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UniAbuja, NITDA Inspire Students on Robotics Technology

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Professor Michael Umale Adikwu, vice-chancellor of the University
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University of Abuja played host to hundreds of Students at the Inaugural FIRST® LEGO® League Competition to stimulate the use of Technology in Education among young students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Technology offers opportunities to stimulate growth, increase innovation and enable individuals and institutions to interact more productively within the global economy.

The visionary leadership of Professor Michael Umale Adikwu, vice-chancellor of the University, whose interest in stimulating young students’ interest in Science and Technology is effusive, upon realizing the possibilities require the need to put technology at the core and also as a part of a mix of productive changes and supporting capabilities, offered supports to the organizers.

The FLL program is a global initiative of a US organisation FIRST® and® LEGO® the Educational toys giant.

The program has an Abuja Based NGO Coderina Education & Technology Foundation as its Regional Operational Partner.

FIRST® LEGO® League, an innovation and robotics program, designed to get children excited about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), and teach them valuable employment and life skills.

What is interesting about the FLL, and that which sets it apart from every other robotics program, is that it encompasses other elements such as Project where kids carry out actual research work to find innovative solutions to real life issues and it also hems-in Core Values – making kids responsible individuals as well as team players.

With such problems as a growing world population and limited resources as well as an increasing need for energy and the threats of pollution, there is no shortage of problems for engineers to solve.

However, as the number of challenges the world faces is on the rise at a tremendous rate, the number of educated people required to solve these problems must also increase at a tremendous rate.

Unfortunately, that is not happening; simply, the engineering profession is not supplying the number of professionals that the world requires.

But, the Coderina Day held recently at UniAbuja proved to be a defining date in the lives of hundreds of students around the FCT who turned up to compete in the inaugural FIRST® LEGO® League program at the University library.

According to Mr. Olajide Ajayi, a director at Coderina, “FIRST is a unique program that brings together five constituencies: the business community, professional engineers, high school administrators and teachers, universities, and the high school students. You’ve got all five constituencies, working together for the same common goal, and it is very special.”

He added that choice of the location, a newly built ultra-modern library, will forever have a historical significance to the CODERINA team as well as the host University.

“It went down as the first ever event to be held at the venue and also marks the first Abuja FLL regional. The students were entertained and feted. The choice of having the event at a University cannot be overemphasized as it serves to inspire the young students to aspire to higher education.

“Since the mission of FIRST is to inspire students to learn, there exists a symbiotic relationship between FIRST and engineering colleges and universities. In short, FIRST excites students and universities educate students.

“The event at Abuja followed another hugely successful one that took place at the indoor sports hall of the University of Lagos on the 14th of March.

“After only 8 weeks from the time the annual challenge is announced and teams receive their kit of parts to begin to carry out their research on a chosen topic relative to the annual theme, design, test and build their robots, teams enter a regional event where they compete with other teams.

“These competitions are wildly exciting, energetic and motivating. They have been described as ‘part robot-festival, part music-concert and all around fun.’”

Teams from seven Public/Government Schools, University of Abuja Staff School and four private Schools made up the 12 competing teams with each team parading ten team members and two mentors.

Teams were registered and presented with T-shirts with logos of sponsors FLL, SAP, NITDA, Coderina and the host, University of Abuja to wear for the event.

The competition started in earnest with a recital of the national anthem and a brief speech on what to expect during the day. Teams were handed am coordinators to direct them to each of the judging rooms for Project, Core values and robot design. While judging was going on the DJ supplied music to the large arena as students, parents, Stem Ambassadors and all present merry.

After the completion of judging the stage was set for the Robot game: a spectator sport for all to witness.

Three representatives of each team were called to each of the practice tables to finalise their preparation prior to moving to the main tables to compete and showcase what they have been able to do over the 8-week period. 

They have worked assiduously on building robots and programming them to carry out designated missions on the thematic table.

After three rigorous rounds, two teams, NITDA Techno Group and NITDA Spiders emerged to compete in a best of 2 rounds finals.

With the finals concluded and a review of results of other components (project, robot game, robot design and core values.) by the head judge, Judge Advisor and the Lead judges.

