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Bridging IT Research Gap: NCS 2014 R&D Workshop in Focus

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Professor David O. Adewumi, NCS President
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The Computer Science/Information Technology Research workshop organized annually by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has again focused on hands-on expertise development and practical measures for bridging the IT research gap in Nigeria.

The capacity building forum recently took place at the Centre of Excellence, Information Technology and Communication Unit (INTECU) of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Held from March 4 to 6, 2014, Professor Bamitale Omole, vice-chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), represented by Professor F. A. Akeredolu, dean, Faculty of Technology, chaired the opening ceremony. 

Professor David O. Adewumi, president, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) while welcoming participants and guests, stressed the importance of research work and outcomes in society.

He charged them to seize the unique opportunity and experience of world class research expertise and facilities provided through the workshop by NCS.

Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo Obe, former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos presented a keynote address titled, “Enhancing Research Collaboration Between Academia, Government and Industry”, while Dr. A.S. Daura, acting director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), also presented the keynote titled “IT/Computer Science Research and Development: an inevitable Requirement for National development”.

In the hands-on, skill building and knowledge intensive environment, quality stood out as experienced research facilitators provided research expertise, direction and leadership.

Participants appreciated the impact the workshop had in significantly improved their research abilities.

NCS was applauded for organizing such a one of its kind, world class opportunity for the country’s information technology researchers.

Notably, Dr. A. S. Sodiya, took the practical session on “Research methodology and Strategies for accessing fellowships, grants and award”, while the sessions on “Grant proposal writing” were handled by Professor G. A. Aderounmu, Deputy President of NCS.

The Cyber Security presentation and labs were expertly taken by Dr. Adedayo Adetoye and Dr. Olumide Longe. Cloud Computing was introduced by Professor Christoph Reich, an expert in Cloud computing.

Dr. Oluwatope A.O led the practical session “Introduction to, Scientific modeling and simulation”, while Dr. A.A Obiniyi exposed participants to further research growth strategies through his presentation on “Formation of Research group and Mentorship”.

In addition to the intense knowledge sharing and capacity building, an outstanding and reassuring feature of the event was the presence of distinguished academics and world class researchers.

In addition to the special guests and facilitators, other scholars present included: Professor E. Adagunodo of Department of Computer and Engineering OAU, Professor Adenike Osofisan, Former President, Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Professor Falaki of Department of Computer Science, Federal University of Technology, Akure and Dr. (Mrs) V. Ejiofor, Chairman Publications and Research Committee NCS.

Particularly to be commended for making the 2014 research and development workshop a great success are the major sponsors – Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), MTN Nigeria and Akintola Williams Deloitte for their significant contributions towards information technology research culture and needs in Nigeria.

NCS has once more shown leadership in this critical area of information technology.

The 2014 IT Research and Development workshop is clear commitment of NCS to the learning, developing, applying and thriving of Information Technology research in Nigeria

Jide Awe, is the chairman, Publicity, Events and Trade Services Committee Nigeria Computer Society (NCS).

 

 


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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Black Friday: How Konga Yakata is Defying Global Inflation

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We have been taught that economics is a force of nature, an invisible hand that giveth and, more recently, taketh away. We watch global indices, inflation charts, and the shrinking purchasing power of our currency with a sense of resigned inevitability. But what if a company decided to push back? What if, instead of merely responding to market forces, it created a counter-force?

That is the story of Konga Yakata, Nigeria’s boldest retail response to inflation. Far from being a shopping festival, Yakata has evolved into a nationwide economic intervention. In the face of rising prices and tightening wallets, Konga’s month-long sales event has emerged as a stabilizing force, helping households stretch their Naira further.

For years, the traditional 24-hour Black Friday rush has felt misaligned with Nigerian realities. A single day of discounts cannot solve month-long financial pressure. Yakata changes the model, transforming it into a 30-day strategic purchasing window. This isn’t a marketing gimmick; it is economic practicality. It gives families time to plan, prioritize, and purchase essentials without panic or strain.

Nigeria’s inflation has driven up the cost of food, housing, and household essentials. Konga Yakata provides relief. By offering genuine products at real and sustained discounts, the campaign helps families save, spend wisely, and maintain their quality of life.

Independent retail analytics show that households that shopped strategically during last year’s Yakata saved up to 35% on essential items: refrigerators, generators, laptops, and groceries. These are not luxuries; they are investments in stability and productivity, made possible by Konga’s pricing and flexible payment options.

