General News
ICT Stakeholders Highlight Need for Sectoral Collaboration to Harness Benefits of AI

Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) and other stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector have underscored the need for collaborative efforts by opinion moulders in the sector to harness the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for economic growth.

A cross section of participants at NITRA ICT Growth Conference 4.0 with the theme: “Impact of AI on National Development: Prospects, Policies, and Challenges in Nigeria” held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The stakeholders stated this at the NITRA ICT Growth Conference 4.0 with the theme: “Impact of AI on National Development: Prospects, Policies, and Challenges in Nigeria” held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Akinsanya who was represented by Peter Oluka, member, Executive Board of Directors, NiRA emphasized that AI has the potential to drive economic growth, improve businesses and public services, as well as enhance the quality of life in Nigeria.
He hinted that realizing these benefits requires careful consideration of the prospects, the formulation of sound policies, and addressing the accompanying challenges.
According to him, “As AI continues to evolve, it’s potential to drive economic growth and improve businesses and public services, and also enhance the quality of life in Nigeria is immense”.
Adding that the complex challenges associated with AI cannot be solved by any single entity rather it requires partnerships, shared knowledge, and collective action that can drive the kind of growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and transformative.
Prof. Obadare Peter Adewale, Founder and chief visionary officer, CVO, Digital Encode, emphasized the need for Nigeria to understand the threat landscape and the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting against these threats.
Prof. Obadare represented by Mr. Oluwakayode O. Olatunji, CISO and Group Head of InfoSec & GRC Advisory, Digital Encode, underscored the importance of driving sub-sectoral digital growth through Artificial Intelligence (AI) while also decrying that many African countries lag behind in cybersecurity.
He further highlighted the potential of AI across various sectors, including finance, health, energy, transportation, defense, medical, and agriculture.
He underscored AI’s ability to predict productivity and its diverse benefits but quickly cautioned against the dangers of AI misuse, stemming from issues such as bias and fairness, security vulnerabilities, data privacy concerns, and ethical and moral dilemmas.
The cybersecurity expert discussed the use of AI in threat landscape profiling, crime detection and prevention, and reporting capabilities.
He stressed the importance of responsible AI usage and the need for continued investment in AI and cybersecurity.
Earlier, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, Chairman, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) was displeased with the abysmally low adaptation trend by Nigerians to new technologies.
He urged stakeholders in the sector to lay more emphasizes on technology adaptation, adding that the country is number one in the usage of internet in Africa but lags in connectivity and internet penetration.
According to him, “There has been a known trend in Nigerians’ adaptation of new technology, where usage is higher than implementation.
“For instance, we are number one in the usage of internet in Africa but lags in connectivity and internet penetration.
“Artificial Intelligence has followed the same trend, Google search trends reported recently that searches for artificial intelligence (AI) have continued to rise around the world, with Nigeria experiencing a 130% increase in 2024.
He called on relevant ICT stakeholders in the sector to collaborate with government agencies to fashion out / design a curriculum for school to ensure that the study of AI is included in secondary schools.
He also warned that we should avoid the ugly trend / situation where for instance most students of computer science in our higher institutions do not have the opportunity to have a hands-on experience with a physical Computer throughout their duration in school.
Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, founder of Hyperspace and NeuRal AI, highlighted AI’s challenges and opportunities, reassuring that AI will enhance human capabilities, not replace them.
He showcased AI applications in transcription, translation, and education, demonstrating its potential to drive innovation and inclusive development.
A panel discussion composed of representatives from the NCC, private sector, and media and moderated by Mr. Hillary Damissah, explored how to navigate AI’s dangers in a developing economy.
They emphasized the need for policy frameworks, regulation, and collaboration to mitigate AI’s negative effects and ensure its benefits are equitably distributed.
The conference underscored AI’s significance in Nigeria’s development, urging stakeholders to work together to create an environment conducive to innovation, research, and tech adoption.
As AI continues to evolve, Nigeria must prioritize strategic planning, ethical considerations, and inclusive growth to harness its full potential.
General News
Researchers Develop Innovative Treatment for Malaria

