General News
MultiChoice Here to Stay– John Ugbe

John Ugbe, managing director and chief executive of Nigeria’s leading payTV provider, MultiChoice believes the country has the market to take in as many providers as possible. Having served previously as MD of MWEB (subsidiary of MultiChoice), Ugbe in this encounter with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek’s Miebi Senge, says MultiChoice is even prepared to invests more in the country to remain dominant. Excepts:
Transformation Agenda for MultiChoice
I came in at a point when the company is transforming and is moving forward. The company has a lot of human capital here in Nigeria and right now we are harnessing all our human and capital resources to move the company forward with a lot of local input. Good enough we have developed contents (locally) and will continue to develop local contents to drive our growth vision. Our vision is to surround our customers with entertainment and that is exactly what we are going to do; to entertain our subscribers even more.
Challenges
Every business in operation (not just in Nigeria) in what ever country encounters challenges uniquely related to that environment. MultiChoice has its businesses spread around quite a few countries across the continent and we can really say there are challenges in every business environment. Of course, there are definitely challenges in Nigeria but like every business our objective is to surmount these challenges and forge ahead. As a matter of fact, we work very closely with our regulator (Nigerian Broadcast Commission, NBC), our publics/stakeholders; and by building those relationships we can surmount any obstacles.
The infrastructure in Nigeria is still evolving and as they develop we also have to build our business taking into consideration those challenges that exist. It is very important that we offer world class service to our highly valued customers even if our operational environment isn’t as it ought to be.
The issue of public power supply comes up very often in our discussions, but such challenges are not just peculiar to us, every other enterprise are also faced with it, and so MultiChoice would take it as one of those challenges that we have to surmount in other to thrive in our operational environment. We do not consider power challenge as insurmountable and it is not by any means peculiar to our business. Other infrastructural challenges are also what every business in the country face.
Local content
We are very proud with the Nigerian Premier League on our SuperSport bouquet. We hope to build and grow on that. We have got a good relationship with other sports in the country as well. Right now, we have a deal with the basketball federation and have actually put the DStv Basketball League on the SuperSport channel. Not only do we sponsor by putting money into the league, we also put the matches on TV and this is a big push for the local basketball league. It has never happened before but it is being watched everywhere now across the continent.
Yes, we have also made quite some investments in this country as our way of providing quality service to our customers. Recently, we added another High Definition (HD) Outside Broadcasting (OB) van. We have built two HD studios to support the local league so you will see more matches live. More simultaneous telecast of matches – we can take matches from even more venues.
On the (local) movie and the sitcoms, we are expanding that and you will see a lot coming from there. Africa Magic channels will grow, so you will see a lot of growth in contents. We have been a partner with the Nollywood industry right from inception.
Local Sponsorship
We would see more from the broadcast perspective and I think one of our sister companies is active in that area so we would see certain sponsorship from local organizations on our platform and we have been able to expose those plans to an international audience. Definitely you will see improvement in that.
Programmes
We will continue to search for best contents out there and we will make sure the contents are available on our platform. We have got America’s Got Talents, Fear Factor and a lot of programmes that are being watched internationally to ensure that our audience does not lag behind.
Value Proposition
We have actually never been a monopoly in this business. What makes us unique is our way of doing business, a very long term business proposition. We are not here for the short haul so we are not a company that is trying to invest today and reap tomorrow. Like the local league we are putting up, we have spent a lot of money to put that content on air. We have been patient, we will continue to find out what our customers want and what we try to do is to provide what our subscribers want and give to them. We’ll continue to make value added investments in this market and perhaps, that is the secret of our continual growth and dominance.
Killing Competition
Our business model is not to kill off competition. In fact, competition is good for the industry. However, in every sphere of human endeavour only the fittest survives. As the media can attest to, there are several payTV operators in the country, but your growth and survival also depends on what you are offering your consumers. This is a payTV so it also means business in the real sense. If you must measure up to international standards, then you have to measure your business with international best practices. The world has contrasted into one global-village, so what takes place say in Europe doesn’t have to take ages (as in the past) to get to Africa. Events are seen real time across the globe as they happen, so if what you’re offering does not measure up to the taste bud of the customers, they would simply switch-off and tune to someone else who is more serious in the business.
