General News
Computer Brains Club’ Drives IT Awareness for the Future – Onashoga
Dr. Saidat Adebukola Onashoga (Mrs.), a Chartered IT Professional (CITP), is the chairman Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Ogun State Chapter. She holds N.C.E in Mathematics/Computer Ed. She later proceeded to University of Agriculture, Abeokuta to study Mathematical Sciences with an option in Computer Science. At the recent Applied Information Technology (AIT) Conference 2015 held in FUNAAB, Ogun State, she spoke to peter ugwu on the essence of igniting computer education (right from the kindergarten) for national development.
New IT Techniques
Currently, Big Data analytics is a new method that tells us gone were the days data are not easily harnessed. Software now exists and other data mining tools for harnessing data.
The interesting thing about BIG DATA is that you may not necessarily use all the data before reaching a conclusion, rather with software or data mining techniques, you can extract the data that concern your study or meant to aid your work.
Today, we are looking at Telemedicine; there are technologies that aid medical practitioners to make prompt responses to cases, evaluating cases and in making informed decisions about patients. If you are looking at e-Governance, there are mobile technologies that can combine several indices.
In fact, we ought to be developing m-Governance techniques by now, because of the vast ways Nigerians are accessing the tool. Greater percentage of the people access the internet using (smart) mobile phones, that is what pervasive computing entails.
Theme for Conference 2015
Well, if you are considering conference tagged as applied information technology, it isn’t that people do not have knowledge of how they can apply IT, but looking at the trend IT is headed now, we thought of considering the modifications and disruptions on the old IT techniques. The emphases are on current trends, methods and Insights of IT application.
Universities’ Role on Deepening Technology Development
Yes, in the recent past, the academic, especially public universities have been charged the responsibility of producing graduates who are capable of competing with their counterparts either in the private universities or those abroad.
There are various ways to look at it. When an institution fails to align the undergraduates with the practical know-how, or shield them from tapping the technical competencies of the practitioners in the field, such cannot be ruled out, because the students will be missing a lot.
When there is an accord between the universities and the industry, such will widen the learning scope of the students.
There are differences between theoretical and applied computing. Applied computing knowledge should be gained from the professionals in the industry.
One thing we can do in this era is to integrate some professionals into the academic world, instead of allowing the students to base their orientation or knowledge on the theoretical aspects of computing. It is good to involve them.
The way we are going, it is good to involve the practitioners. The practical should not be limited to during project-writing or thesis, rather from the first day a student enrolls in school, he ought to start learning ‘hands-on’ computer.
For instance, in FUNAAB, the students’ industrial (training) attachment has been extended from three months to six months, to avail them the opportunity to get more knowledge of the industry.
IT Practitioners in Government Agencies
As a nation, we can’t rule out the importance of research. Research adds fresh impetus to whatever we are doing. Government may not be able to appreciate the importance of new trends in ICT unless they are expatiated on.
In the ‘80s, only the multinational corporations had access to certain tools, but developments have broken down the borders, bringing technology in the hands of even small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
For example, cloud computing has room for both large, medium and small enterprises. So, the best approach is to engage the academics to thinker on the templates for the tools through research and allow others who are practitioner to develop the output.
If we take our minds back, a company like Google was developed through research. The difference between our approach to technology and developed nations is just that the academia and the practitioners mingle.
The reason is that as the schools are researching, the results are forwarded to the industry for implementation. Government cannot shy away from involving the critical stakeholders in this regard, because technology is like a radio message which is transient; it waits for nobody.
Need to Review Educational Curriculum
There is definitely need for a review of so many things; the educational policy, the curriculum, among others. However, we are not waiting on the Government to do everything.
Recently, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Ogun State Chapter launched a ‘Computer Brains Club’.
The large turnout of people on the day it was launched pointed to us the fact they have the urge to know about the computer and its usage. We have a plan to develop a curriculum that is a bit different from what the children learn in schools. It is our urge to see the limitation they have are eliminated.
The programme is targeted at pupils from Primary 3 up to senior secondary 3. Without ‘disruptions’ in our educational curriculum, we might not witness such ‘disruptive’ technological advancements acumen inculcated in our students. There should be a five year review of our curriculum and must accommodate opinions of professionals during the policy-making processes.
Areas in IT Needing Governments’ Attention
If I were to be asked the nexus between us and IT development, I will refer us to the grassroot fact: Education. To power the nation through the youths is only possible when we get the educational sector right.
