Broadcasting
NBC Oils Machine for Digital Switchover
National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is oiling its machine for the pilot stage of the transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting with the hope of galvanizing the industry and throwing up more independent producers that would unleash local contents, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can report.
The digital switchover is the name given to the process by which analogue terrestrial television in Nigeria would be replaced with digital terrestrial television.
It is sometimes referred to as the “analogue switch off”.
NBC said that the move will harness the local contents, and make the locally developed contents compete at the international levels.
Alhaji Awwalu Salihu, head, Public Affairs of the Commission, told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, that the NBC was particular about digitisation because it would improve the quality of broadcasting.
According to him, digitisation would also facilitate provision of additional entertainment services and diversity of voices, including home language services.
“One of the benefits of digitisation is that it will reduce the cost of operation for broadcast stations,’’ he added.
Salihu added that NBC’s choice of Plateau State to test-run the switchover was borne out of desire to ensure every aspect of the process is watertight.
He said, “In our last two sessions held in Abuja and Lagos, we saw the attitude and level of enthusiasm exhibited by various stakeholders in the industry which assures us that the nationwide switchover will be achieved.
“On the part of NBC, we have been working assiduously to ensure allay of programmes are made available to the people. The interesting thing is that digital switchover will create room for local content development by independent producers. NTA and other stations that have invested in this regards will offer Nigerians seamless television viewing experience.
“This is true, for instance, for every channel you have there will be additional up to eight. Thus, contents from Nigeria shall be showcased to the outside world and our people will be given options too. NBC will not shy away from assisting in the production of the contents, because we want the transition to succeed and subsequently progress. There are so many opportunities the transition will throw up”.
Speaking on the pilot switchover, Salihu said that NBC will, towards the month end, announce the country’s first switch off from analogue terrestrial television system onto digital.
However, the commission has chosen Jos, Plateau State, as the first city to begin the switch off.
He said that various schemes have been drafted to ensure the actualisation of the mandate.
The commission, according to him, was also working on the passage of enabling laws that would help the smooth digital transmission, as well as collaborations with other government agencies and relevant bodies to ensure success.
Mr. Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, took centre stage at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) annual end-of-year meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recounting the company’s remarkable growth and reaffirming free IT training for journalists.
Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, in a group photograph with NITRA Members
Speaking directly to IT media members at the company’s training facility in Lagos, Akano acknowledged the critical role journalists played in supporting New Horizons during its formative years two decades ago.
He detailed how the firm evolved from a handful of staff to one of Africa’s leading ICT skills training organisations, now employing about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
Akano Spotlights Youth Training, University Partnerships
Akano highlighted that New Horizons has trained over 500,000 youths, particularly tertiary institution students, equipping them with practical IT skills essential for Nigeria’s digital economy.
He announced recent partnerships with universities, including a new agreement with Afe Babalola University, to scale hands-on training programmes for students.
“This growth would not have been possible without the media’s support in documenting our journey,” Akano stated, pledging continued free IT skills training for media members to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Reciprocal Support Defines Long-Standing Partnership
The venue hosting the NITRA meeting underscored Akano’s generosity; NITRA Secretary Chidiebere Nwankwo secured the free facility after contacting him—a gesture consistent with New Horizons hosting multiple association events and training IT journalists since its inception 20 years ago.
Participants shared personal testimonies of Akano’s support, including veteran journalist Aaron Ukodie, whose daughter—an Accounting graduate from the University of Johannesburg—received NYSC placement and IT scholarship at New Horizons.
The Guardian’s Yemi Adeyemi recounted Akano accommodating his editor’s child for mandatory IT training after other firms declined.
Members praised Akano’s commitment to human capital development as evidence of deep appreciation for the media community that chronicled New Horizons’ success over two decades.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
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