Yes, we want to see others grow, but it is up to them to grow their business according to their module. We are working to constantly to keep pace with global standards, because that is what our customers want. The Nigerian customer is highly informed and would not take less value for higher cost.
High cost of MultiChoice
Our costing is relative. Lately, we have developed high-value segmented bouquets to meet family budgets. If you cannot afford the premium bouquet, there is a special one that meets your budget and it comes with same MultiChoice high quality treatment. We are constantly working to meet our customers’ requests to serve them better.
Would Multichoice be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange?
We work with regulators and stakeholders all the time to see how feasible this is and we work with even the capital market. We must also not forget that even before this discussion our sister company, Mnet was once listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. There are lots of things to think about when it comes to listing on the stock exchange. Obviously companies would always work with regulators to see what strategy fits that business at that time because it is not every company in the country that will be listed on the stock exchange.
On Corporate Social Investment (CSI)
The plank of our major CSI project is built around education and so we have undertaken to establish MultiChoice Resource Centres, (MRC) and we have rolled out in 201 schools in 21 States across the country.
We have also trained quite a few teachers and I think it is a project that we have been able to see results from and we have also taken a decision to see results from and we have also taken a decision on our own to increase roll out of these resource centres so we can feel more of their impact in the society.
In terms of education, we also try to see how much value we could add in terms of content development. Content is really important, especially concerning what kids are learning? When you teach a kid lets say about tsunami, what does it mean to him? It is not something you go out on the street and see so we have managed and designed a programme working with the ministry of education to build MultiChoice Resource Centres in schools across the country. That gives an opportunity for these kids to see what they are learning and to learn with some of our channels like Discovery which has a lot of contents that actually gives the kids a better experience.
Tackling Unemployment Challenges
First we employ quite a few people directly by ourselves and we also have our supply chains. Our Super Dealer is a strong chain which is a structure we have set up to encourage entrepreneurship. We have people that have built businesses that are supported by our business. We work with them and very closely with banks for funding and these businesses however hire over 2,000 Nigerians to work on business that are driven by our products and services. These are wholly owned Nigerian businesses which we have helped to start up.
Impact of MultiChoice on Local Movie Industry
We have supported Nollywood through training over the years. We have another training scheduled for the first quarter of 2012 where we are going to take people through script writing and production training. This is not something we are just starting; it is something we have always done. We have always had that partnership with the movie industry here. We are also partnering with the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) to create awareness on intellectual property rights because we must be careful. I think the biggest challenge the entire entertainment industry is facing is piracy and that is what is stopping the growth of even our movie industry. So we hold workshops in trying to educate people that intellectual property needs to be respected because that is how the new Nigeria music industry and the movie would be sustained. If piracy is not controlled, that industry would collapse and that industry has quite a lot of people but we have not probably gotten a good feel of the impact and it is a growth industry. It is big everywhere in the world and I think we have the capacity for it to be very big here. For it to succeed here, intellectual property right has to be respected.
Customer Service
We have a well staffed call centre here with very high traffic level that is measured against that of other countries. We consistently come out public. However, customer service is what we continually improve on. We have a lot more dealer designation nationwide so we have taken the service closer to subscribers.
General News
Senate Orders Full Probe into N1.3 Trillion CBEX Ponzi Scandal

The Senate Wednesday launched a full-scale investigation into the operations of Ponzi schemes in the country. The development followed the catastrophic collapse of the Crypto Bullion Exchange (CBEX), a digital investment platform that allegedly defrauded Nigerians of over N1.3 trillion ($847 million), making it one of the most devastating financial scams in the nation’s history.
The motion, sponsored by Senators Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and Osita Izunaso (Imo West), received overwhelming support from lawmakers during the debate at plenary.
The federal lawmakers unanimously described the proliferation of such schemes as a direct threat to national security, economic stability and public trust in government institutions.
Rising in support of the motion, senators from across the country decried the systemic regulatory failure that allowed CBEX and similar fraudulent platforms to operate unchecked.
They lamented that the fraudulent operators leveraged on technology, social media influence, fake testimonials, and referral commissions to lure millions into financial ruin.
Presenting the lead debate, Senator Abiru detailed how CBEX capitalized on weak oversight by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to dupe unsuspecting investors.
