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TAC Organizes 4th Edition of the Industrial Games Challenge

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The just concluded 4th edition of the Industrial Games Challenge organized by Total Automation Concepts (TAC) ltd for tertiary institutions was conducted online on Saturday, 21st December, 2024, just like the 2020 edition which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The process commenced on the heels of the 32nd COREN assembly at Abuja were specific institutions were invited based on their geographical spread across Nigeria.

The project coordinator, Engr. Paul Ugoji, stated that this was done deliberately to highlight the reach of “Gamification in Learning” as a tool that can complement the traditional means of knowledge transfer in ways that can bridge the gap between various industries and the academia.

He also said, for economic development, Nigerian students should regularly have access to relevant industrial applications and information that would enable them compete comfortably with their peers globally.

The institutions that selected to participate in the 2024 edition were Covenant University, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Federal University of Technology Bida, Landmark University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Petroleum Training Institute while the applications utilized for the competition were Alpha 1 Petroleum Products Loading Depot and Alpha 1 Crude Oil Production Platform.

The top 2 Engineering students from each of these institutions were picked for the finals after going through a general basic online training and selection process. The first stage of the finals was a team event which involved the summation of scores obtained from students of each institution after engaging both applications.

The top 3 teams that emerged as winners were Covenant University represented by Aghanwa Daniel and Obin Ubene Egwu with a combined score of 100.0% taking first position, Petroleum Training Institute represented by Ikechukwu Divine Sobechukwu and Joseph Great scored 98.4%, took second position while Nnamdi Azikiwe University represented by Gideon Ubakwe and Francis Nwafor scored 92.0%, took third position.

The funds which make up part of the reward structure were electronically transferred to the top 3 students and the department of the first position team from Covenant University. After this stage, the main final was conducted between the 2 students representing Covenant University to decide who would take home the available laptop as the overall best player and this was picked up by Obin Ubene Egwu.

Finally, for participating in the event, all the 6 institutions received 10 one-year free licenses each for both applications to be installed in any computer of their choice. Before concluding the event, some invited industry professionals who witnessed the competition advised the participating students on how to make the best use of the opportunities they have now while in school.

The participating students then expressed their appreciation of the concept utilized for the event and hoped that the competition would be sustained on an annual basis for the Nigerian educational system.

The project coordinator thanked the students, institutions and lecturers who coordinated the students without whom the event wouldn’t have been possible.

He highlighted some of the challenges faced as internet penetration, non-uniformity of academic calendar, students access to personal computers and sponsorship but stated that he was glad that some of these issues were surmounted to an extent.

Finally, he also indicated that next year’s edition would be broader with more gamified applications covering a crude oil refining facility, waste water treatment plant, turbine power plant, spill contingency exercise and many more could be incorporated into the competition with support or sponsorship from industries covered by the project, this as earlier stated would definitely help us bridge the gap between the academia and various industries.

 


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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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JAMB Accuses Student of Securing Admission through Identity Fraud

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Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has accused a 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidate of manipulating his identity and engaging in online blackmail.

JAMB Accuses Student of Securing Admission through Identity Fraud

Fabian Benjamin, head of public affairs, JAMB, issued a statement on the matter on Thursday.

He said one Chinedu Okeke, currently a 400-level Medicine and Surgery student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), gained admission in 2021 while claiming to be from Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos state.

JAMB said Okeke’s national identification number (NIN) records from 2021 confirm his Lagos origin.

The board stated it does not alter candidate information provided through NIN.

The board, however, said the 400-level student, who is facing potential challenges for incorrect credentials, is now claiming that it retrieved the wrong details for him from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in 2021.

“[This] is unequivocally false, aimed at fabricating a defence for his case,” Benjamin said.

“The evidence suggests that Chinedu altered his records as filled in 2021 before registering for the 2025 UTME, a fact confirmed by even his advocates.”

The board questioned why a 400-level medical student would seek to study mechanical engineering in 2025, especially with “inconsistencies in his claims.”