They unanimously crowned the NITDA Techno Group as the overall champion.

Mr. Audu Sheidu, principal of University of Abuja International Secondary School got a special mention for his high level of interest and motivation of his students in getting them involved in the program.

The research project threw up some interesting topics e.g. “Teaching young girls about the ills and effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)” by Great Heights Academy and the “effects of Deforestation on the Society” by Students of the Government Secondary School Area 10 Abuja.

Other awards recipients include NITDA Spiders (Great Heights Academy Abuja) – Gracious Professionalism; NITDA Lion (Hillside School Abuja) – Robot Tech; NITDA Techno Group (Tudunwada Secondary School) – Robot Performance; NITDACrown (University of Abuja International School) – Judges Award; NITDA Crystallite (Government Secondary School Area 10 Abuja) – Project Award; Outstanding Volunteer Award went to Bello Saliu of Government Secondary School Area 10 Abuja and Outstanding Coordinator Award – Mrs Bankole of Banky’s School.

Ajayi said, “The true spirit of these competitions is not the outcome of the matches, but rather the purpose of the activity. ‘What is celebrated at FIRST is not who can gather the most points during a competition, but rather which teams can best inspire and motivate youth to pursue studies and careers in technology.’ Simply put what the Students learn over the course of the program would be more than what they win.

“It is pertinent to note that, during the course of the program and tournaments, FLL teams demonstrate gracious professionalism through their respect for each other, courtesy, sportsmanship and best behaviour at all times. As enthused by the team at FIRST “By celebrating technology and providing a forum to promote engineers as role models, theculture of the participants is changed. And, who knows, the culture of our society may change as well.”  These are the Core Values of the FLL Program”

The event had in attendance some special dignitaries including Professor Mashi, deputy vice chancellor of University of Abuja, Yelwa representing NITDA, Representatives of FCT Universal Basic Education and the Secondary Education Boards, Principals/Administrator of some of the participating schools, Parents and a host of others.

“In the 2015 FIRST® LEGO® League TRASH TREKSM Challenge, 290,000 children ages 9 to 16* from over 80 countries will explore the fascinating world of trash.

From collection, to sorting, to smart production and reuse, there is more to your trash than meets the eye.

“Join FIRST LEGO League teams on a Trash Trek to discover the hidden (or not so hidden) world of trash!” Ajayi urged the Nigerian IT community.

He added that school administrators, State and Federal Ministries of Education are encouraged to embrace this initiative geared towards helping to shape the future of education in Nigeria.

 


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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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LG Electronics Showcases Advanced HVAC Solutions at Mega Clima Nigeria 2026

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LG Electronics reaffirmed its position as a leading innovator in climate control and energy-efficient air conditioning solutions with its participation at Mega Clima Nigeria 2026, the 9th International Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Exhibition recognized as the largest HVAC+R sector show in West Africa.

Held at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, the three-day exhibition brought together global manufacturers, distributors, contractors, engineers, and industry stakeholders to explore the future of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technologies across the region.

As one of the featured exhibitors at the event, LG leveraged the platform to showcase a range of advanced HVAC solutions designed to address the growing demand for smarter, more energy-efficient, and scalable cooling systems across residential, commercial, and industrial environments.

With West Africa’s HVAC sector continuing to evolve alongside rapid urbanisation, infrastructure growth, and increasing attention to sustainability, Mega Clima has become a strategic meeting point for conversations around innovation, efficiency, and climate-responsive technologies. The 2026 edition featured over 100 global brands, thousands of professional visitors, technical workshops, and networking opportunities, further positioning the exhibition as a key industry platform within the region.

Showcasing Smart Climate Solutions for Residential and Industrial Needs

At the LG exhibition booth, visitors and stakeholders engaged directly with a range of the company’s advanced HVAC technologies, including the LG Multi V.5 and Multi VS systems, both designed to deliver high-performance cooling while optimising energy consumption.

Speaking during the exhibition, Business Development Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria, Ifeoluwa Babarinsa, highlighted the adaptability and efficiency of the showcased systems, particularly their ability to support multiple indoor units while maintaining low energy consumption.

