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NCC to Give ICT Grants to more Nigerian Universities

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that it will give grants to some universities in the country to stimulate innovations within the tech eco-system.

 

The commission is also inaugurating professorial chairs in some universities across Nigeria as part of its strategy to open up opportunities in research that will development the industry.

 

Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, stated this on Monday at the opening of a two day stakeholder’s forum on Emerging Technologies Research and ICT Innovation with the theme: Developing Nigeria Tech Eco-system Imperative for Improving Local Content.

 

Danbatta who was represented by Mr. Ephraim Nwokonneya, Director, Research and Development, NCC,  siad that the grants would help the universities to conduct research in areas that would help the development of the industry.

 

Although he didn’t give the value of the grants and the academic chair, he however noted that the essence of the grants to make it feasible to unlock potentials that would ensure the growth of the industry and improve the local content of the tech eco-system of the country.

 

He said that the innovations that the grants would provide is for the benefit of all Nigerians, adding that the NCC is already giving support to about 82 tech hub that are unlocking potentials across the country.

 

Earlier at the opening ceremony of the event, the EVC of the Commission disclosed that the NCC has been visiting tech hub across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria to assess their development and challenges saying that “we need to assist the various tech hub with the right regulatory intervention to ease their operations.”

 

Danbatta said that globalization has made essential to for the government and the private sector to remain competitive and improve local content saying atht it is imperative that the right framework is developed to help indigenous companies.

 

He said: “It is therefore become necessary to innovate on how to access segments of the consumer wallets not presently allocated to communication by providing solutions to consumer needs in other vertical areas education, health, government services made available through telecoms network infrastructure.”

 

 

 

 

 


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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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ARCON Probes 9mobile over Alleged N1Bn Advertising Debt

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Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) is investigating a petition against 9Mobile, one of Nigeria’s top four telecoms companies, over an alleged N1 billion unpaid advertising debt.

ARCON Probes 9mobile over Alleged N1Bn Advertising Debt

In a statement issued at the weekend,  the ARCON stated that the petition was filed by advertising agencies alleging that Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited — trading as 9mobile — failed to settle payments for services rendered and has continued to engage new agencies without fulfilling existing obligations.

The regulator identified the alleged activity as a potential violation of the Nigerian advertising code, adding that it might have far-reaching consequences throughout the business.

“It was also alleged that while 9mobile refused to pay or resolve its indebtedness to the agencies, it has gone ahead to brief other agencies to continue its advertising and advertisement business with impunity,” the statement reads.

The ARCON said it would investigate whether 9mobile followed disengagement protocols when transitioning from the owed agencies to new ones and whether there were possible breaches of ethical procedures.

“Advertising debts are beyond agencies,” ARCON added.

“They belong mostly to media houses and third-party vendors/suppliers who are significantly affected by the indebtedness, with multiplier effects on their cash flow and operations.”

The council said it would partner with anti-graft and government agencies to ensure a full investigation and the debt’s resolution — stressing that the borders on economic sabotage.

The ARCON reiterated that the Nigerian advertising industry’s official payment threshold remains 45 days and promised to clamp down on practices that encourage unethical competition and unfair advantage.

“The council will take all necessary actions to eradicate unethical competition and ensure compliance with the Advertising Industry Standard of Practice (AISOP), including adherence to the 45-day credit policy,” it said.

9mobile is a member of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), and its members are expected to follow advertising regulations and contractual duties within the ecosystem.


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NiRA Holds 17th AGM, Elects New Leadership to Propel .ng Domain Growth

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(L–R): Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, Member, Board of Trustees, NiRA; Mr. Ahmad Mukoshy, Newly Elected Executive Board Member, NiRA; Mrs. Seyi Onasanya, COO NiRA; Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, President, NiRA; and Mr. Peter Oluka, Executive Board Member, NiRA.
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Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has successfully concluded its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM), reinforcing its commitment to Nigeria’s digital identity.

(L–R): Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, Member, Board of Trustees, NiRA; Mr. Ahmad Mukoshy, Newly Elected Executive Board Member, NiRA; Mrs. Seyi Onasanya, COO NiRA; Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, President, NiRA; and Mr. Peter Oluka, Executive Board Member, NiRA.

Held as a hybrid event at the NiRA Secretariat and virtually, the meeting brought together over 325 members, stakeholders, and media representatives to review progress and set future goals.