JAMB alleged that Okeke “took advantage” of Lagos state’s quota in 2021, thereby obstructing the admission opportunities for other deserving candidates from the state.

It added that he then “attempted to manipulate his details with the NIMC” to unjustly claim representation from Anambra state in 2025.

The board criticised “online advocates” for “actively reaching out to Chinedu’s parents to extract emotional narratives rather than factual clarifications, neglecting to seek information directly from the university.”

JAMB affirmed its commitment to maintaining accurate records and preventing candidates from exploiting loopholes.

It warned that if UNN confirms any inconsistencies, it would notify the Medical and Dental Council to consider delisting Okeke.

“When a nation trivialises illegalities, it breeds a future fraught with potential criminality,” Benjamin’s statement concluded.


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Check Point Report Finds Africa as Top Target for Cyber-attacks

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Africa has become the most targeted region globally for cyber-attacks in the first quarter of 2025, according to new research from Check Point Software Technologies. The company’s Q1 2025 Global Cyber Attack Report reveals a steep rise in malicious activity as the continent continues to accelerate its Digital transformation.

Ethiopia emerged as the most targeted country in Africa during the reporting period. FakeUpdates ranked as the most common malware, while 80% of malicious files across the continent were delivered via e-mail. In contrast, 62% of threats in SA were distributed via the web.

On average, organisations in Africa faced 3 325 cyber-attacks per week – a staggering 72% above the global average of 1 938 attacks per organisation.

Check Point Software unpacked the findings at a media roundtable in Johannesburg. Eli Smadja, global research group manager at Check Point, provided a detailed overview of Africa’s evolving cyber threat landscape, which he said is increasingly defined by AI-powered threats, ransomware, infostealers, edge device vulnerabilities and cloud-based risks.

Among the most concerning developments was the discovery of a previously undocumented multi-stage backdoor, dubbed Stealth Soldier, currently being deployed in cyber operations targeting North African government entities. The malware forms part of a broader command-and-control infrastructure used in spear-phishing campaigns.

Smadja noted a growing trend in malware designed to bypass AI detection systems.

“These aren’t aimed at advanced large language models (LLMs), but rather at lower-level ones,” he said. “It’s about LLM evasion – fooling the AI and manipulating prompts.”

Despite the increasing use of AI in cyber security, Smadja cautioned against over-reliance on AI-driven defence systems. “AI still requires human prompting.”

Check Point is advocating for a zero trust model and a holistic, automated and consolidated approach to cyber security. This includes centralised threat visibility and simplified controls to protect against ransomware, phishing, data theft and vulnerabilities at the edge.

“Just having something at the perimeter isn’t enough,” Smadja said. “Cyber-attacks are not just targeting PCs or servers anymore. For instance, we’ve seen state-sponsored attacks aimed at fuel pumps to disrupt national supply chains.”

He highlighted the importance of understanding external risk – threats originating outside the organisation – especially as AI-driven ransomware and attacks on third-party service providers continue to rise.

“Printers, for example, are a major attack vector,” he added. “They’re often network-connected, and threat actors can exploit them to gain broader access.”

Credentials, Smadja noted, are also a lucrative commodity on the dark web, often selling for around $500.

 


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FG Appeals to U.S. Over Single-Entry Visa Rule for Nigerian Travelers

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Federal Government has urged the United States to reconsider its revised visa reciprocity policy, which now limits Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity.

In a statement released today by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Federal government expressed concern over the U.S. decision amidst partnership, cooperation and shared global responsibilities by both countries.

“The attention of the government has been drawn to the recent decision by the U.S. to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2, F and J categories, to three months with a single entry.

Government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.

The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.

Nigeria notes this restriction places a disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones, and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.

Nigeria respectfully urges the U.S. to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation and shared global responsibilities, while acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies,” the government said.

The government said diplomatic engagements are ongoing and that the ministry would remain committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria had on Tuesday, July 8, announced the new policy. The embassy however mentioned that all U.S. non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their original status and validity.


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