Today, we see a three-year old operating an iPad. Such a child appreciates the seamless in flipping through the iPad. He might not understand the technology behind it. Now, how many of Nigerians-developed applications are in the iPad.
We tend to feel fulfilled when statistics are released on number of smartphones, tablets, computers or phablets imported into Nigeria each.
What is our gain, content-wise as regarding the technologies? We ought to have moved beyond where we are now in IT development. I believe so much in training and re-training, therefore, every government officials should be trained to be ICT compliance.
About 75% of our activities in NCS Ogun are geared towards training to encourage people to embrace IT. If the crop of government appointees believe in IT culture it would have been easier to get some things done.
They don’t really think technology should be relied on, rather their focus has been oil and gas, but we know the messy state of the oil and gas sector.
We have to encourage aggressive compliance to e-banking or e-commerce. In a country like America, it is taboo for one to use personal emails to government related emails, but in Nigeria a body like the Nigeria internet Registration Association (NiRA) has been advocating for .gov.ng domain names among government establishments and their officials. There are still others, yet to comply with, because they do not really understand the gains.
The Viable NCS Chapter
The pious leadership we witness in NCS Ogun State Chapter was borne out of passion among the executives.
The agenda we set at first have helped in directing our programmes and ideals. NCS Ogun, as an Association, is driven by the inspiration and programmes targeted at enhancing the nation’s technological development.
We cannot continue to play the second fiddle in the comity of IT nations; we must not be that dumping ground for all manner of IT gadgets, consuming everything and developing nothing.
When you are passionate about a course, even challenges cannot deter you. For example, if we are exposed to more funds, we can then embark on numerous programmes; but event sponsors are not forthcoming as it should.
Women in IT
It is important to enlighten our girls in schools: if someone wants to study computer science, you cannot run away from mathematics.
That is on one of the principal reasons the American Government is emphasizing ‘STEM’- Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The best thing is for the parents to start encouraging their girls in learning mathematics from the cradles. IT is money, IT is life, IT is dollar, IT is whatever you need. Forget about the rigorous processes, rather focus on the end-gains.
IT is a profession with a future, so, ladies should not shy away or be discouraged from the industry which is relatively men’s world at the moment. Women are moving into it too.
The first Minister of Communication Technology was a woman, we have women CEOs in the ICT industry. We have women CIOs, engineers, and others who are doing us proud, we expect others to join the moving train.
Federal government has launched a N482.4 million investment fund to support 12 tech-enabled Nigerian startups.
The initiative under the federal government of Nigeria’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme was implemented by the Bank of Industry (BoI).
The initiative in a statement said applications have been opened for Growth Lab, a 12-week acceleration programme that will select the 12 tech-enabled Nigerian startups, from the six geopolitical zones, for intensive growth support, investment readiness training, and access to up to $350,000 in funding.
According to Ife Adebayo, national coordinator of the Programme, growth lab was designed to support startups that have achieved early traction and are seeking the expertise, networks, and investment required to scale following the implementation of Founders Lab.
“Growth Lab is the Startup Bridge accelerator programme, designed for startups that have developed an MVP and require structured support to scale. The programme focuses on strengthening venture fundamentals and preparing companies for external investment.
“The programme targets startup founders who are seeking the support, networks, expertise, and investment readiness required to accelerate growth and strengthen their position within the Nigerian innovation ecosystem,” he said.
He added that selected founders will gain access to structured growth support, investment readiness preparation, access to industry experts, market expansion pathways, a $100,000 cash investment (or Naira equivalent) for 7.5% equity upon entering the programme (terms and conditions apply), and up to $250,000 in potential follow-on investment should certain growth conditions be met.
“Eligible startups must be at the post-MVP stage, demonstrate evidence of market validation through users, customers, pilots, partnerships, waitlists or any other demand signals, and be willing to participate fully in the hybrid programme,” he said.
The programme will run as an intensive 12-week hybrid experience, including virtual engagements and two physical weeks in Lagos focused on collaboration, learning, and business growth.
The statement said applications opened on July 15, 2026, and will close on August 19, 2026.
According to him, female founders are strongly encouraged to apply. Selection will be conducted through a clearly defined, merit-based evaluation process aligned with published criteria.
iDICE is a $618 million federal government initiative backed by international lenders to boost the technology and creative sectors.
It provides young entrepreneurs with business skills training, mentorship, and access to capital through funds and accelerator programs like the iDICE Startup Bridge.
