News
Uduikhue, Data-Point MD Bags Rotary Award
Mr. Lucky Uduikhue, managing director and chief executive officer, Data-Point Microsystems Limited, was at the weekend honoured by Rotary Club of FESTAC Central, District 9110, Lagos, in appreciation of his honest dedication for outstanding, professionalism in the field of information technology (IT), excellence love for charity and the courtesies extended to the Rotary Club.
Similarly, Uduikhue garnered the Nigerian Entrepreneurship of the year 2013 award, alongside Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Goodie Ibru, Arik air, UBA, Globacom and other reputable Nigerians during Nigerian Business Awards held also In Lagos at the weekend.
At the Rotary Club of FESTAC Central, Rotarian Modupe Ogunsanya, who was installed the 2nd president of the Club, presented the award to Uduikhue.
To Magistrate Wilberforce Meigbope, a Legal and Educational Consultant, Uduikhue has distinguished himself, working hard to better the worth of young people in the society.
“I thank God he got this award. We have known each other since 1992. His character is unassuming. He listens to advice, humble; and being the chairman, Board of Trustee of his companies, I would regard him as my first child. He has worked very hard these years to improve on the lives of young people around him. I am happy that Rotary Club of FESTAC Central recognized this virtue in him,” he said.
Speaking on the awardee, Rotarian Ogunsanya, said that as a successful entrepreneur, Lucky is well known as visionary, a technocrat, an innovative entrepreneur, a seasoned systems engineer, a professionally qualified ICT security consultant, and a distinguished industrialist.
“He is a successful business man; which he started at the age of 24 while studying at the University of Lagos, and has been running it for over thirteen years now. Lucky is an accomplished Philanthropist, and a successful Corporate Management Executive with more than Thirteen (13) years of experience in the ICT industry. He is a devoted Christian, God fearing, hardworking and honest. The award is in recognition of his selfless service to humanity which Rotary stands for,” The Club President said.
Lucky, is also the director of Studies, Data point ICT Institute; Founder and president of Nigerian Youth Initiative for Better World International; Executive Director Expert Edge Academy Ltd; Executive Director, First Sports Entertainment Ltd and the Publisher Contact Business Magazine.
In addition to his corporate social responsibilities (CSR), Lucky is the CEO of Global Network Africa (Gnet) in partnership with the Nigeria Youth for a Better World International (NIYOW International) based in Lagos, to provide professional supports to Nigerian Youths in area of ICT Entrepreneurship development.
Lucky Education qualifications are: Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Science from University of Lagos, Master of Science in Information Security.
Professionally, he is a Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH), Certified Information Security Analyst (ECSA), Certified Cyber Hacking/Forensic Investigator (CHFI), License Penetration Tester (LPT) from EC Council University India and Certificate in Enterprise Development from Lagos Business School (Pan African University) and Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Fate Foundation.
Active Professional Membership of the Computer Society of Nigeria (MCSN); Member Chartered Nigeria Institute of Management (CNIM); Member, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME); Member, Fate Foundation; Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship (FGME); African CEO Council (ACC) and Member, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
He is the President and Founder, Nigeria Youth Initiative for Better World International; Information Security Experts; Member, Nigeria Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN); member of the Association of Esan Professionals of Nigeria and Member, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
In his acceptance speech, Lucky traced the genesis to the setting up of Data-Point Computer Training Institute in year 2000, while an undergraduate of Computer Science at University of Lagos.
He said: “Having seen what Nigerian graduates suffer to get jobs, I was determined to nurture the business, hoping to earn a living with it, after graduation. The business really assisted me in reaching my educational demands and other needs. Meanwhile, it was the knowledge I had as an undergraduate that I put into practice then, and it helped me to a larger extent.
“After my youth service in 2005, I did not look for any paid job, because I was convinced that with the knowledge I had, I can do it myself. Though, it was not easy, but I persisted, till I got to my present stage.
The journey to my success today started with my admission into the University of Lagos to study Computer Science. My computer training centre is not only born out of my quest for professionalism and stimulation of empirical thought. It is also a product of great effort inspired by the long absence of opportunities for the youths within the environment I found myself, to have knowledge of computer, for a total development in competing with their counterparts in other areas.
So, when I observed that about 65-75 percent of youths in areas like Apapa, Ikeja, Victoria Island and Surulere were acquiring knowledge in one computer centre or the other, as against 5 -10 percent of youths in Ajegunle, OlodiApapa, Kirikiri, Amukoko, Ijora- Badia, Orile and their environs who, were in Computer School, I was challenged to establish Data-Point Computer, in order to correct the imbalance.
Today, the difference is clear, as my five computer training outfits have trained thousands of youths and afforded job opportunities to graduates. More than 40 workers are under my payroll. Not only that, I am grateful to God that he provided means for me to survive, without waiting for a paid job.
“This is one honour that everybody would wish to have, because anything that is humanitarian brings joy. I am happy that I am one of those recognized today. Same time, I regard it as a call for more humanitarian gestures and a challenge that I must not relent in interest to see that people around me get improved life.