During the AGM, NiRA President, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, emphasized the Association’s remarkable growth in 2024, including 94,723 new registrations and 61,227 renewals, bringing the total number of .ng domains under management to 212,890. The accreditation of 23 new registrars further strengthened NiRA’s reach and impact.

A major highlight was the implementation of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), enhancing domain integrity and security. NiRA also launched a Registrar Incentive Programme in Q3 2024 to encourage adoption and reward top-performing registrars.

Strategic partnerships were a key focus, with collaborations across government and private sectors. NiRA continued its long-standing relationship with NITDA, engaged with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and worked with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support businesses. Other partnerships included efforts with the Nigeria Computer Society and Innovation Support Network (ISN Hubs) to drive internet development in Nigeria.

Among NiRA’s recent initiatives were Tech Convergence 1.0, a flagship event exploring technology and creativity, and the 7th edition of the prestigious .ng Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

The Association also reaffirmed its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility through the NiRA Kids Foundation (NKF) and .ng Academy, focusing on digital empowerment and capacity building.

The election of new Executive Board of Directors members marked a major step forward, with Mrs. Mary Olaseni, Mrs. Abibat Olatunji, and Mr. Ahmad Mukoshy joining the board, while Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata and Mr. Destiny Amana assumed new roles. The outgoing board members were recognized for their service and contributions.

The seamless execution of the AGM underscored NiRA’s professionalism and dedication. Moving forward, NiRA remains committed to fostering a secure and resilient digital ecosystem through the .ng domain, positioning Nigeria as a global digital leader.


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Glo, Huawei, Communications Ministry Bring Digital Services to Abuja Village

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Telecommunications and digital services provider, Globacom, has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and Huawei Nigerian Enterprises, to provide digital access to 7,000 remote communities in Nigeria with the commissioning of the pilot project in Isuanin Kura in Ibwa 2, Gwagwalada, on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Wednesday.

The project, which is championed by the Ministry, will deliver 2G/3G/4G services, free public Wi-Fi access, digital healthcare and remote learning capabilities to the over 12,000 residents of the community.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, was full of commendation to Globacom and Huawei for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the connectivity crisis affecting more than 20 million Nigerians who currently lack basic telecommunication access in the country.

 

Said he: “If you bring out your phone in many communities, there is no network at all. This is costing the country significantly because people cannot access financial services, medical care, or education”, adding that this also poses governance challenges as disconnected areas are difficult to administer.

“Where you live should not determine your access to opportunity. We are using innovation to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of location, can thrive in the digital age”, the Minister added.

Globacom’s Group Chief Technical Director, Mr. Sanjib Roy, who spoke on the project said the company worked with the Ministry and Huawei to bring up the site by providing the Microwave backhaul link and access to Globacom’s full core network resources and also manage the operation of the site to ensure uninterrupted voice and data services for the community.

“The Smart Education facility allows for young students within the community to receive education remotely, with the teachers being in Abuja or any other part of the world, while  Healthcare delivery has been revolutionised through connected medical equipment that enables remote consultations between patients in Ibwa and doctors and specialists in urban-locations”, Mr Roy explained. The site and all the equipment are powered by solar thereby ensuring clean environment and uninterrupted power supply.

During the inauguration, the system’s effectiveness was demonstrated with the leader of Isuanin Kura, Ibwa 2 Community, Chief Abubakar Bamaiyi, having a live consultation with a medical doctor in Abuja, while the Minister and other guests watched as the students in the local school were being taught via online video by a teacher in Lagos, using equipment provided by Huawei.

Mr Kazeem Kaka, Globacom’s Head of Division, North West, who also spoke at event, said, “For Globacom, this is a continuation of our long-standing mission to democratize access to communication. Since 2003, we have remained at the forefront of efforts to lower the barriers to connectivity—making telephony, internet, and data services more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.

“Today’s launch reinforces that commitment. We are particularly excited about the impact this initiative will have on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment of Ibwa people”.

In his remarks, Mr Terrens Wu, Managing Director, Huawei Nigerian Enterprises, said his company was proud to be part of the initiative to provide connectivity, and promote learning and healthcare in rural communities through digital technology. His company later gave out 120 affordable smartphones to the community to help them have access to telephony.


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