time.
I think that at this level it will impact their curiosity. A child is usually very curious; trying to find out more about a subject or an object particularly when it is colourfulcolorful. This is the first level to introduce these children to technology skills. The experience will be etchdged in their memory for a long time to come.
Regional Sales Director – West Africa – SAP further encouraged the participants, especially the girl-child, to take full advantage of the initiative.
“I think there is no limit with technology whether you are a man or woman. If there are no limits for the boys then there are no limits for you as a girl. So, whatever dreams you have never have doubts about them. Go for your dream; one step at a time”, she said.
L-R: Mr. Femi Niyi, Chairman BOT, Coderina Education and Technology Foundation; Folusho Ade-Ogunrinde, Technology Head, SAP Africa; Mrs. Obianuju Onuorah, Deputy Director/Head of Branch National Library of Nigeria, Lagos State and Ibukun Olufon, Account Executive
On his part, the Chairman BOT, Coderina, Mr. Femi Niyi, described public libraries as good platform to connect school and out-of-school learning.
“Libraries are part of a STEM learning ecosystem that connects many communities with resources. A place where children and families can participate, engage in interactions and experiences that promote hands-on and minds-on learning and development. This would enable young learners and adults acquire a breadth of skills including cognitive, emotional, social, innovation and creativity”, he explained.
He emphasised that the Coderina’s partnership with the National Library of Nigeria is focused on evolving libraries across Nigeria to become venues for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education and centers that would provide youths with lifelong learning skills and competencies.
Femi added that access to technology tools and Internet access is scant, “however, with support of organisations like SAP, we will provide access by equipping a section of the library with robotics kits, laptops, 3D printers and other learning tools, to ensure that libraries become more inclusive and cater for different learning styles be it visual, auditory, reading/writing or kinesthetic.”
“This approach will also help children develop their creativity skills, innovative skills interpersonal skills as well as problem solving skills which in turn helps them to become employable and prepares them
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Airtel Africa Plc have reduced investments in network infrastructure to focus on minimising foreign exchange (FX) exposure and managing rising operational costs.
According to businessday.ng, this was detailed in their financial statements for the nine months ending September 2024.
Their strategy aligns with earlier forecasts of decreased capital expenditure (capex) due to foreign exchange (FX)-induced losses in 2023 and 2024.
In recent weeks, Nigeria’s network quality has declined, a situation that Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telcom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), attributed to reduced investments in the sector.
GSMA, the global telecom body, has warned that lower capex could lead to a shrinking telecom sector, resulting in poorer service quality and slower coverage expansion.
“The overall financial performance of the industry in recent years has not been sufficient to support the capital-intensive nature of the business,” it said.
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria, recently noted that investments would not flow into a sector that cannot promise returns. “We are in a big crisis,” he said.
MTNN’s core capex spending fell by 27.79 percent to N217.64 billion from N301.38 billion year-on-year (y-o-y).
“Excluding leases, our core capex declined by 27.8 percent, resulting in a capex intensity of 9.8 percent on this basis. The optimisation of core capex enabled us to accelerate the reduction of forex exposure arising from our LC-backed obligations and its impact on the business,” MTNN said.
Airtel Nigeria’s capex fell 36.59 percent to $149 million in the first nine months of 2024 from $235 million in the corresponding period of 2023.
“Operating free cash flow was $163 million, up by 73.7 percent in constant currency, largely due to the constant currency EBITDA growth and lower capex while in reported currency,” Airtel said.
This slowdown coincides with reduced revenue earnings for Airtel and reported losses for MTNN. A Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) unification of the foreign exchange market in June 2023 triggered a sharp devaluation of the naira, which plummeted from N471/$ before the move to N1043.09/$ by December 28, 2023, and N1676.90/$ by November 4, 2024.
Airtel Nigeria’s revenue fell 46.9 percent to $755 million, while MTNN’s losses increased from N14.99 billion to N514.93 billion, despite service revenue growing by 33.7 percent to N2.37 trillion.
Over the last two years, MTN has spent N1.08 trillion on capex, with Airtel Nigeria spending $545 million in the same period. Both declared FX losses of $1.56 billion in 2023.
Beyond FX losses, surging energy costs have also strained the operating budgets of telcos.
“Average diesel prices in Nigeria increased by approximately 90 percent compared to the prior period,” Airtel stated.
MTNN’s operating expense increased by 95.87 percent to N1.13 trillion from N575.46 billion.
The highly anticipated Africa Tech Alliance Forum [AfriTECH 4.0: https://africatechallianceforum.africa/] is scheduled to hold today Thursday, November 07, 2024 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Lagos-Nigeria.
The forum will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore the theme “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy.”
AfriTECH 4.0 is poised to address critical conversations around the digital evolution of Africa, with a focus on key topics such as emerging technologies, sustainability, policy frameworks, and innovation in the tech ecosystem.
The forum will highlight the importance of building sustainable and inclusive digital infrastructures that can drive economic growth and social development across the continent.
Event Highlights Include: Keynote Presentations, Panel discussions, Networking Opportunities.
Also, the prestigious Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards will recognize individuals, businesses and institutions leading digital transformation in Africa.
Special Guests:
Dr. Aminu Maida, a distinguished leader in telecommunications and digital transformation; Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, a transformative leader in Nigeria’s technology landscape, currently serving as the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Professor Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju, the CEO of Galaxy Backbone, a key government-owned technology and digital infrastructure company; Biram Fall, the Regional Managing Director, QNET, a leading e-commerce-based direct selling company; Ebehijie Momoh, the CEO of AfrigoPay Financial Services Limited, where she leads the company’s mission to provide innovative payment solutions across Africa.
