Telecom
NCC Provides N40m for Professorial Chairs in Two Universities
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and provided professorial chairs to the tune of N40 million in two more Nigerian universities.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, EVC, NCC
Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, director of Public Affairs, NCC, said this in a statement at the weekend in Abuja.
”This is in line with NCC’s ongoing initiative to ensure a sustainable telecommunications industry that is responsive to global technological changes as well as national consumer preferences,” he said.
Adinde said that the universities, which were given N20 million each for the next two years, included Premier University of Ibadan, Oyo State and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, in Bauchi State.
The director said that the money was to allow them to embark on massive research to promote innovation to drive socio-economic development in the country.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice-chairman of NCC, said the move was in continuation of NCC’s initiative aimed at strengthening the telecommunications industry to continuously contribute to national development.
Danbatta explained that the initiative was in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), 2020 – 2030, which was unveiled by the Federal Government in 2019.
He further explained that it was with the mission of building a nation where digital innovation and entrepreneurship were used to create value and prosperity for all.
Danbatta said NCC’s collaborations with the academia would specifically impact Pillar three, four and six of NDEPS bordering on Solid Infrastructure, Service Infrastructure and Digital Services Development and Promotion, respectively.
He also stated that the scheme aligned with two additional pillars of the commission’s Strategic Management Plan (SMP), 2020 – 2024 on Promotion of Development of Digital Economy and Strategic Partnering.
Danbatta, however, called on benefitting universities to ensure that regulatory and technological solutions with potential of improving the industry were developed through dedication of required human and material resources to the programme.
“The commission’s engagement with the academia, therefore, is to ensure that there is application of knowledge generated in the tertiary institutions in the telecommunications industry.
“The endowment of professorial chairs in universities is one of the initiatives to support the Academia in focus research areas in ICT and contribute to the advancements in emerging technologies,” he said.
Earlier, Dr Henry Nkemadu, director, Research and Development, NCC, said that the new professorial chair endowment further demonstrated NCC’s conviction that the academia was a key driver to innovation in all spheres of human endeavour.
Nkemadu said that it had specific reference to ideas, inventions and prototype development for improving the level of productivity and efficiency in the industry.
“The instituting and endowing of professorial chairs in the two premier universities brings to four, the number of tertiary institutions of learning that have benefitted from the NCC’s innovation-driving initiative.
“The Bayero University, Kano and Federal University of Technology, Owerri in May, 2019, were endowed with professorial chairs,’’ he said.
MTN Nigeria has partnered with CardCentre Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Chams HoldCo, to introduce eco-friendly SIM cards made entirely from biodegradable materials.
The launch, which took place in Lagos, targets the reduction of plastic waste across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
According to the statement releasedy, the new SIM cards are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and produced using recyclable components and energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
“They meet global sustainability standards while maintaining the performance expected by telecom users,” the statement said.
It added that Tobe Okigbo, chief Corporate Services and Sustainability officer at MTN Nigeria, stated, that ”the partnership underscores our commitment to sustainability and innovation, while also supporting local businesses and economic growth through strategic alliances.”
In his remarks, Lekan Latona, chief executive officer, CardCentre, said: “We are proud to collaborate with MTN Nigeria on this project. Our biodegradable SIM cards mark an important step toward a greener future for telecommunications.”
Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) has commemorated its 25th anniversary with a landmark breakfast meeting that spotlighted the transformative power of media in fostering bilateral ties.
Held under the theme “Media as a Bridge: Strengthening Nigeria-South Africa Ties through the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP)”, the event drew a dynamic mix of business leaders, academics, and media professionals.
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, described the MIP as a strategic tool for diplomacy, designed to dismantle stereotypes and misinformation.
He emphasized the value of the programme’s study tour in South Africa, which offers Nigerian journalists immersive exposure. “If Nigeria and South Africa can get their act together, the rest of the continent will follow,” Okigbo remarked, hinting at MTN’s plans to scale the initiative across Africa.
Dr. Ije Jidenma, Chairperson of NSACC, hailed the MIP as a tangible example of innovation in action. She underscored the media’s role as a “catalyst for development,” especially in shaping public discourse and cross-border partnerships.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, stressed the need for rigorous training in journalism. He praised the collaboration between academia and industry, noting that ethical and contextual reporting is essential for meaningful impact.
A highlight of the event was a panel featuring MIP fellows—Amarachi Ubani (Channels TV), Oluwadunsin Sanya (BellaNaija), Nifemi Oguntoye (TVC News), and Akinkunmi Obakeye (CNBC Africa)—who shared how the programme reshaped their understanding of South Africa. Their stories revealed a shift from stereotypes to shared values and deeper connections.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of NSACC’s 25th anniversary logo, symbolizing a renewed commitment to growth, collaboration, and opportunity for its members.
As NSACC enters its next chapter, the Chamber reaffirmed its dedication to leveraging media as a bridge between Nigeria and South Africa—two powerhouses whose unity could redefine the African narrative
Telecom
MTN Nigeria, WWF/NCF, and UNDP Launch 2025 PachiPanda Challenge to Drive Youth-Led Environmental Innovation
In a bold move to tackle Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, has officially launched the 2025 Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge.
Part of the continental Africa PachiPanda Challenge, this initiative calls on young Nigerians aged 18–35 and youth-led SMEs to develop groundbreaking solutions addressing pollution, climate change, and community conservation. With the theme “Nourishing Tomorrow: Innovations for Food, Energy, and Water Security,” the challenge aims to empower eco-visionaries to reshape Nigeria’s environmental future.
Ten finalists will be selected for a transformative 3-day sprint event, featuring human-centered design workshops, masterclasses, and a high-stakes pitch session before a panel of industry experts. Winners will advance to the continental stage, representing Nigeria in the Africa-wide competition.
Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, described the challenge as “a green opportunity” for youth to channel creativity into impactful change.
Dr. Joseph Onoja of NCF emphasized the power of collaboration, while UNDP’s Dr. William Tsuma highlighted the challenge’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
More than a competition, the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is a movement—one that seeks to ignite innovation, foster sustainability, and amplify youth voices in shaping a resilient future.
Applications close on October 3, 2025.
Interested participants can apply at: www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge
Tinubu Recalls Dembos as DG NTA, Nullifies Fresh Appointments
FIRS Decries Cross-border Tax Crimes
Minister Urges Africa Leaders to Unite on AI Infrastructure
MTN, CardCentre Join Hands to Launch Biodegradable SIM Cards
NGX Suspends Three Firms over 2024 Financial Results
Telecom3 days agoMTN Nigeria Empowers over 3,000 Customers with ₦579m in Mega Billion Promo
News3 days agoSuri’s Memoir Sparks Visionary Dialogue with Zimbabwean Ministers on Africa’s Future
E-Financial3 days agoUnion Bank of Nigeria Completes Merger with Titan Trust Bank
E-Financial3 days agoAMMBAN Faults CBN’s 60-day Deadline on PoS Geo-Tagging
News3 days agoAdlantique Named Nigeria’s Best in Digital Marketing, Content Creativity @ 2025 Beacon of ICT Awards
General News3 days agoAirtel Africa Foundation Presents Nigerian Students with Tech Scholarships
General News2 days ago6 Best Apps to Recharge Airtime & Data in Nigeria for Glo, Airtel, MTN, 9mobile
Telecom3 days agoSwitch Solutions to Lead Cybersecurity Innovation @GITEX Nigeria 2025