Telecom
Coderina Partners SAP, NLN to Launch INClusive STEAM Libraries Project
Addressing Africa’s skills gap in the age of technology would require bold steps to be taken in the area of capacity building.
Cross section of partners and students present at the event
As part of efforts to address these issues and more, Coderina Education and Technology Foundation in collaboration with SAP and National Library of Nigeria (NLN), has launched INClusive STEAM Libraries Project aimed at evolving libraries across Nigeria to become venues for informal Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) centers to provide the youth with lifelong learning skills and competencies
According to the World Economic Forum, “The root of unemployment is not only a lack of jobs; a key underlying issue is also the inadequately educated workforce. And this challenge is likely to be amplified in the coming years due to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by fast-paced technological progress combined with other socio-economic and demographic changes, which will further transform labor markets.” Hence the time to start addressing skills shortages is now. Education must be aligned to the pace of change and expanding skill needs of Industry 4.0 be it formal or informal.
L-R: Folusho Ade-Ogunrinde, Technology Head, SAP Africa; Ibukun Olufon, Account Executive in a chat with Mr. Femi Niyi, Chairman BOT, Coderina Education and Technology Foundation.
The goal of the Inclusive STEAM Libraries project is to create an enabling environment for every young learner including and out-of-school and unemployed youth, or those looking to gain job-readiness skills where they can visit to gain practical hands-on, minds-on learning experience in coding, robotics, 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Web & App Development and other 4IR skills and competencies while also being provided with information, opportunity and choices to prepare them for the future of work or entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the project launch in Lagos on Saturday, November 13, 2021, Mrs. Obianuju Onuorah, Deputy Director/Head of Branch National Library of Nigeria, Lagos State, expressed delight over the project which will boost hands-on experience among student community in the library.
She said that although for ages library is known as a ‘silence zone’, however NLN is moving along with trends in the world hence the creation of digital sections.
Onuorah who described the initiative as ‘very good initiative’, further said, “I believe strongly that the students and staff will benefit from it. Initially, the Library is seen as a very quiet place; where you come and read.
“However, as the reading culture changes, the library has become an inter-disciplinary community. We have to move along with trends in the world. So, in the library now you have the digital section.
“Also, we have discovered that students do not appreciate long reading. They prefer the hands-on experience and that is why the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has created the digital section where we catch them young. The only difference in the library is that the students are monitored to avoid abuses or misuse of the digital tools.
“So, I am very happy with this initiative because it will benefit our community, especially those that ‘do not like to read’, they will benefit more with the hands-on experience.
The Deputy Director noted that NLN is interested in promoting STEAM “because our mandate is to make sure the Nigerian society reads. So, how do we accomplish that? We organize readership promotion campaign through which we sensitize the general public, especially students and pupils on the need to read. We believe that when we catch them young they will grow with it”.
Titilayo Adewumi, Regional Sales Director – West Africa – SAP represented by Folusho Ade-Ogunrinde, Technology Head, SAP Africa, said the INClusive STEAM Libraries Project falls within the core vision of the company.
According to her, SAP’s reason for the partnerships is to uplift the host communities, amongst other reasons.
Adewumi said, “At the core of SAP vision is to improve people’s lives and to help the world run better. We do that through technology and partnership. The reason for the partnerships is to uplift the communities in which SAP is present”.
Highlighting how the INClusive STEAM Libraries Project will impact on the students, she said “I believe that this is the beginning for these children who probably haven’t experienced this sort of skills building opportunities; seeing LEGO education kit sets and seeing robots for the first time.
I think that at this level it will impact their curiosity. A child is usually very curious; trying to find out more about a subject or an object particularly when it is colourfulcolorful. This is the first level to introduce these children to technology skills. The experience will be etchdged in their memory for a long time to come.
Regional Sales Director – West Africa – SAP further encouraged the participants, especially the girl-child, to take full advantage of the initiative.
