General News
Basis for Underdevelopment is Lack of Knowledge – Ajayi
Engineer Lanre Ajayi is the president of the Nigerian Internet Group and the managing director of Pinet Informatics. He started his career with Nitel where he worked for 11 years before starting Pinet Informatics as part of his contribution to the development of the sector. He spoke to funmi ilesanmi on a wide range of industry issues.
NIG Increasing Internet Penetration in Nigeria
The Nigerian Internet Group has devised a couple of strategies to ensure that we boost Internet penetration in the country and out of all our activities and strategies, we consider policy advocacy as a prime one. It is through policy advocacy that we can get input into government policies that will facilitate quick roll out of Internet services in the country. The roll out of Internet services that is not limited to the urban areas but extends to the rural areas, so we tend to participate actively in the process of policy formulation. We attend meetings with government, we submit memoranda, we attend public hearings where we new things are being discussed and we tend to help government fashion out policies that will ensure appropriate and adequate penetration of Internet in the country. We also do a lot of sensitization, creating public awareness through workshops, conferences and we generally highlight the importance of the Internet, how it can benefit individuals and the nation as a whole. We also showcase the potentials of the Internet in the improvement of social and economic well being and of late we have been focusing on the need for Nigerians to adopt the Internet as a tool for job creation and as a tool for wealth creation. It is in view of this that we launched an initiative called the Internet for Jobs (I4J) initiative to sensitize people on the power of the Internet to crate jobs for out teeming unemployed population.
Government’s Response to NIG Advocacy Activities
The government’s response has not been bad. They have been generous in inviting us to some of these for a where policies are being formulated. Specifically we were part of the process that came up with the new Information Technology Policy that will replace the existing policy and we had the opportunity to give our inputs. For giving us this kind of opportunities in presenting our perspective, we want to say that the government has been responding positively and we can see that some of the policies that we have particularly the telecoms policy have been proven to be quite good. The policy espouses deregulation, liberalization and all private sector led economy and we can see today that that has worked to a large extent and has created the right environment for investors to put their money down for the roll out of telecoms services and Internet services. Some of the policies we have can be considered good because government was gracious enough to accept inputs from various sectors including the Nigerian Internet Group in formulating some of these policies.
Position of Internet for Jobs Initiative
It is essentially about awareness creation, to let people know that you can make a living by using the Internet positively. Sensitization is an ongoing thing, the more we talk about it, the more we drive into people’s subconscious the opportunities on the Internet in creating jobs. It is an ongoing process, we only need to talk about it using every opportunity we have and I want to believe that people are listening to us. There are a number of moves by people to start their online businesses, which is quite encouraging to us and that is a proof that our I4J campaign is working.
Centralising Campaigns in Urban Areas
Yes, the NIG office might be located in Lagos and our activities might concentrate more in urban areas, our conferences, workshops and seminars but through the use of the media, I believe we can extend that campaign to the rural areas. Newspapers do get to the rural areas, radio and television stations are listened to and watched in the rural areas so by that some of our campaigns also get to these areas. We may not have the resources to move into every rural area in Nigeria but through the use of the media we believe we can reach out to people in rural areas and spread the gospel about the need to use the Internet for job creation.
Why Are Government Activities Still Paper Based?
Yes, I am as disappointed as you are. We expect government to take a lead in adopting the use of the Internet for service delivery. We are quite surprised that a good number of government agencies are not using this platform that makes their life easy and also make the lives of citizens easy. A platform that makes service delivery very efficient and cost effective, so we are surprised that government agencies are not buying into this but that is not to say all of them have shunned the Internet. There are some good examples of people who are adopting the Internet to deliver government services to citizens. The ones that readily come to mind are the JAMB of this world, WAEC and NECO which allow candidates to register online. You will agree with me that that has eased the burden on students and have made these organizations more efficient. Another good example is the passport office which allows you to apply for your passport online. Some of them are actually using the platform for service delivery but a good number of government agencies have not woken up to the opportunities presented by the Internet.
Need for Documentation in the Nigerian Internet Space
I don’t want to say it’s a cultural thing. We’ve not being documenting properly, people don’t write books in this area and we don’t read, so if you cannot learn from experiences, how do you develop your knowledge base? We need to develop a culture of documenting. We did not inherit that from our fore fathers because they lacked the capacity to write, the basic literacy was not there; the culture of documenting was not there so they were not able to pass all the experiences they gathered over the years to the new generation. People have ascribed our level of underdevelopment to that because we are not able to transfer knowledge to the new generation but the Internet has provided a great opportunity for us to capture our experiences, our knowledge and make it easier to transfer these resources to one another with ease. Now experiences can be captured with digital camera, a whole lot of resources that we have in physical form can be easily digitized and captured and transferred on the Internet in seconds. The Internet and the information era that we are offer great opportunities for us to capture our experiences, our knowledge and be able to transfer these to the new generation.