He warned that beyond financial losses, such platforms are fueling depression, suicides and the erosion of public confidence in legitimate financial institutions.
“Over N1.3 trillion was lost to CBEX alone. This is not an isolated incident. It is a continuation of a troubling pattern, from MMM in 2016 to MBA Forex in 2020. Nigerians are being robbed, again and again,” Abiru said.
Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North) called the situation “alarming” and stressed that existing laws must not only be amended but “strengthened” to prevent further exploitation.
He said: “These operators prey on vulnerable and gullible citizens. Some victims have died by suicide. It is time we acted decisively.”
Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar (Kwara North) emphasized the trust Nigerians place in their government and urged agencies to live up to their mandate.
“People trust that the government will protect them. We must ensure that SEC, CBN, EFCC and others never allow such lapses again,” Umar said.
Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West) lamented the regulatory gap in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving fintech space. He warned that many digital platforms operate under the radar.
He said: “It’s not just Ponzi schemes. There are several other unregulated online payment platforms riding on fintech buzzwords. CBN must tell us what rules are in place.”
Senators Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and others urged the National Assembly to utilize its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 14 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to hold regulatory agencies accountable.
“These laws exist, but for too long we’ve failed to enforce them. The people are suffering,” Ningi declared.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio recounted a personal experience from the early 1990s involving a now-defunct Ponzi scheme in Port Harcourt, drawing parallels with today’s CBEX.
Akpabio said: “That scheme collapsed. People lost everything. History is repeating itself, only now on a bigger scale—N1.3 trillion gone. Students, civil servants, even pensioners were affected. This is an emergency.”
He backed calls for nationwide public sensitization and zonal public hearings.
According to the Senate President, “We must educate our people. Many of these victims are not literate in financial matters. If it doesn’t concern you directly, it will affect someone close to you.”
In its resolution, the Senate mandated a joint investigation by its Committees on Capital Market; Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions; Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes; and ICT & Cybersecurity.
The committees, to be led by that of Banking and Finance, are expected to conduct a comprehensive investigative hearing, including public sessions, and submit their report within four weeks.
The inquiry, according to Akpabio, will focus not only on CBEX but also on the broader Ponzi ecosystem, regulatory lapses and proposals for legislative and administrative reforms.
The Senate also called for immediate steps to educate the public, especially the youth and rural populations on the dangers of fraudulent investment schemes.
As the motion passed unopposed, Senator Akpabio declared: “We cannot sit back while Nigerians are being robbed blind. “We must act to prevent more suicides, restore trust, and reclaim our economy from digital predators.”
General News
UpSkill Universe Launches ‘Skills for Business’ to Empower 10,000 African SMEs, in Collaboration with HP and Google

UpSkill Universe has announced the launch of the Skills for Business programme, a new initiative to help 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa build critical digital and business skills for economic and business growth.
Delivered in collaboration with Google, HP Inc and UpSkill Universe, the programme is designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools to thrive in an increasingly digital economy, in addition to having access to a range of courses on the HP LIFE platform.
UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills training provider, will manage programme delivery and partner engagement. “Entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Africa are already leading change within their communities,” said Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe.
“We understand the challenges SMEs face as they navigate a difficult business landscape, prevalence of AI, and rapidly changing customer behaviour. Through collaboration with HP Inc. and Google, we see an immense opportunity to empower businesses with the practical tips, tools, and technology – including AI – they need to grow, scale, and succeed.”
Building on the success of the Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp, which has supported over 15,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022, this new initiative will focus on action-oriented learning. Participants will gain hands-on skills through modules such as Unlock growth with practical skills in AI, digital marketing, and e-commerce, which are designed to help SMEs boost their productivity, attract more customers, and grow their businesses online, complemented by access to HP LIFE – the HP Foundation’s free global online business skills training program.
The programme is also committed to inclusivity, with a goal of at least 50% participation from women-owned businesses.
“The Hustle Academy training reshaped how we connect with customers online,” shared one SME from Lagos. “These skills make a real difference for us.”
Small businesses are the backbone of Africa’s economy, accounting for nearly 80% of jobs across the continent. Yet despite their significance, many still face barriers to accessing the digital skills and tools needed to compete and grow in a changing marketplace.