“I think there is no limit with technology whether you are a man or woman. If there are no limits for the boys then there are no limits for you as a girl. So, whatever dreams you have never have doubts about them. Go for your dream; one step at a time”, she said.
L-R: Mr. Femi Niyi, Chairman BOT, Coderina Education and Technology Foundation; Folusho Ade-Ogunrinde, Technology Head, SAP Africa; Mrs. Obianuju Onuorah, Deputy Director/Head of Branch National Library of Nigeria, Lagos State and Ibukun Olufon, Account Executive
On his part, the Chairman BOT, Coderina, Mr. Femi Niyi, described public libraries as good platform to connect school and out-of-school learning.
“Libraries are part of a STEM learning ecosystem that connects many communities with resources. A place where children and families can participate, engage in interactions and experiences that promote hands-on and minds-on learning and development. This would enable young learners and adults acquire a breadth of skills including cognitive, emotional, social, innovation and creativity”, he explained.
He emphasised that the Coderina’s partnership with the National Library of Nigeria is focused on evolving libraries across Nigeria to become venues for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education and centers that would provide youths with lifelong learning skills and competencies.
Femi added that access to technology tools and Internet access is scant, “however, with support of organisations like SAP, we will provide access by equipping a section of the library with robotics kits, laptops, 3D printers and other learning tools, to ensure that libraries become more inclusive and cater for different learning styles be it visual, auditory, reading/writing or kinesthetic.”
“This approach will also help children develop their creativity skills, innovative skills interpersonal skills as well as problem solving skills which in turn helps them to become employable and prepares them
As part of its commitment to empowering and mentoring women to become global leaders while breaking stereotypes and closing gender gaps, the Airtel Women Network, a platform comprising female employees of Airtel Nigeria, welcomed girls from Airtel’s adopted school, Alaba Oro Comprehensive Senior High School, Ajegunle, to commemorate International Day of Girls in ICT on Monday.
Led by the telco’s IT Director, Kemi Ariyo, the session emphasized the need for the rise of influential female role models in driving progress within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. It also served as an avenue to inspire young girls about the vast opportunities within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field.
During the session, Ogo Ofomata, Director of Enterprise and Airtel Business and President of the Airtel Women Network, shared insights on the significance of the 2024 commemoration with the students.
“Leadership entails leading yourself to do the things you have to do. With regard to the theme of this year’s International Girls in ICT Day, which is Leadership, our goal is to empower young girls and women to become programmers, coders, designers and to pursue careers in the ICT sector, ultimately becoming leaders in the IT sector,” she said.
The highlight of the event was a thought-provoking session led by Kemi Ariyo, IT Director at Airtel Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of technological knowledge in addressing various global challenges.
In her words, “The world revolves around technology and everything we do today has to do with technology. You can get into that space by adopting hard work, smart work, and an active involvement in internship programs. In addition, just as technology can be used in music and other sectors, learning technology can help you achieve your goals of problem- solving in this digital age.”
Also speaking at the event, Phanindra Nichanametla, Chief Financial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, restated Airtel’s tagline ‘A Reason to Imagine’, reassuring the students of Airtel’s commitment to encouraging positive imagination. “A very important note to take home from this event is that Airtel is here to change your imagination and give you opportunities to imagine more,” he said.
Airtel remains committed to promoting initiatives that promote gender equality and diversity in the workplace. By investing in the education and empowerment of young girls in ICT, Airtel Nigeria continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future in the world of technology.
Telecom
Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards to celebrate success of women business leaders in EEMEA region
Mastercard announces the return of Women SME Leaders Awards for its third edition, shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women-owned and led businesses across Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA).
Black and white portraits of different people
Nominations are now open for the awards, inviting entries from women-owned and operated SMEs with a turnover of less than US$13.6 million (AED50 million) and a workforce of six to 50 employees. All women executives or business owners who have their headquarters or offices in EEMEA or offer their services to these markets can submit their nominations by 20 May 2024*.
