General News
Engineers Are Key Actors – Omo-Ettu
Titi Omo-Ettu has been variously described in many kind words but the fact remains that he is an exemplary telecommunications engineer and consultant. He believes in the power of ICT education at all levels prompting him to set up Telecom Answers Associates Ltd since 1991 and The Executive Cyberschuul, Nigeria’s Premier Institute for executive training in Telecommunications Management and Information Technology in 2001. Omo-Ettu is a member of many professional associations and well sought after speaker in many international fora. He spoke to Emeka Okafor Manpower Shortage in Telecoms Sector Well, to the extent that I have been instrumental to many of the methods we have used, I think government still needs to look at it again. Don’t forget that our original recommendation in the telecommunications policy of 1998 was that government should establish training institutes. Later on, I changed my mind and felt government should create a condition under which private people will establish training institutes because I know that government establishing institutes would not help us; government may not just do it right. I know Nigerians are vibrant and whenever there is opportunity for them to invest in, they will do that but government has to try to create the enabling environment for them to do it very well. The aspect I have canvassed for which I have also participated in is the aspect of retraining the existing personnel that our universities are producing. We are not lacking numbers but relevance of our graduates to the field. Our graduates are not dunces. They are brilliant and we are good at learning but it is just that the content of our training needs re-orientation to make it relevant to the field so that immediately they leave school, they are relevant. It is the responsibility of government to train the minds of industry workers and not the responsibility of employers to train their employees. The minds of the industry workers contribute to the development of the country. Their employers are interested in their profits. An employer trains his staff specifically for what he wants him to do for him so that he makes profit, which is his goal. He is not a patriot. He is not living because of Nigeria but he is making his money in Nigeria. Now that government has set up an institution: Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), they will know the difficulty they have gone through in getting the institute in place. Industry people have their own way of training their staff but some of us have found out that those ways may not be good for the country even though they may be good for them as companies. Government must be interested in what they do for the country. I give you an example, a man trains his own staff to be able to do his own job but when it comes to developing the technology of what he is using, he does not think the people here deserve to go to that level. He now goes overseas to produce the technology and brings it down here for Nigerians to oil the machine and I say, no country will ever grow by just oiling the machine. We also should be part of development and government should show some interest in that. Cyberschuul & Training What Cyberschuul does is to retrain those that have gone to school. We are retraining people but we try to confine it to engineers and allied professionals; computerists, physicists – those who studied sciences in school because they are easy for us to manage. Those who did not study sciences in school also participate and they do some of the things these engineers do. Some of them work in customer service centers which engineers also work in but there is a point where everybody stops and the engineer continues. In our training, we try to concentrate on engineers. But that does not mean that only engineers are needed in telecoms. They are the principal actors in the field of telecoms but there is nobody who is not needed in the industry as far as the duty of that person is relevant. I believe retraining should continue. We participate in some little training of non-engineers. If other people take so many other aspects, I think we will see improvement but government have to be involved too. I am interested in the developmental and not in the growth aspect of telecoms. Growth is when you have number of lines increasing but there is another aspect of it that Nigerians do not know. The most critical things are being done by Nigerians. I am interested in that and I want Nigerians to do that. ICT Policy Direction Do not forget that the rate at which technology is changing is making nonsense of forecasts. Some of the things that are happening now were never forecasted. They have been beating us. The only thing we can forecast rightly is change. The existing ICT policy has to be less windy. What I see in our policy is that we talk too much. We try to think that we can forecast everything that will happen whereas it is more difficult to forecast under IT; so it is better for us to just leave our imagination wide and appreciate that we cannot say everything. We try to say everything in policymaking but it is wrong. We should assume that those who are going to operate the policy also have the intellectual capability to take decisions. We tend to be taking decisions inside policy but decisions are never taken inside policies. It is the future that describes policies but we try to describe what will happen and that is what makes our policy very large and too slow because having been prescribed, anything one does outside of that prescription is considered anti-policy whereas we need to do it to move forward. So those are the things I would like to see changed. The strategy