Others are; Dr. Muhammed Sirajo Aliyu, President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS); Dr. Temitope Alakija, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Statistics at Yaba College of Technology [Yabatech] Lagos; Adesola Akinsanya – President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA); Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere – President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).
Also speaking are; Engineer Ikechukwu Nnamani – CEO, Digital Realty (Nigeria); Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Limited; Mr. Emmanuel Amos, Founder – Programos Foundation/InnovationBed Africa; Chukwuebuka Ume-Ezeoke, Chief Technology Officer at CED Technologies; Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, Founder, Hyperspace Technologies; Happiness Obioha, Managing Director, Tecom Concepts Limited; Chukwuemeka Mbaebie, Convener, Lagos Blockchain Week; Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director, Transblue Limited; Chika Nwosu, Managing Director, PalmPay; Jude Ozinegbe, Founder/Convener at Cyberchain; Mohammed Rudman, CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria [IXPN]; Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO Open Access Data Centres (OADC); Kehinde Ogundare, country manager, ZOHO [Nigeria]; Ayodeji Ogunmola, Director, Products Management at Northsnow Ltd; Oluwakayode Durodola, founder, Otuntech Limited; Lovelyn Okafor, Country Head, Nigeria at Newmark; Olaniyi Ibraheem, Business Development Manager (Africa) at UBankConnect; Adedamola Bowale, Co-founder & Technical Lead at Avancee Pinnacle, and Moniade Adeniyi, Product Innovation & Business Growth Strategist, Northsnow Ltd.
Meanwhile, innovationbed Africa is set to host “Startup Showcase” at AfriTECH, a session dedicated to startup finalists for this year’s United Nations World Summit Awards. Discussants include – David-Bobola Ojoawo, the Producer for Compas.AI; Stephen Adeyemo of Expertplug; Siro Collins, CEO of Advanced Engineering Center (AEC), WSA Winner 2023; Elijah Moses, Producer for VerionX; Rasheed Aliu Producer for LOOPBOX; Musami Umar Musam, founder of RollMal; David Ezeonyekwere, the founder of CheapMarketDeal, and Sule Wisdom David, the founder of CyclexAfrica.
QNET is the gold sponsor of AfriTECH 40. Silver Sponsors – Galaxy Backbone, Digital Realty, Digital Encode Ltd. Bronze Sponsors – CED Technologies, AfriGoPay, Tecom, Northsnow UK, Hyperspace Technologies, Palmpay, OADC.
Ecosystem Partners: NCC, NITDA,, InnovationBed Africa, ALTON, ATCON, NCS, IXPN, NiRA, Lagos Blockchain Week, Newmark Group, all are supporting AfriTECH 4.0.
Media Partners include; Techeconomy, NigeriaCommunicationsWeek, ITPulse, Ravenews, TechTrends.Africa, TechBuild.Africa, GrassRoots, DigiVation Network, TechLifewithUgo, BusinessMetrics, BusinessRemarks, SwiftReporters, TechTV, Africa Hyperscalers Media, CyberEra, ITRealms, DigitalTimes, TechnologyMirror, TechandBizNews, ITNewsNigeria.
“AfriTECH 4.0 will also feature interactive panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions that will explore other critical topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, fintech, smart cities, and sustainable innovation”, said Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of AfriTECH. “We are grateful to the sponsors and partners”.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, as well as network with other industry leaders, innovators, and investors”, he added.
Participation
Online participants can join using the Zoom link here: https://shorturl.at/ETAPq.
MTN Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary with a stakeholder conference in Abuja, highlighting two decades of significant contributions to communities across Nigeria.
This event provided a platform to reflect on the Foundation’s accomplishments, unveil a new logo, vision, and mission statement, and launch its Y’ello Impact Report, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development.
The conference brought together prominent figures from both the private and public sectors, all gathered to honour the extensive impact of the MTN Foundation’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) over the last 20 years.
A keynote address was delivered virtually by Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who commended the Foundation as a leading example of CSI in Nigeria.
“MTN Foundation embodies the transformative power of public-private partnerships. Its investment in education, healthcare, digital literacy and youth empowerment has touched the lives of countless individuals.
“By providing scholarships, supporting maternal and child health and helping young people develop skills for the future, the initiatives build resilience in our communities and create pathways for sustainable growth”
Guests at the event witnessed the unveiling of MTN Foundation’s new vision and mission statements along with its logo, heralding a new era of impactful initiatives where they are most needed.
“During this unveiling, the Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, emphasised the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable growth within Nigerian communities and expanding its outreach across the nation.
“We have evolved over the years, but one constant remains: our desire to do more. We believe that so much more can be accomplished,” Sanya stated.
Sanya articulated the new vision of the MTN Foundation, which aspires to enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians and transform communities nationwide. “At MTN Foundation, we envision a Nigeria where no community is left behind.”
Sanya further outlined the Foundation’s mission moving forward, which encapsulates its commitment to holistic socio-economic development: “Our mission is to consistently enhance the well-being of our communities by fostering investments through collaborations and partnerships in capacity building, health, and economic empowerment.”
Panel discussions featuring recipients from various MTN Foundation initiatives highlighted its significant impact on women’s empowerment, education, music, economic growth, and community development.
Beyond celebrating two decades of achievements, this stakeholder conference served as a rallying call for private sector organisations to leverage their resources in partnership with government efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerian communities and promote sustainable development across the country.
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