General News
School Curriculum Needs Reappraisal-Sonuga
Jinmi Sonuga is manager (Infrastructure Project), Business Unusual Limited. Sonuga’s experience expands to Technical Business Development & Strategy; CTO Executive Support and CTO Executive Business Management all at Vodafone UK.
He also worked as Project Manager, MainOne Cable Company; Production Engineer, Bidmine PLC; Process Improvement, SORTEX LTD; Head of Technical Sales & Program Management, MainOne Cable Company.
He led the Business Unusual team that provided consultancy assistants for the presidential committee on broadband road map for Nigeria.
Sonuga spoke to peter ugwu on a number of issues
Overview of Business Unusual
Business Unusual is into consultancy and project management practice based in the UK and Nigeria and passionate about delivering value, enhancing performance, and promoting sustainable developments by deploying a practical and hands-on approach to business challenges.
We deliver large scale infrastructure projects. Many consultancies utilise standard methodologies irrespective of the specific business challenge.
At Business Unusual we recognise that every business challenge has a unique element to it which needs to be properly understood so that the appropriate solution is deployed. We focus on executing what is right for your business and not just maintain business as usual.
Business Unusual’s Experience and Services Reach
Our experience and services cut across blue chip organisations to government departments and the SME sector. Our core focus is offering services that provide transformation and penetration of businesses into huge growth markets like Nigeria.
Today, Business Unusual specializes particularly in supporting invested start-ups. Because of our experience we know entrepreneurs are often faced with challenges and risks they may not be aware of so that they are either unable to mitigate the risk, or maximise the opportunity.
In short we help you manage risk and assure success. Sustainable growth and people development is also a key part of our ethos.
We believe that improved performance can only be sustained by developing and adequately equipping resources for the challenges at hand and to come. We do not strive to entrench ourselves but to leave capability within the organisations where we work.
Assessment of Consultancy in Nigeria Telecom Sector
It is challenging but growing at the same time. It is getting better, because individuals and companies are valuing intellectual property now than what we saw in the past, through their ability to bring people into the definition of solutions to challenges companies face.
Especially in Nigeria, we have very peculiar problems even in our peculiar environment, thus, we need help who can help think outside the box.
It is not just about coming up with earthshaking, lovely looking documents; companies must peg discussions on practical and realizable ideas that can lead straight to the implementation stage.
Place of Business Unusual in Developing Nigeria’s Broadband Master Plan
We worked hand in hand with the committee to bring out the excellent product. All hands were on deck, working round the clock, because we tried to make sure the document buys into the ideas of the National ICT Policy and programmes of the ministry of Communications technology and to bring out a document that the operators, the licensees, industry stakeholders and the general public could fall back on.
As the Minister has presented to the stakeholders, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and others concerned at the administrative level will take concerted steps to see the dreams and aspirations contained in the document are realized.
Human Capital Development to Drive the Sector, How Can That Be Achieved?
Human capacity development in the industry is still developing still. We have so many deltas through before we can get to the stage we expect our selves to be.
The essence is to first of all recognize the need, plan towards achieving the goals and work strictly in line with the blueprint.
The truth is that until we have Nigeria youths employable and employed to productively contribute to the GDP and the environment, the society and the economy in general, there will never be enough.
How Can Local Content in Telecom Develop Like The Oil And Gas?
Local content is one of the areas that need to be corrected in the industry. Local content in the ICT is not the same as in the oil and gas.
In the oil and gas sector we refer to Nigerians participating (actively) as skilled workforce in the whole value chain of the oil and gas sector, whether upstream, downstream or drilling of oil.
The policy arose as a result of many qualified Nigerians not giving their places in the determination of how things are management in the sector.
Thus, to address the apathy, Nigerian government came up with such beautiful document and it is working.
However, with the case of the federal government coming up with broadband policy and other programmes is to empower Nigerians; to develop local need and globally relevant solutions.