On the Set Back of a Computer per Nigerian Student
You see there is no initiative or project that will not have its draw back, that will not have some loopholes that could be exploited; but we have to weigh the pros and cons. Will you say because a couple of parents will sell the computer given to their children, should we use that as an excuse to deny other parents who will value the opportunity to enhance the knowledge of their children? Yes, we cannot rule out the possibility of few parents who cared little about their kids would dispense the computers that were given to their kids. I think there are millions of other parents that will realize the benefits of those computers to their children and will leave it for their children to develop themselves and will even join their children in utilizing this tool to empower themselves. If you continue to see the little draw back of initiatives then you will not embark on greater initiatives. I believe with all my heart that if we give every Nigerian student a computer today, the social and economic profits that the nation will derive from it far outstrip whatever other avenue we are putting the resources into now; be it fuel subsidy, be it even road construction or any other avenue we are putting money. What we actually lack in the country as basis for underdevelopment today is lack of knowledge. We are not knowledgeable relative to the people in the developed world. If acquiring knowledge is what we make us great, why don’t we put all our resources there? We have identified the Internet as a reservoir of knowledge so why don’t we give every Nigerian student that device that will enable them tap into that resource base so that Nigerians can become very knowledgeable for us to compete globally. I believe we need that investment, we need to put a huge resources, a great percentage of our resources in empowering the Nigerian student and the way to go about it is by giving them the opportunity to tap into the vast resources on the Internet. You cannot tap into the Internet without a terminal device like the computer, a smartphone and anything you can use to accessing the Internet. An ordinary Nigerian cannot afford a computer. An average low end computer will cost about N50,000, how many homes can afford that? It means there must be a government intervention to facilitate that ownership. That knowledge that will be acquired is in the national interest because whatever knowledge is acquired will still be used within this economy to boost our productivity; so it is an investment that needs to come top on priority, we should not look at some of the draw backs. There will be some loopholes and people will take advantage of it but it should never be the basis of us taking decisions on whether or not to go for great initiatives.
Addressing Bottlenecks in Broadband Penetration
There are a couple of bottlenecks and luckily they are not bottlenecks that are insurmountable. Operators do not have access to spectrum and that is the honest truth. Some operators have money to invest in broadband but to do wireless broadband, they need spectum and if the government is not releasing spectrum what do you do? You hold on to your money and who losses? The Nigerian populace will not be able to access the Internet at the right amount and at the right quality because there is no service delivery. We can make spectrum available to investors, to people who would like to roll out services. The other parts are already being addressed and that is the international backbone. International cables are being laid, we know of Glo 1 and MainOne that are possibly going to commence services this year. We believe that when these cables land, they are going to bring abundant international bandwidth and we also know that on the national scale, a number of companies are already rolling out fibre to major cities that will link Nigerian cities together.
The issue of last mile is still a pending issue because spectrums are not made available and incidentally that is the easiest part of the whole scenario. It should not be a difficult thing for anybody to do. The spectrums are there, three spectrums have been ascribed for Wimax globally; the 2.3GHZ, the 2.5GHZ and the 3.5GHZ. We have these spectrums there unoccupied so why are we not releasing it for the roll out of broadband services? I think that is an area the government has to look into.
About Pinet Informatics
Pinet is one of the first ISPs not only in Nigeria but in Africa. We are a traditional ISP, we started during the days of the dial up. We have been involved as technology evolve, we’ve done Vsat, we’ve done wireless, we’ve pioneered a number of products and services in the industry. We were the first to do a prepaid Internet card which we called the Log On card which was the first prepaid card in the country. We developed the Nipost e-mail when e-mail was still emerging. We’ve pioneered a number of initiatives and even now we hope to launch a number of products which are also pioneering services in the country and that is in the area of content and in the area of e-payments. Hopefully soon we will launch the products. We are an engineering company, we are also an innovative and creative company. We have moved from being a pure engineering company to an all encompassing company.
Competition between ISPs and Telcos
I will say it is an unfair competition. Of all the traditional ISPs we started with, there are about one or two left, the others seem dead. GSM and CDMA operators bundling Internet into their services eliminated traditional ISPs. But we are a little bit lucky that we anticipated it, we saw it coming so we started exploring other opportunities. We saw a big opportunity in the area of content, in the area of e-services and we started conducting intensive research and we are lucky that the number of products that we have been researching on are fully developed now; and we will soon launch the products.
Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, governor, Anambra State, has approved an indefinite ban on graduation ceremonies in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools across the state as part of efforts to reduce the financial burden on parents.
Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, governor, Anambra State,
The directive was confirmed by Dr. Law Mefor, commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the commissioner, the government deemed it necessary to clarify the policy following public inquiries and concerns over the scope of the ban.
Mefor explained that the directive applies to all graduation-related ceremonies in both public and private schools across the state.
He said the ban covers events described as graduation, passing-out, crossover or any other ceremony organised to mark the completion of kindergarten, primary or secondary school levels.
The government said the decision was taken to discourage unnecessary financial obligations often imposed on parents through elaborate school celebrations.
The commissioner clarified that students completing Senior Secondary School (SS3) are exempt from the directive.
However, he stressed that graduation ceremonies for SS3 students are not compulsory and may only be held without imposing any financial burden on students or their parents.
According to him, schools choosing to organise such ceremonies must ensure that no levies, compulsory contributions or hidden charges are demanded from parents.
Mefor warned that the state government would not hesitate to sanction any school that violates the directive.
He said schools found organising prohibited graduation ceremonies or imposing illegal charges on parents risk severe penalties, including possible closure.
The commissioner urged school proprietors and administrators to comply fully with the directive in the interest of parents and the education sector.
The state government said the policy is part of broader efforts to make education more affordable and eliminate unnecessary expenses associated with school activities.
Many parents have previously complained about the increasing costs of graduation ceremonies, including compulsory levies for gowns, entertainment, souvenirs and other related expenses.
The government expressed optimism that the directive would ease the financial pressure on families while encouraging schools to focus more on academic excellence than ceremonial activities.
General News
Universities, Polytechnics Submit 169 Entries for NASENI Research Commercialisation Grants
About 169 proposals from Nigerian institutions including universities, polytechnics, and research institutes spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones have entered for the NASENI Research Commercialization Grant Programme (NRCGP).
NASENI
The programme, an initiative of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), aimed at bridging the gap between research and industry, is designed to identify innovative research with strong commercial potential and support its transition from laboratories to the marketplace.
Speaking on the latest episode of the NASENI Window Podcast, recorded on yesterday at NASENI Studio, NASENI headquarters, Abuja, the Team Lead of the NRCGP and Deputy Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms. Joy Elugbe, said the team received 169 proposals from eligible institutions across the country, including Universities, polytechnics and other research institutions.
Following the close of applications, and to ensure transparency and a rigorous selection process, NASENI engaged 21 professors with expertise across the Agency’s approved thematic areas to evaluate the originality and technical quality of the shortlisted proposals.
According to her, a rigorous preliminary screening reduced the number to 49 proposals after removing duplicate entries and submissions that failed to meet eligibility requirements while the Agency’s Innovation Hub assessed their commercial viability to determine their potential for market adoption.
“12 proposals, two from each geopolitical zone, have progressed to the due diligence stage before the final selection of six grant beneficiaries will be done. The objective is not simply to fund research but to invest in innovations that can successfully reach the market and deliver real impact,” Elugbe explained.
The NRCGP was conceived to address one of Nigeria’s longstanding innovation challenges which is the research breakthroughs that remain on the shelves due to inadequate funding.
She said the initiative, championed by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, targets promising research proposals with the capacity to generate economic value, create jobs and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial development.
“The idea behind the programme is to identify innovative and commercially viable research outputs that have remained on the shelves because of lack of funding, and provide the support needed to transform them into products that can impact the economy,” she said.
Explaining the concept of commercialization, Elugbe described it as the process of transforming an invention, research outcome or service into a profitable product that meets market needs. The NRCGP aligns with NASENI’s strategic focus on Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization (3Cs), stressing that innovation only achieves its full value when it reaches end-users.
She disclosed that following the launch of the application portal, the Proposal Evaluation Team went on nationwide sensitization campaigns across the six geopolitical zones to educate prospective applicants on the programme requirements and application process.
The sensitization exercise, complemented by radio awareness campaigns, significantly improved participation and the quality of submissions.
She further revealed that NASENI’s support would extend beyond grant disbursement, noting that successful innovators would be linked with the Agency’s Innovation Hub for continuous technical guidance, market advisory services and commercialization support to ensure their products achieve sustainable market success.
The NASENI Research Commercialization Grant Programme was inaugurated in March 2025 to promote innovation, technological advancement and the commercialization of research outcomes in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
General News
NITRA Conference: Stakeholders Seek Policy Reforms, Grassroots Innovation to Bridge Nigeria’s Digital
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector have called for comprehensive policy reforms, stronger infrastructure investment and grassroots innovation to bridge the country’s digital divide and improve global competitiveness.
NITRA Conference
The stakeholders made the call on Thursday during the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) Innovative and Scientific Conference held at Citi Height Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The conference, themed “Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide With Scientific Innovation,” brought together government agencies, technology experts, regulators, telecom operators, private sector players, academics and policymakers to examine strategies for accelerating digital inclusion through science and innovation.