According to him, the LG Multi V.5 system is designed primarily for industrial and large-scale commercial applications, while the Multi VS system is tailored toward residential use cases, providing flexible solutions for varying environmental and operational demands.

A major highlight of the systems is their scalability, with both solutions capable of connecting to as many as 64 indoor units, offering increased operational flexibility across different building types and installation requirements.

The exhibition also featured several indoor HVAC solutions compatible with the VRF systems, including the Round Cassette, Ceiling Concealed Type Units, and Four-Way Cassette Units.

Particular attention was drawn to the Round Cassette unit, which was presented as an innovative cooling solution suitable for spaces without conventional ceiling structures. The unit also demonstrated enhanced airflow performance through its round-flow air distribution system and faster cooling capabilities.

Through live demonstrations and product engagement sessions, LG provided visitors with practical insight into how modern HVAC technologies can improve comfort, operational efficiency, and energy management across residential and commercial spaces.

Reinforcing LG’s Commitment to Energy Efficiency and Innovation

LG’s participation at Mega Clima Nigeria 2026 reflects the company’s broader commitment to delivering technologies that align with evolving consumer and industry needs, particularly in markets where energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure are becoming increasingly important.

As conversations around environmental sustainability and smart infrastructure continue to shape the future of the HVAC industry, the exhibition provided an opportunity for LG to reinforce the role of intelligent climate solutions in supporting long-term energy optimisation and building performance.

The company’s showcased systems emphasised not only cooling performance, but also operational efficiency, adaptability, and user-focused design, qualities that continue to define LG’s approach to innovation across both consumer and commercial categories.

“This year, we showcased our inverter product range alongside advanced HVAC solutions that reflect LG’s continued commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and smarter climate control technologies. One of the key highlights was our AI-powered VRF solution, the Multi V i, which represents the next phase of intelligent cooling systems we are introducing into the Nigerian market. As the headquarters of LG Electronics West Africa, Nigeria remains a strategic hub for us, and we remain committed to expanding access to innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers and businesses across the region.”

LG’s presence at the exhibition also reflected its continued investment in engaging industry professionals, technical experts, and business stakeholders through platforms that encourage collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technological advancement within the HVAC sector.

Positioning Technology as a Driver of Smarter Living and Infrastructure

Beyond product displays, Mega Clima Nigeria 2026 created a broader conversation around the future of climate control technologies within rapidly developing urban environments. From commercial buildings and hospitality spaces to residential infrastructure, the demand for efficient and intelligent cooling systems continues to grow across the region.

By participating in one of West Africa’s most influential HVAC exhibitions, LG demonstrated its readiness to support this growth through solutions that combine advanced engineering, smart functionality, and energy-conscious performance.

The exhibition further reinforced LG’s philosophy of creating technologies that improve everyday experiences while supporting the broader goals of efficiency, sustainability, and modern living.

As the HVAC industry continues to evolve across Africa, LG remains committed to delivering solutions that not only respond to present demands, but also anticipate the future needs of businesses, homes, and infrastructure across the continent.


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Kaspersky Warns that Scammers are Exploiting World Cup 2026 Travellers

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Kaspersky experts explain which online offers travellers should be cautious of when planning their trip, to avoid spoiling their experience ahead of the upcoming games.

Thousands of fans are expected to attend the World Cup 2026, and many are already handling their travel logistics, purchasing their flights and other transport tickets, booking accommodation, and arranging everything they need to reach the host cities. As interest grows, so does the number of fraudulent schemes that exploit the fact that fans are actively preparing for their upcoming journey.

In late April 2026, Kaspersky experts detected a campaign exploiting the branding of a well-known transport app, targeting users in Mexico. The interface of a fake Spanish-language website, impersonating one of the services, prompts users to enter their phone number and password in order to “claim prizes.” In reality, the attackers are mimicking a trusted brand and attempting to steal users’ credentials from those lured by the promise of a reward.

Some cybercriminals go “a level lower” and post their offers on the dark web. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts discovered a thread advertising such services, published on a shadow forum in March 2026.

The listings included offers for discounted airline tickets, hotel bookings, and match tickets, allegedly at 20% off the original price. These offers are designed to lure users and can be highly dangerous, ultimately resulting in victims losing both their money and any services they expected to receive.