The Skills for Business programme aims to bridge this gap by providing entrepreneurs with practical, locally relevant training that meets the real-world demands of today’s market.
Google’s involvement brings additional expertise in digital growth and strategy for small businesses.
“Small businesses are a driving force for progress across Africa and beyond. It’s more critical than ever to help them access the skills and tools they need to grow, especially as digital technologies transform business operations,” said Kristy Grant, Google SSA’s Head of B2B & Brand Marketing. “We are proud to collaborate on initiatives like this that enable entrepreneurs to translate their ambitions into lasting positive impact for their communities and economies.”
At the heart of the initiative is HP LIFE, the HP Foundation’s free global business skills training program, which is available in eight languages online, via mobile app, and offline. Small business owners and their employees will gain access to more than 30 practical training modules covering topics such as boosting productivity with AI, digital marketing essentials, and starting an e-commerce journey.
This will be delivered alongside expert-led virtual workshops by Google and UpSkill Universe to ensure that SMEs can build the capabilities needed to grow their customer base, strengthen operations, and drive long-term success.
“When small businesses thrive, entire communities thrive with them. The Skills for Business program is about empowering entrepreneurs to access the future of work.” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. and Executive Director, HP Foundation.
“Since 2021, HP has been on a journey to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030 by providing access to technology and digital skills content that enhances skills and economic opportunity. We are very proud to support this deeply impactful program, which will provide the support SMEs need to grow, scale, and succeed.
The Skills for Business programme aims to directly train 10,000 SMEs and indirectly impact an additional 59,000 individuals by the end of 2025, demonstrating the powerful role of partnerships in advancing Africa’s digital transformation and economic development.
General News
FG Declares Admissions outside CAPS Illegal

Federal government has declared that any admission into tertiary institutions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), will be deemed illegal.
Dr Tunji Alausa, minister of Education, gave the directive in Abuja on Tuesday at the 2025 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Alausa, therefore, warned universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country against illegal admission.
He said institutions and individuals involved in such practices would be prosecuted and severely sanctioned.
“Any admission conducted outside CAPS, regardless of its intentions, is illegal.
“Both institutions and the candidates involved in such practices will be held accountable.
“Sanctions may include withdrawal of institutional assets and prosecution of culpable officers or governing council members,” he said.
CAPS, introduced in 2017, automates the admission process to eliminate human interference and administrative bottlenecks.
Alausa, however, reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen transparency, fairness, and accountability in the nation’s tertiary education system.
He explained that while the responsibility for initiating admissions rests with the academic boards of each institution, JAMB, as a statutory regulatory body is mandated to oversee and regulate the process to ensure fairness and equity.
The Minister urged vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and governing councils to intensify oversight functions to prevent unauthorised practices.
He assured that the Ministry would monitor compliance closely in collaboration with JAMB.
The minister also reaffirmed the policy mandating integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) into the JAMB registration process.
“The NIN requirement has proven vital in safeguarding the integrity of our admission system by curbing identity fraud and multiple registrations.
“Any abuse of the NIN system will be identified and punished,” he said.
He highlighted the need for data-driven policies in the admission processes.
The Minister also presented statistics showing a mismatch between available admission quotas and actual student intake across many programmes, especially in agriculture, education, engineering, and the health sciences.
“We have capacity, but we are not admitting enough students.
“We need to start closing the gap, so that more children can access tertiary education,” he said.
He also criticised the proliferation of underutilised institutions, revealing that over 120 universities in Nigeria received fewer than 50 applications in the current admission cycle.
“The problem is not about access, it’s about alignment and capacity.
“We don’t need to open new tertiary institutions in every ward. Instead, we must expand and strengthen the capacity of existing ones,” he said.
On his part, Sen. Shuaib Salisu, chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, called for stricter sanctions against institutions and administrators who undermine Nigeria’s admission process.
Salisu proposed the criminalisation of fraudulent admission practices.
He also warned institutions that exploit loopholes in the admissions system, allowing students to unknowingly pursue flawed admissions for years to desist from such practices.
He assured that the Senate Committee would explore legislation to criminalise such fraudulent practices, holding admission officers and institutional management accountable.
Salisu also called for an inclusive education system that drives peace and economic growth.
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