we use in writing policy should be changed. It is not much of content default but strategy default. Quality of Service by Telecom Operators If what you call quality of service is to use telephone to get another person, yes there has been an improvement. But as an engineer, I look at quality of service beyond that. Quality of service is actually an engineering quantity. The quality is still not good but it is better than the time when we were crying. We started crying about first quarter of 2007. Some of us had seen the issue in the last quarter of 2006. We had seen some parameters that indicated that things were bad but those we saw were not measured because we were not in a position to measure them. But because we are engineers, even if you do not measure them, we can feel them. There are some things as an engineer I can appreciate which an ordinary person may not be able to appreciate because he is not one. But because I am not on duty I cannot measure or say those things are actual. If I want to say QoS is good or not, I have to go to the switch of an operating company and take measurement to know whether it is good or bad. An ordinary person may not know if quality of service of an operating company is bad as he may be making uninterrupted calls even when the quality is 42 percent against 65 percent which may be the acceptable standard and even at that, I may say the quality is bad. The regulator will need to take critical measurements from time to time which I know they have started doing. I commend NCC for doing something about it. High Tariff Charged by Operators When you go to any economy, you make your tariff to reflect the earnings of people in that economy. The tariff in Nigeria does not reflect the true earnings of Nigerians. Somebody is earning N7, 500 a month, he cannot use telephone. He must be deceiving himself if he is using a telephone. All of them are carrying telephones about but they are not using them; they are not communicating. There is the law of economy of number. We should have been paying less than other people because of our population, but we are paying more than other telephone users in other countries. My position is that the tariff charged here is too high and I think it is unfair. What may be happening is that they are ripping us off and I think somebody should be interested. They are ripping us off even in labour relations. Workers for some of these telecom companies are not well compensated the way the companies are compensating themselves as investors. However, Nigerians are happy because it is better than the way it was before. Vandalization of Telecoms Equipment It is not only telecom equipment that are being vandalized, it is just that Nigerians are frustrated and this frustration manifests through various means. The people up there are stealing things they do not need. When you hear the money some of them are stealing, you will wonder what they want to do with it. Somebody who is a civil servant is stealing N300 million; you wonder what he is doing with that amount and why he still remains in the civil service. He is stealing money that he does not need because there is nowhere he will spend that money as a civil servant. So when they are stealing what they do not need up there, the people out there will also want to do same. Some of the things they steal, do you think they need them? Somebody going to cut optic fibre cable, what do you think he wants to do with it? It is because he is angry. He is at the society. I think the leadership needs to be restructured and operators should not use that as a reason to begin to continue to rip us off. Anybody who is ripping off will find a reason to justify his action. I do not want to take those reasons. People come to my house to vandalize and I do not tell it to anybody. So they should stop telling us stories about vandalization. When something goes wrong, we should find solution to it and not allow people to occupy us with baseless assignments while they are ripping us off. Those stealing those generators may be some of their workers who were frustrated out of the system. e–Learning Programme in Nigeria First of all, I want people to get the definition of e-learning. I see a lot of deceit going on particularly on the platform of government. We started campaigning for IT awareness and did a lot of work on that. I did a lot on the platform as a Nitel engineer and also as a private person on my own business. The mistake we made was not being clear on what we wanted. For example, we said people should be made IT literate but our own children do not know how to type. That is where IT literacy should start. People should know how to type even from primary school. You do not start learning programming before you know how to type. The way to resolve this is to build structures that we can sustain. In any society, society is not looking for good people but good system. A good system is one in which bad people cannot operate. So, when the international society is looking at us, they are looking at our structures and system. When they say we are corrupt, it is because we do not have structures that are contesting corruption. The structures to arrest and deal with corruption are not there. There is corruption everywhere even in the United States but over there, there are structures to arrest even the biggest crooks. I think the way to improve e-learning just as many other things, is to build structures of IT systems that make our trainees functional. This is in the sense that if you are trained in computer or telecommunications, you should know your scruples within the system. 
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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