A panel session titled “The Place of Policy and Infrastructure in Nigeria’s Quest for Global Competitiveness through Scientific Innovation: Roles of Different Stakeholders in Grassroots Mobilisation” examined the policy, infrastructure and human capital requirements for driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Panelists identified multiple taxation, high right-of-way (RoW) charges, inconsistent state government policies, poor electricity supply, inadequate digital infrastructure and limited grassroots innovation support as major impediments to expanding broadband access and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
One of the speakers noted that transporting internet bandwidth from Lagos to Canada is cheaper than extending connectivity to some parts of Nigeria because of infrastructure bottlenecks and multiple charges imposed by sub-national governments.
According to the panelist, although some state governments claim to have abolished right-of-way charges, operators are still subjected to numerous levies under different names.
“When we talk about right-of-way limitation, it affects the cost of providing services in some states.
“Some states say right of way is free, but when they grant free right of way, they introduce development charges, education levies and infrastructure fees, making the so-called free right of way meaningless,” the panelist said.
The speaker called for harmonised national policies that would eliminate multiple taxation and reduce the cost of deploying telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
Another panelist representing telecommunications operators stressed that government policies should encourage fair competition rather than favour dominant market players.
According to the representative, improved collaboration between regulators and industry operators is necessary to ensure that policies support innovation, cybersecurity and sustainable sector growth.
Speaking on innovation development, a representative of a private sector innovation fund said Nigeria must begin identifying and nurturing innovators from an early age.
The representative said the organisation supports young innovators through essay competitions, grants and educational programmes aimed at exposing students to science, technology and entrepreneurship.
“We believe innovation begins from childhood.
“By helping children in primary and secondary schools think creatively, they become better positioned to seize opportunities as they grow.
“Innovators exist everywhere, including rural communities. What many of them need is exposure and opportunity,” the speaker said.
On cybersecurity, another panelist advocated greater investment in developing indigenous cybersecurity professionals through structured internship and mentorship programmes.
The panelist also suggested that young people involved in cybercrime should, where appropriate, be rehabilitated and equipped with legitimate digital skills rather than relying solely on imprisonment.
“Part of what we are known for is developing local talent.
“We recruit interns from schools and train them in cybersecurity.
“We should find ways to harness the abilities of young cyber offenders instead of simply sending them to prison,” the speaker said.
A representative from the computer society sector emphasised that Nigeria’s digital transformation should begin with reforms in basic education.
According to the representative, pupils should be introduced to coding, robotics, artificial intelligence and innovation at the primary school level.
“If Nigeria wants to become globally competitive, we must start from primary school.
“Our schools should not merely prepare students for examinations; they should become innovation clubs where children learn robotics, coding and problem-solving,” the panelist said.
The speaker also referenced the recent launch of an artificial intelligence university portal in Lagos designed to create a talent pipeline from primary education through tertiary institutions.
Addressing regulation, a media analyst cautioned against excessive government control that could discourage technological innovation.
According to the analyst, regulatory frameworks should emerge through stakeholder engagement and strike a balance between consumer protection and innovation.
“Regulation must come with dialogue.
“If regulation becomes excessive, it will stifle innovation.
“As Nigeria develops policies on artificial intelligence, there is a need to strike the right balance,” the analyst said.
On infrastructure protection, another panelist called for stronger public awareness campaigns to discourage vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.
The speaker said community ownership and public education are essential to safeguarding digital infrastructure.
“When telecommunications infrastructure is vandalised, everyone suffers, including regulators, operators and consumers.
“People need to understand that protecting infrastructure benefits the entire society,” the panelist said.
Participants also highlighted the affordability of digital services as a major challenge to digital inclusion.
One speaker urged the Federal Government to consider subsidy mechanisms that could reduce the cost of internet-enabled devices.
“Telecommunications companies are businesses, not charity organisations.
“If government introduces subsidy policies similar to what has been done in other sectors, device prices can become more affordable,” the speaker said.
Another panelist stressed that reliable electricity remains fundamental to Nigeria’s digital competitiveness.
“The child who enjoys uninterrupted electricity and internet access cannot be compared with one who has gone months without power.
“For Nigeria to compete globally, every child should have reliable electricity, internet access and opportunities to acquire digital skills,” the speaker added.
Earlier, NITRA Chairman, Mr Chike Onwuegbuchi, said the conference was organised to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine policy options capable of strengthening scientific innovation and promoting grassroots technological development.
He noted that the Federal Government had demonstrated increasing commitment to building an innovation-driven economy through various strategic initiatives.
Founded in 2013, NITRA is the umbrella body of journalists covering Nigeria’s information and communications technology sector.
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