Nigeria and The United Kingdom held the fourth Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) Dialogue at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, recently. The dialogue, an important pillar of the bilateral Strategic Partnership, was opened by the National Security Adviser to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Nuhu Ribadu, and the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell.
Building on the third dialogue hosted in London in July 2025, the fourth SDP dialogue included inter alia, regional and domestic security challenges, human rights and non-kinetic solutions, defence staff talks, cyber and hybrid threats, as well as cross-government discussions on strategic trends, counter terrorism, fraud and illicit finance. Senior representatives from across the Governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom participated, reflecting the breadth and extent of the partnership.
Nigeria and the United Kingdom agreed to deepen cooperation based on mutual accountability and delivery of commitments while working in a spirit of partnership.
Defence co-operation
The United Kingdom and Nigeria’s defence partnership continues to strengthen in the support of peace and stability in the region. Following on from the successes of previous SDP dialogues, the United Kingdom renewed its long-term commitment to Nigeria’s Armed Forces, including through efforts to counter the threat from Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), via joint doctrine, training, technical advice and lessons learning, as well as exploring the development of Special Operations Forces.
The United Kingdom reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, and for strengthening Nigeria’s Maritime Domain Awareness capability. Both parties recognised the success of the hydrography partnership. The United Kingdom committed to continue supporting the National Hydrographic Agency to enhance autonomy and regional influence.
Both governments underscored their shared commitment to deepening cooperation on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Recognising the critical importance of regional stability and secure trade routes, both governments committed to aligning efforts to combat illicit maritime activities, and transnational threats. Nigeria and the United Kingdom also agreed to explore opportunities to strengthen their defence trade relationship.
Countering hybrid threats
Nigeria and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their cooperation on countering hybrid threats, including cyber security and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). Both sides welcomed progress under the existing Cyber Memorandum of Understanding [2024 to 2027] and agreed to further collaboration on threat intelligence sharing and a new phase of targeted programme partnership.
In this context, the United Kingdom and Nigeria recognised the challenged posed to open societies by hybrid threat actors and our shared assessment. Both countries committed to advancing a new structured framework for cooperation on countering hybrid threats.
This will include the advancement of concrete cyber resilience initiatives, a formalised intelligence-sharing mechanism, robust joint capability-building programmes, and cooperation on counter-hybrid threat strategies, in order to effectively counter mis/disinformation, cyber-attacks, transnational organised crime, and other hybrid threats, whilst upholding human rights and the rules-based international order. Both sides will seek to widen the conversation on hybrid threats.
Joint efforts will continue to build national capabilities, including through programme delivery and targeted support, while addressing developing risks, including from emerging technologies, and supporting Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its role in promoting regional resilience across West Africa.
Countering terrorism and violent extremism
Building on commitments agreed at the third dialogue, Nigeria and the United Kingdom agreed to deepen their partnership on counter terrorism and countering violent extremism. Both sides identified shared priority areas, including strengthening multi-agency coordination, enhancing intelligence and information exchange, as well as reinforcing crisis preparedness and protective security.
Both sides appreciated their continued collaboration on aviation security. The United Kingdom reinforced its support for capacity development efforts at Lagos and Abuja airports to build on progress made to date. Both sides agreed to continue working together in support of Nigeria’s efforts to roll-out the Multi-Agency Anti Kidnap Fusion Cell at the State level.
Continued cooperation will support the operationalisation of Nigeria’s counter terrorism architecture, particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre, alongside efforts to build capabilities in investigations, forensics and strategic communications. Both sides agreed to renew their support to Nigeria Police Force’s Counter Terrorism Unit with a technical needs assessment planned for late 2026.
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have renewed their commitment to preventing violent extremism through non-kinetic approaches including Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) and implementing a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to building sustainable peace under Nigeria’s national security framework. They welcomed the development of a national policy framework on DDR, and the United Kingdom committed to continuing support to implement the framework at national and state levels following formal sign-off.
Recognising the importance of justice in effective responses to terrorism, the United Kingdom welcomed the commitment and concrete actions by Nigeria to expedite terrorism cases through remote court proceedings, alongside other latest efforts to counter terrorism.
This includes the ongoing phases of mass trials at the Federal High Court, demonstrating Nigeria’s determination to deliver timely, effective, and human rights-compliant investigations and prosecutions of terrorism crimes. Both countries also committed to work together on human rights compliance and recognised the importance of transparency, accountability and respect for human rights as integral to effective counter terrorism cooperation.