The solutions can be for hosting, distribution online via the cloud and other means; meaning not just Nollywood, which is the driver of the Nigerian contents now. But we are looking at software, locally designed, developed and distributed worldwide.
For instance, we can have specific language site such as Hausa for local communities in Kano, who at present we expect to surf the net and read everything in English language.
Of course, the reading value will be low. So, local content in IT can come as a way of educational material peculiar to Nigerian environment.
In essence, local content in the telecomm industry should focus on helping Nigerians demonstrate material developed by Nigerians for the consumption by the rest of the world.
Disconnect between Entrepreneurs and the Government
There are various channels to reach the government now. The website is there, especially now a single portal has been created to integrate the activities of the government for easier access of information.
The Federal Ministry of Communication Technology has done a fantastic thing by being the first ministry to provide that singular portal for the public to interact with the government.
That is an aspect of local content, because you would want to have direct not more than one degree separation interaction with the government.
It is a sure way to build our civic engagements. It portends that you must not know somebody in the Ministry or somebody who knows somebody before you can get through to those in the helm of affairs, rather you go to the central portal and make your request.
Is it driver’s licence, passport, or other services, from the comfort of one’s home he can get information on that.
So, the local apps developers can follow that platform or approach the incubation centre(s) and pre-incubation hubs and send their requests, they will get to relevant agencies via the Ministry.
Rating the Synergy between Private and Public Sectors in Driving IT Sector
In telecom sector, the synergy is improving. The evidences are there; what we in the private sector have been able to produce and achieve for the country so far shows that there have been tremendous improvement.
Government has also embraced stakeholders’ representation in articulating agenda for the sector; in other words, professional advices, thoughts, criticisms are taken into cognition by the Government in a very interactive and cordial manner.
Infrastructural Deficit and Harsh Operational Environment
I will pick up one issue that everybody is emphasizing on its negative impact on the sector. That has to do with broadband deployment and the unfriendly attitude of some state and Local Governments as regards arbitrary charges in the process of allocation of Right of Way (RoW).
Now, in the broadband document presented recently to the President Goodluck Jonathan, the Ministry and the stakeholders by the Committee, it is obvious we are not trying to harsh the same thing rather the Federal Government said it is trying to resolve issues.
The Federal Ministries of Works and Communication Technology have strategically worked out acceptable rate regime that will govern the process throughout the country.
And concerned should ensure they participate in removing such bottleneck, because no State or Local Government in Nigeria that would appreciate if it is not covered in the master plan or denied access to the infrastructure.
Government cannot do everything, at the same time the private sector cannot fund everything. In the report, every tier of Government has its assigned roles.
Even the citizens have roles to play; if there is an infrastructure that is faulty or damaged, report it. If you are the one damaging it, stop it! These are kind of things we must come together to tackle.
If Government should build road at a particular area and the residents allow people to damage the road, of course, common sense should tell us that before Government will come back to repair or rehabilitate the road, it has to make sure others have benefited; so, every infrastructure that serve the public should be protected by every member of the public. It is a global responsibility for all Nigeria.
We have to create enabling environment for the sustainability of what we desire. Still on infrastructure, there is a National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIM) that is going on right now.
The Ministry of Communication Technology, the Petroleum Ministry, private sectors, et cetera, are giving their input towards having a wholestic approach, so it is all about getting the basics done, not balloted agenda.
I think with that we will get the power working, the road motorable, and broadband will get to everybody.
Why the industry players are emphasizing on getting broadband available everywhere is because of the cost benefit to the country. For instance, it will reduce traffic, hence one can stay at the comfort of his room transact business or go to nearby access centre and get their work done.
Reappraising School Curriculum
It is absolutely important that the curricula are reappraised to reflect the present IT agenda in the country. If we are looking at providing broadband infrastructure in schools, why do we need to build libraries to put physical books?
Unless we want to showcase books of longevities, like archives, historical artifacts, among others, most of the other data should be online.