“I will also use this opportunity to encourage others such as philanthropists, politicians, academics, economists, in fact, everybody to add value to others’ lives. Of course, if the public can recognize and appreciate your works, how much more God, so we are encouraged to help others around us”.
Aside Uduikhue’s contributions in the computer literacy of the youths, his keen interest in sports made him to invest in the sports newspaper of national standard called Contact Sports. The newspaper is presently making waves in proper dissemination of sports news and information.
The Federal Government has received a major boost in its drive to strengthen teacher education and digital learning, as the Government of Japan, through the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA), donated ICT equipment and learning materials to 15 teacher training institutions across Nigeria.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony held at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the intervention as a significant contribution to the country’s efforts to improve teacher quality, digital literacy and inclusive education.
She said the donation forms part of a regional initiative launched in 2024 by UNESCO-IICBA, the Government of Japan and the African Union to strengthen teacher training and promote continuous access to safe, quality education for girls in West Africa.
According to the minister, the project, which covers Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali and Mauritania, aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education’s priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of equity, quality education, digital transformation and inclusion.
“Teachers remain the backbone of every education system. No education reform can succeed without well-trained, motivated and digitally empowered teachers,” Ahmad said, noting that the equipment would modernise teacher training institutions and improve access to digital learning resources.
The beneficiaries comprise 15 federal and state colleges of education spread across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, including the Federal College of Education, Kontagora; Federal College of Education, Zaria; Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe; Federal College of Education, Yola; Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
Others are Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze; College of Education, Zuba, FCT; Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education; Enugu State College of Education (Technical); Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano; Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu; Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto; Adamawa State College of Education, Hong and Taraba State College of Education, Zing.
The donated items include 65 laptop computers, 71 tablets, four desktop computers, five interactive smart boards, 19 all-in-one desktop computers, 14 projectors, 15 printers and 15 backup hard drives.
Ahmad said the facilities would enhance both pre-service and in-service teacher training by promoting innovation, digital competence and learner-centred teaching approaches, while preparing educators for the demands of a technology-driven world.
The event also featured a national consultation on school safety and infrastructure security, with participants discussing strategies for creating safer and more inclusive learning environments.
The minister stressed that safe schools remain critical to achieving quality education, particularly for girls and other vulnerable learners, adding that the ministry would continue to prioritise policies and programmes aimed at strengthening school security.
She further highlighted the ministry’s focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), girl-child education, quality assurance, data management and digital transformation as key pillars for improving educational outcomes nationwide.
Ahmad also disclosed plans to implement new interventions aimed at empowering female teachers and school leaders in crisis situations through mobile-based learning platforms, as well as programmes designed to integrate out-of-school children into formal education.
She commended UNESCO-IICBA, the Government of Japan, the African Union and other development partners for supporting teacher education in Nigeria and urged beneficiary institutions to utilise the equipment responsibly to improve learning outcomes and build a more resilient education system.
“The equipment will enhance digital literacy among our pre-service teachers and boost the attainment of education goals in Nigeria,” she said.
In their separate remarks, the Director of the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA), Dr. Quentin Wodon, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, Hitoshi Kozaki, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at improving teacher education and expanding access to quality learning opportunities across Nigeria and the West African region.
They noted that the donation of ICT equipment to the beneficiary colleges of education reflects the shared commitment of UNESCO, the Government of Japan and their partners to strengthening the capacity of teacher training institutions, particularly in the area of digital learning.
According to them, equipping teachers with modern technological skills is critical to improving learning outcomes and ensuring that education systems are responsive to the demands of the 21st century.
African electric vehicle (EV) platform Spiro has raised $215 million in equity to scale electric mobility and energy infrastructure across the continent.
The funding is backed by institutional investors including Impact Fund Denmark and Equitane.
The investment will accelerate the expansion of Spiro’s battery-swapping network, industrial footprint and next-generation EV infrastructure across high-growth African markets, the company said.
This funding comes as economies in the region aim to reduce dependence on imported fuel, reinforce energy and industrial sovereignty, and modernise urban transport systems.
Driven by rising fuel costs, growing demand for affordable transportation and increasing policy support for clean energy, investors are backing scalable EV platforms poised to support Africa’s next phase of urban and industrial growth.
Building on support from long-standing institutional partners such as the Fund for Export Development in Africa, Spiro’s latest equity round draws capital from Europe and Africa, reflecting growing global confidence in scalable infrastructure-led business models in emerging markets.
With operations in seven African countries—Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Benin, Nigeria and Cameroon—and plans to expand local production and enter new markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia, Spiro is building one of Africa’s most advanced EV and battery-swapping ecosystems.
Its industrial footprint includes manufacturing plants in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, alongside a battery recycling facility in Nigeria.
“This past year marked a defining strategic milestone for Spiro. Across seven active markets, our deployment of 100,000 electric vehicles and 2,500 smart-swap stations has made sustainable mobility an affordable, everyday reality,” said Gagan Gupta, founder of Spiro and chairman of Equitane.
“Spiro has become a major driver of local industrialisation, value creation and manufacturing across African markets, providing 6,000 sustainable direct and indirect jobs. Supported by our global investors, we are entering our next growth chapter to deliver clean, cost-effective energy and transport alternatives to millions of riders across the continent.”
