The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) and the Internet eXchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) recently received in Lagos, 300 Level students of both Mathematics and Computer Science and IT Programmes on academic visit from Federal University Dutsin-MA (FUDMA), Katsina State.
The visit was part of their compulsory academic programme called “Lab Field work for Mathematical Sciences/Computers I”, to blend their theoretical knowledge with what is obtainable in the industry/field.
The Thirty Eight (38) students and five (5) academic staff, including Professor Johnson O. Fatokun, the Dean Faculty of Science and Education were introduced to the operations of both NiRA and IXPN and how the organizations facilitate the operations of the Internet in Nigeria.
Speaking on the visit, Mrs. Mary Nma Uduma, NIRA president said, “We seized the opportunity to “catch them” and enlightened the students on the workings of the Internet, about Routing (Border Group Protocols) and Domain Name System (DNS). The future of our nation depends on educated citizens because knowledge is power. It was a fine opportunity to bring these students on board the .NG domain name business.
“There were presentations and discussions on Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), how the Internet came about, the need for IXPs to facilitate the operations of the Internet within a given geographical boundary (Nigeria as a case study) and how best institutions can connect to IXPN and maximize the benefits of the connection.
“The students were informed that NiRA is the Registry for .ng Internet Domain names and maintains the database of names registered in the .NG country code top level domain (ccTLD), a self-regulating body and managers of the .NG national resource. The management of the .NG ccTLD name space is in the public interest of Nigeria and global internet community,” the NiRA President said.
The students were also informed on the benefits of .NG domain names to Nigerians, such as NiRA brand and identity, the security reasons to be recognized as a Nigerian entity, job opportunities from the .NG domain name business, the global appeal of .NG domain names and obvious sign of patriotism, to promote our own .NG domain names.