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Minister says Qualitative Education is Tied to ICT Development

Mallam Adamu Adamu, Minister of Education, says the qualitative education in the modern world was intrinsically tied to the development and deployment of ICT in education.
The Minister who was represented by the Director, ICT, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Ifegwu Orji during the inauguration of the Unites Cisco Internet of Things (IoT) Innovation Centre at Queens College in Yaba said: ”ICT as an enhancer of education has transformed education delivery from being the transmission of information by the teacher as the custodian of knowledge to the learner as the receiver of the knowledge transmitted and the school, from being a teacher-centered agency.”
He said: “Today, teachers are seen as facilitators or coaches of learning or in some cases, as change agents or activators and the students as active partners in learning.
”The school also had become an open space for learners who initiate and acquire their own learning and expand their knowledge through interaction among themselves and with the teachers.
“This kind of interaction is only made easier by the Internet of Things as it connects people, processes devices and data.
According to him, with the Internet of Thing (IoT), more engaging and measurable method of education that can provide knowledge to a greater number of students in a manner that fits their learning styles and needs are enhanced. He explained that The Internet of Thing (IoT), refers to the ever-growing network of physical objects with IP address for internet connectivity and communication that occurs between them and other internet-enabled devices.
His word: “It also enhances the volume and values of information that can be collected, thus, allowing educators and administrators to turn data into actionable insight like never before envisaged.
“In order to demonstrate our commitment towards the delivery of qualitative education with the resultant production of the requisite manpower, that can survive in the modern society, contributions to sustainable national development and compete globally, we have approved the establishment of the Cisco Unites IoT Innovation Centres in six Federal Unity Colleges in the six geo-political zones for the 2017/2018 academic session for which we are here today.
“Some of the Unity colleges that have benefitted from this project are Federal Science and Technical College Yaba as pilot, Federal Government Girls College Buari in Abuja, Federal Government College Kano and Queens College Lagos, as well as Federal Government College Enugu among others.
“They will all serve as a hub for open innovation to showcase what is with digital transformation and Internet if Things in education.
“We have also approved the establishment of the Cisco network academy in all the unity colleges under Cisco’s corporate social responsibility (CRS) in the education sector and other Cisco long term CRS programnes.
“It is our hopes that these programmes will fast track the achievement of ICT-enhanced education and would empower our students and teachers to adapt to the rapidly changing knowledge requirements and skills.
The Minister maintained that the goal of the Federal Government is to see the education sector as a whole, embrace the use of new technologies to meet the human resources requirements of nation-building for the attainment of sustainable soci-economic development.
He posited that government was optimistic of enhancing the sector for global competitiveness as well as the individual’s ability to survive in the contemporary society.
While lauding the partnership and contribution of Cisco Unites Academy for their support and donation of the IoT centres to the colleges, he added that the gesture would further boost students learning.
Meanwhile, the Director, of the Unites Networking Academy, Mr Toyin Olatayo, on his part said that the inauguration of the IoT project in Queens college was the third in the series.
According to him, efforts were underway to replicate same in all the 104 unity colleges across the country in two years. Olatayo noted that rapid changes in technology trends are forcing humans to keep up in order to stand the chance of surviving in a competitive world.
He maintained that technology has, and would continue to transform every aspect of human lives, be it education, governance, business and even personal relationships.
“There is digital transformation across countries and companies. Digital transformation driving opportunities. We want to bridge opportunities between students and the digital economy,” Olatayo said.
He added that the objectives of the Unites Cisco IoT Innovation Centre were to create technology solutions to unlock opportunities at a speed of rapid prototyping.
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Lagos Plastic Ban: MAN Warns of Job Losses, Closure of Businesses

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concerns over the impending ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment.
It warned that it could lead to job losses and and lead to economic, operational, and social consequences for manufacturers, traders, recyclers, and end users.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir, director general, MAN, in a statement called on the Lagos State government to reconsider the ban, citing a lack of credible data and stakeholder engagement.
According to Ajayi-Kadir, a recent study revealed that 100% of manufacturers surveyed expressed fears of job losses and workforce restructuring if the ban is implemented.
He said, “A recent MAN-supported study evaluating the possible impacts of the Lagos State SUPs ban revealed significant adverse economic, operational, and social implications across the value chain, from manufacturers to wholesalers, traders, and end users. It has been noted that only poor and developing countries often tilt towards plastic ban as a strategy to combat environmental problems.
“A hundred percent of the manufacturers consulted expressed concern over a ban-induced workforce restructuring. Thus, several jobs will be lost in the industry if this ban were to be implemented.
“It is noteworthy to mention that there is no form of arrangement for social protection for the employees who will lose their livelihoods as a result of this ban.
“Also, there has been no form of social dialogue on the part of the government with these workers or the industry on the potential job losses.”
According to him, findings showed that 89% of operators in the plastic value chain rely on SUPs as their primary source of income with no alternative source of livelihoods, over 75% of end users, including SMEs, depend on plastic packaging with no affordable or practical alternatives, and 93% of dealers, many of whom are women, reported no prior information or social support mechanisms to cushion the impact.
Ajayi-Kadir emphasised that banning SUPs would not resolve pollution issues but merely substitute one problem for another, especially without scalable alternatives or infrastructure to support the transition.
He urged the government to focus on improving waste management infrastructure and promoting recycling, rather than imposing bans.
News
Court Hands 23 Chinese Nationals 1 Year Jail Term Each for Cyberterrorism, Fraud