An international team of researchers have introduced a groundbreaking drug, known as the covalent kinase inhibitor, which shows promise in combating treatment-resistant malaria.
Developed by chemists and bioscientists from the University of Glasgow, this innovative drug could surpass current medications by effectively targeting and disabling the proteins used by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite to replicate within the human body.
This is according to a report titled “Targeting Pf CLK3 with Covalent Inhibitors: A Novel Strategy for Malaria Treatment.”
The development, led by chemists and bioscientists from the University of Glasgow, was outlined in a November publication in the “Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.”
According to the researchers, covalent inhibitors form bonds with proteins, usually irreversibly modifying them, and this new drug could be more effective than current medications at all stages of malaria infection.
The new drug works by permanently disabling a protein that Plasmodium falciparum, one of the mosquito-borne parasites that spread malaria, uses to replicate itself inside the human body.
The drug also has the potential to work as a single-dose treatment, a significant improvement over existing therapies.
This breakthrough marks the first adaptation of an approach from cancer treatments to tackle malaria.
The team expressed optimism that the parasite is unlikely to develop resistance to the new drug, which targets the protein Pf CLK3 and disrupts the parasite’s ability to splice RNA.
The researchers, including Prof. Martins Emeje from the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency and Prof. Oyewale Tomori from the West African Academy of Sciences, emphasise the importance of regular calibration and accreditation for medical laboratories to ensure accurate results and reliable treatment.
General News
Nigeria to Host ICEGOV 2025, A Milestone in Digital Governance and Global Leadership

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Nigeria has been officially confirmed as the host country for the 2025 International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) edition.
This confirmation by the United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV) marks a historic milestone in our nation’s digital transformation journey, showcasing Nigeria’s leadership in digital governance, innovation, and technological advancements on the global stage.
ICEGOV is a prestigious global conference that convenes governments, academia, international organisations, industry leaders, and civil society to exchange insights, research, and best practices in electronic governance.
Hosting this event presents a unique opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, foster multidisciplinary collaborations, and drive policy innovations that will shape the future of governance in Africa and beyond.
Speaking on this momentous achievement, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, stated: “Nigeria’s selection to host ICEGOV 2025 is a recognition of our efforts to drive digital transformation and innovation in governance.
“I am a firm believer in the importance of the academia and research in supporting global discussions on e-Governance and we have seen this in some of the input in government initiatives like the National AI Strategy and the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill which are laying the foundation for the growth of Nigeria’s Digital Economy.
“As we prepare to welcome you all to Nigeria, we look forward to very useful outcomes that will be beneficial for the growth of digital governance and policy development globally.”
General News
MTN Nigeria Foundation Supports Education with Donation of School Supplies to 1000+ Students

MTN Nigeria Foundation recently embarked on an initiative to donate support materials to nominated schools in seven states across the six geopolitical zones, including Edo, Oyo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Anambra and Enugu.

Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation
The donations form part of the foundation’s Learning Support Materials Initiative (LSMI) aimed at improving learning experiences for students nationwide.
The MTNF Learning Support Material Initiative (LSMI) is a program created to empower students with essential academic tools, enabling them to reach their highest academic capabilities. Over 1000 students received vital resources such as school bags and exercise books, with the schools also receiving additional equipment like umbrellas and Wi-Fi routers to aid the implementation of technology in learning.
The initiative forms part of MTN Foundation’s broader commitment to youth empowerment and educational development in Nigeria. Over the years, the foundation has invested in education through several initiatives. These include the MTN Scholarship Scheme for science and technology students and blind scholars at the undergraduate level. Additionally, MTN Foundation’s Science and Technology Lab Project (STLP) has resulted in the refurbishment of 102 science laboratories in public secondary schools across the country.
Speaking on the Learning Support Material Initiative (LSMI) and the Foundation’s dedication to national development through education, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya said “At MTN Nigeria Foundation, we believe that education is the cornerstone of growth and development, and all students deserve access to the resources necessary to unlock their full potential.
“This initiative emphasizes our commitment to fostering an enabling environment for learning and supporting access to quality education.”
The impact of these donations was evident and appreciated by students who expressed that the learning materials would aid their learning process and educators who affirmed that they would be put to good use.
This initiative demonstrates how corporate entities can play pivotal roles in supporting societal needs while promoting sustainable development within the communities they serve.
The Learning Support Materials Initiative by MTN Foundation highlights its unwavering dedication towards empowering young minds across Nigeria. Through strategic educational support programs, the foundation contributes to bridging resource gaps faced by several public institutions and shaping brighter futures nationwide.
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