Lars Bo Bertram, CEO of Impact Fund Denmark, added: “We are investing in Spiro and bringing Danish pension capital into one of Africa’s most promising growth markets because we see potential for significant commercial growth in Spiro and electric mobility across Africa, as well as measurable climate impact. That is exactly the type of investment we want to make.”
Federal Government on Tuesday distributed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment and materials to 15 federal and state colleges of education across the country to strengthen teacher training, promote digital literacy and improve access to quality education.
Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State for Education
The intervention was facilitated through support from the Government of Japan and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO-IICBA) under the project titled, “Capacity-building of Teachers to Promote Continuous and Inclusive Access to Safe and Quality Education for Girls in West Africa.”
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, described the initiative as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s education sector and one that aligns with the ministry’s strategic priorities.
Ahmad commended UNESCO-IICBA, the Government of Japan and the African Union for launching the regional project in March 2024, saying it reflected a shared commitment to strengthening teacher preparation systems and expanding educational opportunities, particularly for girls.
According to her, the project, which covers Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Nigeria, is in line with the Federal Ministry of Education’s priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Teachers remain the backbone of every education system. No education reform can succeed without well-trained, motivated and digitally empowered teachers,” she said.
The minister said the ICT resources would enhance both pre-service and in-service teacher training through improved access to digital learning content, innovative teaching methods and learner-centred instructional approaches.
She noted that the beneficiary institutions include Federal College of Education, Kontagora; Federal College of Education, Zaria; Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe; Federal College of Education, Yola; Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze; College of Education, Zuba; Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education; Enugu State College of Education (Technical); Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano; Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu; Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto; Adamawa State College of Education, Hong; and Taraba State College of Education, Zing.
According to Ahmad, the equipment distributed includes 65 laptop computers, 71 tablets, four desktop computers, five interactive smart boards, 19 all-in-one desktop computers, 14 projectors, 15 printers and 15 backup hard drives.
She added that the event also provided an opportunity to discuss school safety and infrastructure security.
“Safe schools are essential to achieving quality education, especially for girls and vulnerable learners.
“We must continue to ensure that our institutions remain secure, supportive and conducive spaces for teaching and learning,” she said.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), out-of-school children education, girl-child education, quality assurance and digital transformation.
She also disclosed plans for additional interventions aimed at empowering female teachers and school leaders through mobile-based learning platforms and integrating out-of-school children into formal education.
Speaking at the event, Mr Hitoshi Kozaki, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting educational development in Nigeria.
“I want to thank Nigeria for the collaboration that we have had for many years. I really hope that this project makes a difference for the future and the institutions represented here,” he said.
Kozaki said Japan’s partnership with African countries was built on mutual respect and local ownership, stressing that development efforts should be driven by the priorities of beneficiary nations.
He urged the institutions to make effective use of the ICT resources to improve teacher preparation and expand learning opportunities, especially for girls.
Also speaking, the Director of UNESCO-IICBA, Quentin Wodon, commended Nigeria’s commitment to education reforms and active participation in international education programmes.
Wodon stressed the importance of promoting female leadership in schools, noting that studies had shown positive learning outcomes when women occupied leadership positions.
“If there was one thing I would love Nigeria to do, it would be to see whether we could launch some kind of programme to encourage more women to become school leaders. It is really important,” he said.
He added that teachers in Nigeria remained critical to efforts aimed at improving learning outcomes and advancing inclusive education across Africa.
PalmPay Young Star Awardee Hopes to Become a Governor
Japan, UNESCO Boost Digital Learning in 15 CoEs with Donation of ICT Equipment
Kaspersky Reveals Credential Abuse Techniques Rank as Attackers’ Most Effective Tactic
Aba to Host MTN’s “The Gathering” with Pitchathon Offering ₦5 Million Prize Pool for Emerging Startup Founders
DisCos Generate N597.6bn Revenue in Q1 2026 Amid Ongoing Power Supply Challenges
MTN, VDT, Zoracom, Digital Realty Back 2026 Girls in ICT Campaign
Vitel Wireless Partners Fintechs to Expand Access to Services
CPN Begins Crackdown on Quack IT Professionals, Vows Tougher Action against Cybercrime
Nigeria Hit by 24.1m Data Breaches – Surfshark
FG to Launch Nationwide Free Digital TV Platform June 17
E-Business3 days agoAI and IoT Hold the Key to Nigeria’s Economic Future – NCC
Telecom2 days agoLegend Internet Reports Losses despite N505m Revenue
Broadcasting3 days agoGood News for DStv Users: Watch over 160 Channels Without Paying Extra
E-Business3 days agoKaspersky Reports on the Aspects of SOC Effectiveness to Consider for Blind Spot
News3 days agoEasybuy Partners WAWUAfrica to Upskill 10 Million Youths and Women, Boosting Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Inclusion
Telecom3 days agoFlutterwave Announces Massive Staff Shake-Up, Promotes Over 100 Employees
News3 days agoQuest Merchant Bank Reports Strong FY2025 Performance @ 11TH AGM
E-Business2 days agoINEC Probes Claims of Leaked Voter Data from CVR System