Human rights and non-kinetic solutions
Nigeria and the United Kingdom reaffirmed the central role of human rights and non‑kinetic approaches in achieving sustainable security outcomes. Both sides welcomed progress since the third SDP dialogue and agreed to deepen cooperation on civilian protection, accountability, conflict prevention, and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
Both sides reviewed ongoing efforts, including Nigerian Armed Forces’ civilian harm mitigation measures, and underscored the importance of strengthening practices, ensuring transparent investigation of incidents, and embedding lessons learned to reduce harm and maintain public confidence. On accountability, both sides emphasised the need for robust mechanisms to investigate violations by both state and non-state actors.
The United Kingdom welcomed the involvement of the National Human Rights Commission with the Nigerian Air Force’s investigations into recent air strikes. The United Kingdom offered support to strengthen the National Human Rights Commission’s capacity to document and investigate abuses by non-state actors.
Recognising the importance of Nigeria’s upcoming national elections, both sides noted the importance of effective election security before, during and after polls, including efforts to protect voters and institutions, public order management in line with international standards, and reducing the risk of violence.
On preventing conflicts and violent extremism, both sides highlighted the importance of strengthening early warning and early response systems, improving coordination, and strengthening ability of peacebuilding agencies to ensure timely preventive action. On WPS, both sides welcomed progress on Nigeria’s third National Action Plan and committed to advancing participation, protection, and prevention, with the United Kingdom’s continued support for implementation. The United Kingdom offered continued technical assistance in support of Nigeria’s relevant national and state-level strategies in these areas.
Both sides agreed to explore a National Counter Terrorism Centre led quarterly working-level mechanism, with the National Human Rights Commission, to track progress on session agreements and reaffirmed their shared commitment to accountability, transparency, and civilian protection.
Fraud and illicit finance
Building on commitments agreed at the third Security and Defence Partnership dialogue and the State Visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to London thereafter, the United Kingdom and Nigeria reiterated their shared ambition to tackle fraud and illicit finance.
Both sides welcomed progress on strengthening cooperation, including efforts to enhance public–private partnerships, increase capabilities to jointly tackle fraud, improve asset recovery processes and oversight of virtual assets and cryptocurrencies, as well as recognised the growing relationship between illicit financial networks and hybrid threats.
Further collaboration will focus on enhancing mechanisms to support informal bilateral and international cooperation, including timely operational engagements on relevant requests, while addressing evolving fraud threats through strengthened intelligence exchange, joint analysis and coordinated enforcement action. A joint action plan will advance delivery against shared priorities.
Both countries also committed to continued capacity building to support investigation, prosecution and judicial responses, reinforcing a coordinated approach to protect the members of the public in Nigeria and the United Kingdom from serious and organised fraud and financial crimes. Nigeria and the United Kingdom committed to continuing efforts to embody regional and global leadership on the issue of fraud.
Regional security co-operation
Nigeria and the United Kingdom exchanged views on the evolving regional and domestic security environment, noting the deteriorating situation in the Sahel and its impact across West Africa. Both sides reaffirmed Nigeria’s prominence and role as a key factor in promoting peace and stability across Africa over the years.
To this end, both sides agreed upon the importance of Nigeria leveraging its regional relationships and its participation in significant regional platform including through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and emphasised the importance of continued outreach and collaboration with countries in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The United Kingdom and Nigeria welcomed the analytical exchange on security and hybrid threats held in advance of the Forth SDP and committed to continuing these as part of future dialogues. Against this backdrop, both countries reaffirmed their intention to deepen cooperation on regional security.
The United Kingdom welcomed the efforts of Nigeria on progress made towards transitioning the National Counter Terrorism Centre to a Regional Centre of Excellence. The United Kingdom expressed its continued support to Nigeria’s regional counter terrorism efforts and welcomed Nigeria’s decision to join the International CT Academy in Ivory Coast (AILCT) to share its expertise across West Africa and the Sahel. The importance of strengthening coordination, information sharing and burden-sharing between regional initiatives were recognised.
Both sides acknowledged the increasing cross-border nature of threats, alongside the impact of hybrid challenges on regional stability, and agreed to work together to support effective regional leadership and partnership.
Implementation and accountability
Finally, Nigeria and the United Kingdom emphasised the importance of sustained delivery and structured engagement to ensure progress on agreed priorities. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination, through ongoing monitoring of implementation and continued cross-government collaboration.