Entrepreneurs and property owners also in the crosshairs

Cybercriminals are also targeting businesses and entrepreneurs at the intersection of the travel industry, which is also involved in the event. Given the high demand for short-term rentals during the tournament, property owners have become an attractive target for scams.

For example, a fake website was discovered requesting account credentials for a well-known platform. In this way, scammers attempt to gain access to property owner accounts, potentially resulting in unauthorised withdrawals and financial losses.

Another common scheme involves fraudsters attempting to extract money from organisations by posing as representatives of well-known airlines and offering fictitious business partnerships. In these emails, they claim to be launching new projects or business expansion initiatives and state that they are actively seeking suppliers or contractors.

If a company representative responds to such an offer, the scammers typically escalate the deception in a subsequent stage. To enhance credibility, they send forged documents for completion and signature, including supplier registration forms and non-disclosure agreements.

The ultimate objective of the fraudsters in this scheme is to induce the organisation to pay a so-called “deposit,” ostensibly required to secure a priority position in a partner selection list.

According to the claims made in the fraudulent communications, this payment would later be fully refunded once the partnership is formally established. In reality, this promise is entirely deceptive. The perpetrators simply appropriate the funds, and no reimbursement is ever made to the victim organisation.

“The travel sector, particularly when it intersects with major events, is a persistent target for a wide range of scams and fraudulent schemes. For end users, it is often difficult to distinguish at first sight between a legitimate website and a spoofed one, or between genuine marketing communications from a reputable service and scam emails.

“We therefore advise treating overly attractive offers with a high degree of caution in order to protect your personal data and financial resources,” says Anna Lazaricheva, senior spam analyst at Kaspersky.


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Meta Platforms Contributed $820m to Nigeria’s Economy in 2025 – Report

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Meta’s family of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, contributed an estimated 820 million dollars in annual economic value to Nigeria in 2025, according to a new report released on Wednesday.

Meta platforms contributed $820m to Nigeria’s economy in 2025 - Report

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The report titled “Nigeria’s Digital Economy” was conducted by independent research firm, Public First, and commissioned by Meta.

It stated that 14 million Nigerian small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) used Meta platforms in 2025 to start, run and grow their businesses.

According to the report, the platforms contributed about two billion dollars to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while generating an estimated 640 million dollars in productivity gains through instant messaging services.

The report noted that 81 per cent of Nigerian businesses surveyed said Meta platforms had helped them expand their customer base beyond their local areas.

It added that the digital tools had reduced customer acquisition costs and enabled businesses in different parts of the country to access wider markets.

The report also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s economy, projecting that AI could contribute 22 billion dollars to the country’s GDP by 2035 under favourable conditions.

It stated that 87 per cent of online Nigerians surveyed believed AI products developed within Africa would play an important role in the continent’s economic growth.

Speaking on the findings, Meta’s Director of Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, Balkissa Ide Siddo, described Nigeria as one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and digitally engaged markets.

According to her, Meta platforms are helping to remove traditional barriers to business growth and enabling entrepreneurs to access broader economic opportunities.

“From a tailor in Lagos reaching customers across the country through Instagram, to a small business owner in Kano taking orders on WhatsApp, to a creator in Abuja building a global audience on Facebook, Meta’s platforms are unlocking real economic opportunity,” she said.

Siddo noted that WhatsApp had become a major gateway for AI adoption in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.

She added that 93 per cent of Meta AI prompts in the region were made through WhatsApp, indicating that many users were engaging with AI technologies through platforms they already use daily.

The report further stated that 93 per cent of online Nigerian adults surveyed said they felt more connected to wider communities through Meta’s applications.

Also speaking, Alison Neyle, Director at Public First, said the findings reflected the increasing role of digital platforms in supporting entrepreneurship and participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

“Nigeria’s digital transformation is creating new opportunities for businesses, creators and consumers alike.

“With the right combination of infrastructure, platform access and open-source AI, the upside for Nigeria is significant,” Neyle said.

The report projected that Meta’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy could rise to two billion dollars annually as digital adoption deepens and internet access improves across the country.


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