Therefore, the curriculum should be revised to incorporate modern teaching and learning techniques and also focus on improving the number of ICT professionals we have in the country. Those are the kind of discussions going on at the level of technical working group.
N
Guinness Nigeria has officially begun rewarding consumers under its nationwide ‘Open For More’ National Consumer Promotion (NCP), with an impressive ₦17 million in rewards to 107 winners during the campaign’s first live draw held on July 31, 2026.
The inaugural draw instantly transformed the fortunes of consumers across the country, producing seven new millionaires, who each received ₦1 million, alongside 100 additional winners, who each walked away with ₦100,000. The milestone marks the beginning of a series of weekly live draws that will see hundreds more Nigerians rewarded throughout the promotion.
The seven ₦1 million winners are Marcus Barieepie, Ani Valentine Ogochukwu, Okafor Sochima, Taiwo Adebola, Zubair Rukayat, Oluwatobi Femi, and Ebubechukwu Okolo.
The live draw was conducted under the supervision of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to ensure transparency and fairness. Representatives of the commission present included Dr. Olubunmi Otti, Zonal Coordinator, FCCPC Southwest, and Mrs. Abosede Ogundeji, Surveillance and Investigation Officer.
Speaking during the draw, Ramanathan S, representing Guinness, said the promotion reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to celebrating and rewarding the consumers who have supported Guinness over the years.
“For decades, Nigerians have made Guinness a part of their milestones and celebrations. Today, we are proud to give back by putting ₦17 million directly into the hands of 107 consumers in our very first draw. This is only the beginning. Over the coming weeks, many more Nigerians will experience life-changing rewards as we continue to celebrate the loyalty of the people who have made Guinness part of their stories.”
He added that all weekly draws will continue to be streamed live across Guinness Nigeria’s official platforms, enabling consumers to witness the winner-selection process in real time and reinforcing the transparency and credibility of the promotion. He also encouraged eligible consumers nationwide to participate, noting that every valid entry presents another opportunity to win.
The ‘Open For More’ National Consumer Promotion offers consumers the chance to win ₦1 million every day, ₦100,000 cash prizes for 1,000 winners, and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado as the grand prize. Altogether, the promotion will reward consumers with more than ₦400 million in cash and prizes.
To participate, consumers simply need to purchase specially marked bottles of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout or Guinness Smooth, locate the unique code beneath the crown cork or can lid, and enter the code via the designated campaign platform.
With ₦17 million already won in its opening draw, the campaign is off to a remarkable start, reinforcing Guinness Nigeria’s commitment to rewarding consumer loyalty through transparent processes and unforgettable experiences that go beyond the product. Consumers are encouraged to look out for specially marked promotional packs and follow Guinness Nigeria’s official communication channels for updates, winner announcements, and details of upcoming draws.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with Nigerian universities to promote research, innovation and technology-driven solutions to local challenges.
NITDA, UniAbuja
NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, stated this when the management of Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, paid a familiarisation visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Abdullahi said stronger collaboration between NITDA and tertiary institutions was essential to building a robust innovation ecosystem, developing practical skills and positioning Nigeria for technology-driven economic growth.
He stressed the need for increased investment in research, particularly in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, cybersecurity and cloud computing.
“We need to invest more in in-depth research with universities to build a robust research ecosystem that will help us develop solutions.
“Research will focus on harnessing AI, IoT, blockchain, cybersecurity and cloud technology, among other emerging technologies, to improve our lives and grow our digital economy,” he said.
The DG described universities as critical talent factories required to achieve Nigeria’s digital transformation aspirations.
“NITDA has a vision to make Nigeria a digitally empowered nation. You (UniAbuja) are the talent factory, and we cannot achieve our vision without talented Nigerians.
“The only way to achieve that is by working with institutions like yours. So, we need to build talent,” he said.
Abdullahi also advocated the integration of AI education across disciplines in tertiary institutions, saying students needed practical digital skills to remain relevant in the evolving world of work.
