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i4ITCB partners Oracle Academy, NCS to hold Seminar for STEM lecturers in South East

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L-R: Sefunmi Fadahunsi; Country Programs Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Oracle Academy, Engineer Iyiola Ayoola; Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Dele Bayo-Osibo; Founder, Initiative for Information Technology Capacity Building, i4itcb, Prof. Hettie Abimbola Soriyan, Lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State and Dr. Olufemi Oyenuga, Chief Customer Architect, ECEMA, Oracle Africa at the seminar.
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The Initiative for Information Technology Capacity Building (i4itcb) has called for improved pedagogy among Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) tutors in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.

 

The Non-Governmental Organization, made this emphasies at a one-day Academia’s & Technology Seminar for STEM lecturers held at Universal Hotel, Indepedence Layout, Enugu in collaboration with the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and Oracle Academy which demonstrated educational curriculum resources to aid the educators impart their students.

 

Speaking at the seminar themed: Teaching for Industry Relevant STEM Skills’, Prof. Hettie Abimbola  Soriyan, Lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, said that STEM teachers need a change in their mindset to be able to win-back students to the classrooms.

 

She said, “They are working with a generation that does not show as much interest in class room lectures as it was in times gone by, because their interest in technology, especially social media has increased in leaps, almost as a disadvantage.

 

“So, lecturers need to leave our comfort zones to train ourselves to use that technology to reach out to the students. Engage the students; give them some things to think about, analyse and present their thoughts.

 

“From the exercise we did here, the participants now have a better understanding of areas that need improvement on their part.

 

“If teachers transpose skills learnt from the exercise into system development analysis, it is clear, more work is required on the part of the Lecturers.

 

“I recommend that programs like this should be spread over two to three days; as there are still lots to discuss about how to win-back the students”.

Cross section of Speakers and participants at the seminar.

Prof. Soriyan, emphasised need to transform the same technology students are using to their advantages.

 

“When you want to give assignment link it to social media and recent topics. They like watching videos like cartoons. Let’s test them based on those areas.

 

“We have to appreciate the fact that their’s is a generation that is tech-savvy only for use and consumption and are not interested in developing technology parse. So, teachers need to change the dynamics”, she added.

 

Engr Iyiola Ayoola, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS),  said that from the theme it is obvious that participants have been exposed to the need to teach computer science or IT courses in the relevant way; that is, to galvanize the economy into fourth industrial revolution.

 

“When we refer to the fourth industrial revolution, it implies that IT has penetrated every facet of human endeavour. As a result, we are seeing technological disruptions today.

 

“So, we are talking about lecturers and teachers of Computer Science courses; they should be able to stay ahead of the class and the result is graduates who are ready to conquer in this technological dispensation.

 

“We have many IT courses now in Big Data, Robotics, Mobile Internet, Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Virtual Reality; these are disruptions in the IT industry that should be taught with the relevant tools and revamped curriculum.

 

“Definitely, there is no dull student; when taught in the right manner, each student will find one area as relevant to him or her”, Engr. Ayoola reechoed.

 

During her presentation, the Country Programs Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Oracle Academy, Sefunmi  Fadahunsi, reiterated the global IT giant’s determination to impact next generation of professionals through free educational resources around STEM that teachers and schools can leverage on to deliver quality teaching and learning experience.

 

In her words: “It means that students need to be engaged practically to be able to learn STEM so that they can have skills relevant in the industry.

 

“All the resources Oracle Academy has for them is free. The resources are industry relevant. In other words, what the students will learn through Oracle Academy is the same as our customers are subscribing to, to drive their businesses; Java, Database, IoT, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning resources, curriculum and software resources – all free for both the teachers and the students.

 

“That is what we have brought to the South Eastern States and we hope to continue working with them for the advancement of Computer Science Education”.

 

Meanwhile, the Founder, Initiative for Information Technology Capacity Building, i4itcb, Dele Bayo-Osibo, explained the rationale behind the seminar.

 

“What informed our coming to the South East is that, we have a vision to improve the footprints of Information Technology professionals in the polity.

 

“What we have decided to do is to move from region to region and carry out this impartation of knowledge.

“The Idea is that we will, overtime, close the gap between the industry and the academia. We believe in moving from ‘Knowledge to Impact’; which is our slogan.

 

“And as such, we want to impart knowledge in the academia because we believe they are critical stakeholders in this move to improve IT technicians, professionals in the polity”, Bayo-Osibo said.

 

Highpoint of the seminar was a debate on the positive and negative impacts of Artificial intelligence in human society with two lecturers emerging winners; and took home new laptop each presented by i4itcb.

 

Assessing the debaters, the Chief Customer Architect, ECEMA, Oracle Africa, Dr. Olufemi Oyenuga, said: “I can feel the energy among the Teachers in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.

 

“The energy is really positive. There is also the DNA of South Eastern part of Nigeria wanting to learn. I have never seen quite an astonishing debate on AI as these University professors and doctors did.

 

“They actually connected the knowledge, application and future of AI to some basic things about our life and culture.

 

“I think the convener of the programme has done a fantastic job because she had planted a seed, let’s watch out it grows and bears much fruits.

 

“Secondly, I think it is going to connect and open up tributes of knowledge on fourth industrial revolution in Nigeria looking at things like 5G, AI, IoT, Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning, as the fulcrum to the next technological advancement we are in; not necessarily looking at the entire gambit rather taking it in bits.

 

“So, the learning methodology must change for a transmission and transformation of knowledge into fourth industrial revolution”.

 

Nodding in agreement, Mayowa Ajiboye of TechX Innovation Hub located in Enugu State, said, “I believe that there should be synergy between the universities and technology innovation hubs in the South East, because universities possess the brain-power for innovation.

