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NOTAP, AUST Formalize Framework to Use Innovation Drive Development

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The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) have concluded arrangement through signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy their expertise on innovation for the technological development of Nigeria and Africa.

Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, the Acting President of AUST, in the formalization visit to the Director General of NOTAP, Dr. DanAzumi Mohammed Ibrahim, said the two organizations have no option than to jointly collaborate especially on innovation to take Nigeria to its next developmental level.

Onwualu, said: “We at AUST believe that for us to succeed in all the areas of our programmes and mandate especially in the areas of innovation, we need NOTAP.This is the reasons why we came and I want to suggest that we work out the MoU immediately like doing joint research, projects and very important on innovation that we want to take to the market.”

While admitting that commercialization of research products in Nigeria has been one of the banes of Nigeria’s technological development, he urged the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) stakeholders to move Nigeria’s research output from the laboratories to the market.

The AUST acting President, expressed optimism that with synergy from NOTAP and other relevant agencies and institutions, Nigeria is on the verge of breakthrough using STI as driver of the economy…

“Adding: “I believe that if we work together, we can use science and technology to drive development in Africa.”

He explained that the African University, will expanding its programmes to include undergraduate programmes and courses which though was not the initial aim the late South African President, Nelson Mandela and its founding fathers.

While also exuding with excitement over the collaborative gesture from AUST, the NOTAP boss, said: I’m happy that both organizations are at tandem on the to evolve a synergy that will lead to wealth and job creation for Nigeria’s teeming populace, adding: that a vibrant collaborative research and development can translate into products and services for the country.”

According to Ibrahim, innovation through partnership of institutions, industries and academia will remove the shackles of dependency of African countries on foreign countries.

Ibrahim, acknowledged that this can only emerge when stakeholders appreciate the role that STI can in bringing about a meaningful for its teeming population.

For a long time, he said, Nigeria and other African countries have long depended on foreign technologies for development, explaining that it is Nigerians that are in the best position to accelerate the development of the nation.

While expressing support that the MoU should commence immediately, he said NOTAP is mandated by the Act establishing to regulate the in-flow of foreign technologies into Nigeria with the added responsibility to encourage and promote the development of locally generated technologies.

In the course of NOTAP, assisting Nigerian entrepreneurs to streamline competent foreign technical partners according to the laws of Nigeria and CBN guidelines, he said agreement are therefore signed the two parties to avoid shortchanging Nigerians even after the deal has been negotiated.

He said: “Most times, Nigerians go outside to look for technical partners because the competencies don’t exist in our country and so in our effort not to remain under the shackles of dependency of foreigners, we ensure that within the scope of that agreement there must be area of capacity building because that is what will ensure that Nigerians are able to absorb and eventually domesticate some of these foreign technologies.”


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E-Business

CBN Affirms Alpha Morgan Bank’s Capitalisation

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has affirmed the capitalisation of Alpha Morgan Bank, marking an important milestone in the bank’s growth journey and reinforcing its commitment to building a strong, resilient, and future-ready financial institution.

This affirmation reflects the bank’s adherence to regulatory requirements and its strategic focus on strengthening its capital base to support sustainable growth, innovation and improved service delivery to customers.

With this milestone, Alpha Morgan Bank is well positioned to continue expanding its footprint with its 14 approved branches across different states, while deepening inclusivity and enhancing the range of banking solutions available to individuals, businesses, and institutional clients nationwide.

Commenting on the development, the Managing Director of Alpha Morgan Bank, Mr. Ade Buraimo, expressed the readiness of the bank in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirement, good governance framework while delivering satisfying banking along the long-term vision of the bank to become the best bank to work and strong financial institution to reckon with.

He said: “Capitalisation is more than a regulatory requirement; it is an opportunity to strengthen the institution for the future. The affirmation of Alpha Morgan Bank capitalisation reflects the work we have done to build a solid capital foundation that allows us to support businesses more effectively, expand financial access and continue delivering the level of service our customers expect.’’

According to him, Alpha Morgan Bank remains committed to maintaining strong corporate governance standards, sound risk management practices, and prudent financial management as it continues to support economic development and create long-term value for stakeholders.