“Women-owned and led businesses are vital contributors to the global economy, fostering economic growth and stability. By empowering women entrepreneurs and business leaders, we unlock the boundless potential they have and drive inclusive prosperity. The Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards aim to recognize and celebrate their remarkable contributions,” said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA for Mastercard.
Winners will be announced on 6 June 2024, during an in-person event in Dubai, emphasizing Mastercard’s commitment to fostering connections and collaboration among women business leaders in the region.
The awards will feature 15 categories*, ranging from creative leadership to social impact and a lifetime achievement award. Shortlisted candidates will be evaluated by an esteemed judging committee of industry leaders dedicated to recognizing excellence and innovation in women-owned and led businesses.
Launched in 2022 to uplift female entrepreneurs and business leaders, these awards serve as a platform to honor and elevate women who are forging the path for future generations of business leaders in the region. Building upon the success of previous editions, this year’s event promises to extend its reach and recognition to even more exceptional women leaders.
Aligned with Mastercard’s global initiative to connect 25 million women entrepreneurs to the digital economy by 2025, these awards underscore the company’s dedication to building a more sustainable and inclusive world even though this global goal was achieved by Mastercard last year, two years before the target date.
With last year’s awards attracting over 4,500 nominations from across EEMEA, this year promises to be even more impactful, amplifying the voices and accomplishments of women leaders in business.
Telecom
Infobip, Nokia Partner to Enable Developers to Build Wider Array of Telco Network Powered Applications Faster
Infobip, the global cloud communications platform, and Nokia today announced a partnering agreement that will enable the global developer community to leverage both companies’ Application Programmable Interface (API) platforms in order to build a wider array of telco network powered applications faster for consumer, enterprise, and industrial customers.
Matija Ražem, VP of Business Development, at Infobip
Infobip’s market-leading cloud Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provides developers with APIs for integrating real-time omnichannel communications features such as SMS, voice, video, chat apps, and network APIs into their applications. Nokia’s Network as Code platform with developer portal offers developers APIs for tapping into 5G network capabilities like quality of service (QoS) on demand, device location precision and network slicing, as well as 4G capabilities.
Developers will be able to utilize all of those capabilities more easily, giving them complete coverage of Network and CPaaS APIs in the development of new use cases and the capacity to enhance application performance.
Nokia’s Network as Code platform with developer portal brings together networks from around the world, along with systems integrators and software developers, into a unified ecosystem; using technical standards produced through industry initiatives such as the GSMA Open Gateway initiative and the Linux Foundation CAMARA. Nokia and Infobip contribute to both initiatives.
Infobip’s customer engagement use cases include CAMARA-compliant Number Verify and SIM Swap APIs, which are already live. The firm is also working to bring further use cases to market including Device Location and Quality on Demand APIs, having now signed 12 API collaboration agreements. The CPaaS platform was recently named a finalist in the inaugural Global Mobile Awards GSMA Open Gateway Challenge for its anti-fraud intelligence collaboration.
The joint work between Infobip and Nokia will offer a simplified developer experience without the burden of navigating the complex underlying network technologies, allowing developers to integrate capabilities into their applications faster, relative to working separately with the two companies’ platforms.
Nokia has signed collaboration agreements with 11 network operators and ecosystem partners to use the Network as Code platform with developer portal since its launch in September 2023.
Matija Ražem, VP of Business Development, at Infobip said: “This agreement with Nokia further demonstrates how Infobip is helping telcos deliver new services and gain new revenue. We will continue to build and offer additional CAMARA-compliant APIs worldwide, working closely with our telco partners to expose customer experience friendly APIs to developers It is testament to our global market-leading CPaaS position, strong developer relations and history of strategic telco collaborations. These are essential to increase the potential for a successful collaboration and faster time to revenue.”
Shkumbin Hamiti, Head of Network Monetization Platform, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia, said: “This partnering agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to work closely with the developer community. It is about expanding choice and scale and giving developers a one-stop shop for extracting value from Infobip’s and Nokia’s platforms. We look forward to working with Infobip and maximizing our respective technologies.”
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