‘Techtiary’ Forum Begins Search For Next Winners of N1m Taiwo Bankole Prize

By peter oluka

As part of programmes to encourage young people to come up with innovative and relevant technology solutions for Nigeria and for Nigerians, Paradigm Initiative (PI) has commenced processes for Techtiary Forum 2017.

Techtiary Forum usually searches for unconnected tech enthusiasts who have the potential of building globally accessible technology products or leading a new product development cycle for local/international companies.

The forum, Abolaji Oyeniyi Oluwatosin, program manager (L.I.F.E.)at Paradigm Initiative, said in a chat with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, hosts students from across Nigeria in an annual 3-day event featuring keynotes, panels, pitch/demos sessions, practical training and networking opportunities.

He confirmed that registration for this year’s Techtiary Forum closes on October 31, via paradigmhq.org/registration while the event will hold in Lagos from November 28th to 30th, 2017.

The Forum’s usual climax is where all Techtiary clubs from various tertiary institutions across Nigeria converge to learn, share knowledge, showcase their projects and compete for the N1,000,000 Taiwo Bankole Prize.

The competition involves the presentation of demos of technology products and services to a panel of judges.

In 2016, the Nnamdi Azikwe University emerged winner of the ‘Clash of the Campuses’ competition thereby winning the N1million Taiwo Bankole Ogunyemi. 1st and 2nd runners up were Anambra State University and University of Benin respectively.

Call for Applications: Internet Freedom Forum 2018 Fellowship

Similarly, potential participants can now apply for the Internet Freedom Forum (IFF), an annual event hosted by Paradigm Initiative, a social enterprise that builds an ICT-enabled support system and advocates digital rights in order to improve livelihoods for under-served youth across Africa.

IFF has become a reference point in Africa for conversations around Internet Freedom and convenes the best minds in civil society, academia, government and industry from across Africa.

IFF 2018 will be the sixth edition of the Forum and will hold in Abuja, Nigeria from April 24 – 26 2018.

IFF 2018 FELLOWS
according to Paradigm Initiative, they are seeking to sponsor Internet Freedom Forum Fellows to attend IFF 2018.

IFF 2018 Fellows must have an interest in Internet policy and must be able to demonstrate knowledge of Internet freedom issues in their countries.

“Our sponsorship will include travel support, accommodation and meals. As part of the fellowship, fellows will be required to accomplish the following tasks:

“Give Country Updates on Internet Freedom in their respective countries at IFF 2018. Help with content translation for IFF 2018. Work with our Research team to produce Paradigm Initiative’s annual ‘Digital Rights in Africa Report 2018’ and monitor and report on Internet Freedom issues in their respective countries for the Fellowship period (One year)”.

Application ends November 30, 2017.