Beyond savings, Yakata has reshaped consumer behaviour. It has taught shoppers to anticipate value, plan ahead, and expect quality without compromise. It has evolved into a trusted national tradition.

Industry data reinforces its scale. The 2024 edition generated over ₦12 billion in transaction value across electronics, fashion, appliances, and groceries, with small and medium sellers benefiting through Konga’s marketplaces.

In essence, Konga Yakata is not just a sales event, it is a market stimulus. It challenges the narrative of helplessness in the face of inflation by creating a commercial environment built on trust, affordability, and value. Through innovation, efficient logistics, and consumer-focused fintech, Konga has turned Yakata into a lever of national economic resilience.

As global prices rise and budgets tighten, Konga Yakata stands firm, not only as a celebration of shopping, but as a purposeful act of support for Nigerian households.

Indeed, Konga Yakata 2025 is more than Black Friday Reloaded, it is proof that innovation, empathy, and strategy can rewrite the rules of economics, one household at a time.


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Report Reveals DLL Hijacking Attacks have Doubled since 2023

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Dynamic link library (DLL) hijacking is a common technique in which attackers replace a library loaded by a legitimate process with a malicious one.

It is used by creators of mass-impact malware, like stealers and banking Trojans, as well as by APT (advanced persistent threat) and cybercrime groups behind targeted attacks. Kaspersky reports that DLL hijacking attacks have doubled in the past two years.

Kaspersky has observed this technique and its variations, like DLL sideloading, in targeted attacks on organisations in Russia, Africa, South Korea, as well as other countries and regions.

To further enhance its protection capabilities against this threat, Kaspersky SIEM has introduced a specialised AI-based subsystem that continuously analyses information about all loaded libraries.

The new feature has already proven effective, helping to detect an attack by the APT group ToddyCat. It enabled the threat to be identified and blocked at an early stage, preventing any impact on the targeted organisations. The model also uncovered attempts to infect potential victims with an infostealer and a malicious loader.

“We are seeing DLL hijacking attacks become more common, where a trusted program is tricked into loading a fake library instead of the real one. This gives attackers a way to secretly run their malicious code.

“This technique is difficult to detect, and this is where AI can help. Using advanced protection techniques empowered with AI is now essential to staying ahead of these evolving threats and keeping critical systems safe,” says Anna Pidzhakova, Data Scientist at Kaspersky’s AI Research Center.

Securelist has published two related articles: the first explains how a machine-learning model was developed to detect DLL hijacking attacks, while the second describes how this model was integrated into the Kaspersky SIEM platform. The updated Kaspersky SIEMnow features AI functionality for detecting signs of DLL hijacking attacks, improving detection efficiency.

 


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Meta, NDPC Resolve $32.8m Privacy Dispute Out of Court

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Meta Platforms, Inc., has, reconciled its differences with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in the suit it filed to challenge NDPC’s $32.8m fine imposed against it.

Meta, NDPC Resolve $32.8m Privacy Dispute Out of Court

The legal dispute between Meta and the NDPC ended after both sides agreed on terms to settle the $32.8 million fine earlier imposed on the company.

On February 18, 2025, the NDPC fined Meta $32.8 million and issued eight corrective orders for allegedly violating the privacy rights of Nigerian users through behavioural advertising practices on Facebook and Instagram.

At Monday’s proceedings before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Fred Onuobia, SAN, Meta’s counsel, informed the court that the parties had signed terms of settlement dated October 30 and filed on October 31.

“We adopt the terms of settlement and ask my lord to enter them as the judgment of the court,” Onuobia said.

Adeola Adedipe, SAN, Counsel for the NDPC, did not oppose the application.

Justice Omotosho then adopted the agreement as the court’s judgment and commended both parties for choosing to resolve the matter amicably.

“The terms of settlement entered by the parties in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025, dated October 30 and filed October 31, 2025, are hereby adopted as the judgment of this court,” the judge ruled.

The decision ends months of litigation after Meta challenged the NDPC’s fine and enforcement orders through a judicial review, claiming the agency acted beyond its powers and failed to follow due process.

After several adjournments to allow for discussions, both sides eventually reached a mutual resolution.

The NDPC’s case against Meta is one of its major enforcement actions under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, which seeks to strengthen the protection of Nigerians’ data privacy rights.

 


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