 

“But I noticed that over the years, it has never been so with regards this part of the country. That is why hubs are springing up.

 

“Nevertheless, the bulk of the ideas are still in the universities, so they need to synergise with all the hubs around as fast as possible to translate the energy and ideas into valuable products. With the hubs, they can easily get their models very correctly”.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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MTN Nigeria Rewards 1,500+ Winners with ₦290m in Mega Billion Promo

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L-R: Deji Roberts, Assistant Director, Nigerian Communications Commission, Lagos Zonal Office; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, MTN Nigeria; Femi Yusuf, 10 Million MTN Mega Billion Promo Jackpot Winner; Efe Kwado, MTN Mega Billion Promo Winner; Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria and Samuel Rowland, Chief Operations Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority at the MTN Mega Billion Promo Media Parley held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the MTN Rooftop Events Centre Plaza, Ikoyi.
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Telecoms giant, MTN Nigeria, has announced the disbursement of over ₦290 million to more than 1,500 winners in its ongoing Mega Billion Promo.

L-R: Deji Roberts, Assistant Director, Nigerian Communications Commission, Lagos Zonal Office; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, MTN Nigeria; Femi Yusuf, 10 Million MTN Mega Billion Promo Jackpot Winner; Efe Kwado, MTN Mega Billion Promo Winner; Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria and Samuel Rowland, Chief Operations Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority at the MTN Mega Billion Promo Media Parley held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the MTN Rooftop Events Centre Plaza, Ikoyi.

The update was shared during a live event held on July 19 at the company’s Rooftop Events Centre in Lagos. Representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, MTN executives, journalists and selected promo winners were in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, stated that the initiative was launched to support loyal customers during difficult times. “In the last couple of years, it’s been a tough time for the average Nigerian. This promo is one of our ways of making life better for our customers,” she said.

Ikenna-Emeka revealed that the promo has produced over 1,500 winners, including three jackpot winners, 20 winners of ₦5 million each, and more than 100 winners of ₦100,000. She added that the company remains committed to rewarding customers transparently.

One of the jackpot winners, Femi Yusuf, who won ₦10 million, shared his excitement. “I thought it was one of those promos where nothing comes out of it. My wife was the one who spotted my number during the live draw,” he said. When asked about the delivery of his prize, he replied, “Fast and fast. MTN, no scam.”

The event also featured live calls to new winners, including a woman identified as Motunrayo, who won ₦2 million. She expressed joy over the unexpected win, saying, “I’m so grateful. Thanks so much.”

Debo Agun, Senior Manager, Consumer Segment (Mass Market), explained the mechanics of the promo. He said participation is free and open to MTN subscribers who dial *900# to opt in. Airtime purchases serve as entries—₦100 worth of airtime equals one entry, and customers can win multiple times.

Agun stated that 63 winners are selected daily from Monday to Friday, while Saturdays feature 104 winners, including a ₦10 million jackpot. Other prizes range from ₦25,000 to ₦2 million and are paid into customers’ MoMo wallets. Those without wallets can create one by dialing *671#.

Promo draws are conducted and streamed live on MTN’s Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook channels. Independent partners oversee the process to maintain credibility and fairness.

The promo began on June 23 and runs for 90 days.


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MENXTT Tech NG Debuts USA-Spec Devices and Redefines IT Retail in Nigeria

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MENXTT Technology NG has introduced a fresh lineup of USA-specification smartphones alongside its existing range of laptops, accessories, and software tools in a major move to redefine tech quality and customer satisfaction in Nigeria.

The firm, which operates as a fully online IT service provider, is focused on bridging the gap between businesses and customers by offering seamless tech procurement, deployment, and after-sales support.

According to Anthony Emeka Nwosu, Director of Communication and Customer Retention, the company is committed to restoring consumer trust in tech purchases through guaranteed quality, extended warranties, and structured support.

Nwosu stated that the decision to supply USA-grade devices was borne out of frustration with substandard options in the market and zero accountability.

He said MENXTT was built to be responsive, dependable, and quality-driven, assuring customers that they would not be left alone after purchase.

With services covering laptops, accessories, website development, software deployment, and IT support, MENXTT promises to take technology directly to the client with less stress.

The company, located at 8a Oje Imeviani Street, Julie Estate, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, is also noted for its tech-enabled structure that allows users to access solutions from anywhere in Nigeria through its online platform.

Customers can reach MENXTT Technology NG via email: info@menxtt.com.ng or website: menxtt.ng.


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MTN, MTV Base Launch “Room of Safety” Series to Promote Online Child Safety

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Telecoms giant MTN Group has partnered with MTV Base to launch the Room of Safety campaign, a youth-led movement aimed at raising awareness on internet safety and digital wellbeing for children and young people across Africa.

The initiative, a major part of MTN’s Help Children Be Children campaign, seeks to address growing concerns around cyberbullying, grooming, misinformation, and other forms of online harm. Through this collaboration, MTN will leverage MTV Base’s extensive reach across youth audiences to drive impactful change.

Central to the campaign is the premiere of a 10-part short-form docu-series titled Room of Safety, which kicks off on July 20, 2025, at 16:00 on MTV Base (DStv channel 322). Episodes will also stream on MTV Base South’s digital platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Each episode will feature real-life stories, expert interviews, and practical resources to help young viewers identify digital threats and take proactive steps. The series also encourages youth to speak up about negative experiences online and shows them how to report abuse.

A statement from MTN Group emphasized the importance of equipping young Africans with the knowledge and confidence to navigate digital spaces safely, adding that the campaign aims to normalize conversations around digital ethics and mental health within families, schools and peer groups.

The launch is backed by social media engagement and outreach activities targeted at schools, creators, and community organizations across multiple African countries.


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