“We can work together to explore ways of introducing AI across the board as a general study course in tertiary institutions.
“Elements of AI should be included in every field of study to equip our students with the hands-on skills for navigating the real world,” he said.
According to him, NITDA is already collaborating with key education sector stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and National Commission for Colleges of Education.
He said the agency was also working to promote digital literacy programmes across all levels of education to ensure that graduates acquire skills relevant to industry requirements.
Earlier, Fawehinmi said the university’s visit was aimed at seeking NITDA’s partnership and support in strengthening digital infrastructure and technology-based training at the institution.
He expressed appreciation for NITDA’s contributions to the Digital Geoscience Centre at the university.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university was willing to collaborate with NITDA on joint research, capacity-building initiatives and innovation programmes capable of contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
“We could go into partnership with you to provide data, collaborative engagements, staff exchanges and joint research hubs, so that we can produce high-level human resources.
“The university is committed to serving as a strategic academic partner to NITDA by providing academic expertise required to advance your national digital transformation initiatives,” he said.
The proposed collaboration is expected to strengthen the link between academic research and industry needs while creating opportunities for technology innovation, skills development and practical solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
A New Mexico court has ordered Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to pay $567 million to address the alleged harms caused to young people by its social media platforms.
Meta
The ruling by Judge Bryan Biedscheid came in the second phase of a landmark trial concerning the impact of Meta’s platforms on children and teenagers.
The judge said $420 million of the amount would be dedicated to treatment services for young people, while the remaining funds would support awareness and prevention programmes, screening services and other related costs over the next five years.
The latest financial order comes on top of $375 million in civil penalties awarded against Meta in March after a jury found that the company knowingly harmed children’s mental health and concealed information about child sexual exploitation on its platforms.
During the second phase of the trial, prosecutors asked the court to order fundamental changes to Meta’s platforms, including measures to reduce addictive features, improve age verification and prevent child sexual exploitation through stronger privacy settings and increased oversight.
The court subsequently ordered Facebook and Instagram to introduce banner notifications and informational screens explaining their safety features, recommended practices and tools for addressing inappropriate comments.
The platforms must also regularly display the information, while an educational campaign in New Mexico will be subject to review by the state.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez said the ruling sent a clear message that technology companies could be held accountable when their product designs knowingly exposed children to risks.
“Today’s decision is a victory for every parent who has worried about what social media is doing to their child and every child who deserves to grow up safer online,” Torrez said in a statement.
Meta said it would appeal the ruling.
“We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and have been transparent about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors and harmful content,” the company said.
The company said it remained confident in its record of protecting teenagers online and would continue to defend itself against what it described as claims that misrepresented the facts.
On age verification, the court said federal children’s privacy laws restricted Meta’s ability to apply certain verification tools to children under 13.
The court cited the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which limits the collection of personal information from children under 13.
Rather than imposing a blanket age-verification requirement exclusively on Meta, the judge ordered the company to continue improving its age-assurance tools in New Mexico.
The tools include the use of artificial intelligence to estimate users’ ages based on signals such as their social connections and the type of content they post and consume.
Meta was also ordered to attempt to develop a dedicated model for predicting whether users are under 13 within the next two years.
Additionally, the company must request proof of age from Facebook and Instagram users in New Mexico whom it estimates to be under 13.
Where Meta determines that a user is under 13, or under 18 but cannot determine a specific age, it must treat the user as being under the applicable age threshold until the user verifies their age.
The court further ordered Meta to partner with schools or a child-safety organisation to establish a reporting portal through which school officials can flag users suspected to be under 13.
Meta must also delete personal information it has collected from users under 13 and submit progress reports twice a year detailing its compliance with the court-ordered measures.
The ruling comes as Meta faces thousands of lawsuits from families alleging that children have been harmed by social media use.
The company is also preparing for another trial in California amid the growing litigation over the impact of social media platforms on young people.
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