“As Alpha Morgan Bank enters the next phase of its journey, the institution will continue to scale its operation, invest in technology, expand its branch network and digital banking presence, whilst delivering reliable and satisfying banking experiences to its growing customer base,” Buraimo added.


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Police Says Victims Enable Cyber Attacks Out of Ignorance

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Mr Uche Ifeanyi, commissioner of Police in charge of the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC),  said on Friday that most cyber attacks occur because victims act out of ignorance.

Police Says Victims Enable Cyber Attacks Out of Ignorance

He spoke in Abuja at the opening of an online cybercrime awareness campaign themed “Odogwu No Dey Hide Him Face,” organised to educate and empower communities about online safety and cyber hygiene.

“Studies reveal that the majority of cyber attacks are initiated or enabled by victims due to lack of knowledge.

“Personal information is invaluable and must be protected at all times.

“Just as we maintain physical health, we must also maintain a healthy digital lifestyle,” he added, stressing that simple cyber hygiene practices could greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

He urged the public not to disclose confidential information to unauthorised persons and to use strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and apply security safeguards on digital devices.

“Keep personal information private, avoid suspicious links, and regularly update software or system patches,” he said, adding that antivirus programmes and firewalls were essential for online safety.

Ifeanyi warned against falling for “free gifts” online.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is fraud,” he said, advising caution with urgent or suspicious messages.

He also urged internet users to verify information before sharing to avoid spreading fake news, emphasising that cybercriminals could exploit everyone regardless of age, occupation, or social class.

Vincent Olatunji, director-general, National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), commended NPF-NCCC for its efforts and said the campaign theme was commendable.

He noted the importance of educating people on legitimate wealth and safe internet use.

Olatunji said that the fight against cybercrime required collective effort, warning that the risks were increasing daily as more people connected to the internet across Nigeria.


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Firm Enhances its Security Awareness Platform with SCORM and PDF Support

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Kaspersky has introduced an update to its Automated Security Awareness Platform, adding full support for PDF and SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) – the industry-standard protocol for deploying and managing e-learning content.

The enhancement enables organisations to build fully customised cybersecurity training programmes that reflect their infrastructure, risk profile, and internal policies, while continuing to benefit from Kaspersky’s expert-driven security content and phishing simulations.

According to the Kaspersky report titled “Redefining the Human Factor in Cybersecurity”, employees responding to phishing attacks was one of the main causes of cyber incidents in companies worldwide, accounting for 21% of cases among other reasons.

At the same time, additional Kaspersky research reveals that social engineering attacks are predicted to increase more than any other type in the nearest future, with 87% of respondents believing that social engineering attacks will become even more effective due to the use of AI tools.

The new Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform (Kaspersky ASAP) update directly addresses several persistent challenges such as reducing the number of human-related incidents, cutting time spent on managing training programmes, decreasing regulatory and compliance risks, and minimising potential legal or reputational damage stemming from cybersecurity breaches.

With the new SCORM support, the platform becomes even more flexible: companies can now upload, track, and manage their own SCORM-based learning materials directly within the system. In addition, companies can accelerate their programmes by using easier-to-create PDF-formats.

This allows organisations to tailor training to their specific technology stacks and emerging threats targeting their industry or region. Businesses that have already invested in third-party SCORM courses or internal learning development can now seamlessly reuse their existing modules, protecting their prior investments while strengthening their cybersecurity posture.

The combination of Kaspersky’s embedded content built on real cases uncovered by the company’s world-class experts with customers’ PDF materials or SCORM modules enables a true best-of-breed approach to human risk management.

Organisations can supplement Kaspersky’s up-to-date cyberattack scenarios with internal policies, unique workflows, and industry-specific lessons, ensuring training resonates with employees and reflects real operational challenges.

“Human behaviour remains one of the most unpredictable elements in cybersecurity and also one of the easiest for attackers to exploit. By adding SCORM support to Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform, we’re giving organisations the flexibility to build training programmes that truly match their internal realities.

“Combined with Kaspersky’s expert-driven content and real-world attack data, this update empowers companies to create more adaptive, relevant, and impactful awareness programmes than ever before,” comments Svetlana Kalashnikova, Security Awareness expert at Kaspersky.


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