To support this, officials were tasked to take forward agreed actions and to review progress ahead of the next Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, to be hosted by the United Kingdom in 2027. It was agreed the Dialogue will continue to support delivery of the United Kingdom–Nigeria Strategic Partnership as well as provide a platform to strengthen cooperation across shared security and defence priorities.
Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has reaffirmed that the Agency’s remarkable transformation is powered by the dedication, innovation and professionalism of its workforce.
L-R: Best Staff, Manufacturing Services Dept, Engr. Odii Emmanuel; Best Staff, Audit Dept, Mr. Abbas Suleiman; Best Staff, Natural & Physical Science Dept, Mr. Usman Ahmadu (represented by Engr Yunusa Jubrin Sulieiman); Overall Staff of the Year, Barr. Hussaina Shehu; Driver of the Year, Mr. Abdullah Mohammed; Staff Choice Award Winner, EVC of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu; Best Staff, Accounts & Finance Dept, Mr. Salisu Mohammed; Best Staff, Technology Business Development Dept, Engr. Dr. Abayomi Okeshola; Best Staff, Planning & Policy Dept, Mrs. Ahmed Bilkisu; Best Staff, Technical Services- Engr. Mrs. Ugochi Chimaduruaku; Best Staff, EVC’s Office, Barr. Lilian O. Utaka; Best Staff, Civil & Environmental Engineering Dept, Engr. Aliyu Tahir Ahmed; Best Staff, PICTT, Mr. Umar Muhammad Bashir; Best Staff, Admin & HR, Shakir Owodunni; Best Staff, Research & Development Dept, Miss. Anita Egga during the 2025 NASENI Staff Motivation and Reward Event held in Abuja on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Speaking at the 2025 NASENI Staff Motivation and Reward Event held in Abuja, he described the ceremony as more than an award presentation, saying it was a celebration of the people whose commitment continues to drive Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement.
Halilu noted that although the event came later than scheduled, excellence remains worthy of recognition at any time. “Tonight is more than an award ceremony. It is a celebration of the people behind NASENI’s transformation.
“Behind every innovation, every partnership and every achievement are dedicated staff whose commitment has made our progress possible.”
The NASENI boss said the Agency has undergone a fundamental transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, repositioning itself as a performance-driven institution focused on Creation, Collaboration and Commercialization (3Cs).
According to him, the (3Cs) principle continue to guide NASENI’s mission of developing homegrown technologies, building strategic partnerships and commercialising innovations that improve the lives of Nigerians.
Highlighting the Agency’s achievements in 2025, Halilu disclosed that NASENI has developed more than 44 commercially viable Made-in-Nigeria products, ranging from laptops and smartphones to solar irrigation pumps and electric tricycles.
The EVC also revealed the ongoing construction of the 40-hectare NASENI Solar Industrial Park in Gora, Nasarawa State, which will become Africa’s largest clean energy manufacturing hub while noting that through the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) initiative, NASENI awarded over ₦229 million in grants to female engineers to promote innovation and expand opportunities for women.
He added that the Agency’s Irrigate Nigeria Programme and Agricultural Machinery Institutes have contributed to the creation of more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, while the Agency’s Zero Carbon Project and electric mobility initiatives continue to support Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable technologies.
He congratulated the award recipients while equally commended members of staff who were not recognised this year, assuring them that every contribution matters to the Agency’s success.
Best Staff of the year winners from each department are: Finance & Accounts, Mr. Salisu Mohammed; Technology Business Development, Engr. Dr. Abayomi Okeshola; Admin & HR, Shakir Owodunni; Information, Mr. Asake Michael; Manufacturing Services, Engr. Odii Emmanuel; Technical Services- Engr. Mrs. Ugochi Chimaduruaku; Environmental Engineering, Engr. Aliyu Tahir Ahmed; Natural & Physical Science, Mr. Usman Ahmadu; Nano Science, Dr. Mrs. Sherifat Adeleye; Research & Laboratory, Miss. Anita Egar.
The rest include: Procurement- Mr. Christopher Okpanachi; Planning & Policy, Mrs. Ahmed Bilkisu; EVC’s Office, Barr. Lilian O. Utaka; and Audit, Mr. Abbas Suleiman. Other winners include Driver of the year- Mr. Abdullah Mohammed; Overall Staff of the Year, Barr. Hussaina Shehu; and Staff Choice Award Winner, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.
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