A Federal High Court in Ikeja, Lagos state has sentenced 23 Chinese nationals to one year imprisonment each for their involvement in cyberterrorism and internet fraud.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned them before Justices D.E. Osiagor, D.I. Dipeolu, and A.O. Faji on a single count of cyberterrorism and online fraud.
Dele Oyewale, spokesperson, EFCC, revealed that the convicted individuals were members of a cyber-fraud syndicate comprising 792 people.
He noted that the culprits were arrested on Thursday, December 19, 2024 in Lagos, during an operation known as ‘Eagle Flush.’
Oyewale stated that the individuals identified as Yu Hui (also known as A. Bin), Huang Jin Hui, Fei Fan, Lu Qiang, Hu Xi Zheng, Sun Zhi Peng, Wu Hao, Cong Bing, and Li Qiang alias Yang Huan Huan, Zheng Wei alias A. Hong, Cheng Jian, Da Tou, A Wen, Zhang Lei, Huang Zhi, Pan Jiong, Chen Wen Yuan, Jia You alias A. You, Wang Zheng Feng alias Feng, Liu San Hua, Liu Beixing, and Wen Zong Xu alias Li Long were all charged on one count of online fraud and cyber-terrorism.
One of the charges brought against Yu Hui (also known as A. Bin) claimed that he, along with others, unlawfully accessed computer systems in Lagos around December 2024 with the intent to destabilize and damage Nigeria’s economy and social structure.
According to the EFCC, this act violated Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, and is punishable under that law.
Similarly, another charge filed against Jia You, accused him of accessing computer systems with the aim of undermining and harming Nigeria’s economic and social stability.
This action was said to be in breach of both the Cybercrimes Act and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Initially all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, during the court session, they pleaded guilty.
The EFCC prosecution team comprising of Nneemeka Omewa, Babatunde Sonoiki, U.S Kyari, and B.M Isah informed the court that the defendants had reached plea bargain agreements.
The defence team confirmed this and requested the court to adopt the terms of the agreements.
Justices Osiagor, Faji, and Dipeolu found each defendant guilty and sentenced them to one year in prison, with the sentence starting from their arrest date on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
Each convict was also fined N1 million.
Additionally, the judges ordered the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to deport the convicts within seven days of completing their sentences.
All devices recovered during the operation including mobile phones, laptops, and routers were forfeited to the Nigerian government.
News
Galaxy Backbone Reaffirms Commitment to Support Security Agencies with Its Vast Digital Infrastructure

The Board, Management, and Staff of Galaxy Backbone (GBB) express profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the governments and people of Benue, Borno, Plateau, Anambra, and other states affected by recent waves of violent attacks and insecurity. We mourn with every family, community, and institution that has suffered the pain of loss, displacement, and trauma.
At Galaxy Backbone (GBB), we firmly believe that security is the bedrock of any thriving society. No nation can make meaningful progress when peace is threatened. These tragic incidents are not just national emergencies, they represent deep personal losses to every Nigerian, and they call for urgent, united, and technology-enabled solutions to support lasting peace.
As a Federal Government organization, entrusted with delivering secure digital infrastructure and smart technology solutions to public institutions across Nigeria, Galaxy Backbone remains resolute in its commitment to supporting state governments and security agencies through cutting-edge digital platforms that enable proactive and intelligent security management.
We also acknowledge and commend the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the concerted efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria in responding decisively to the security challenges facing parts of the country. The President’s unwavering commitment to peace, safety, and national unity under the Renewed Hope Agenda is evident in the bold steps being taken to restore order and build a more secure Nigeria.
Through our Safe City Security Solutions, GBB offers an integrated suite of smart surveillance systems, real-time data analytics, emergency communication networks, and AI-enabled threat detection tools. These solutions are specifically designed to enhance operational capabilities, strengthen coordination across security agencies, and empower informed decision-making in high-risk environments.
GBB stands ready to partner with both state governments and security agencies that are committed to building safer, smarter, and more resilient communities. We believe that technology must lead the charge in safeguarding lives, and we are proud to serve as a trusted digital ally in Nigeria’s journey toward modern, tech-enabled public safety.
Together, we can bolster early warning systems, expand surveillance coverage, enable faster emergency responses, and ensure that every Nigerian lives in a country where peace and prosperity are not aspirations, but realities.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace. And may strength, healing, and hope return to the hearts and homes of all those affected.
Galaxy Backbone remains aligned with the vision of a secure, digitally connected, and inclusive Nigeria, where every citizen has the freedom to live, work, and dream in peace.
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