E-Business
Osun’s ‘Opon Imo’ Tackles Educational Woes
Osun State government has come up with ‘Opon Imo’ ideology, which is ‘Tablet of Knowledge’, to aid students’ preparation for internal and external examinations, in line with best global practices.
According to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Osun State’s Governor, the computer tablets are preloaded with lesson notes on 17 subjects offered by students in the WASSCE and NECO (SSCE) respectively and contains six extra-curricular subjects including sexuality education, entrepreurship, Civic, Computer Education, Yoruba History, and Traditional Religion.
The Governor who was represented by Mrs. Titi Laoye Tomori, the deputy governor, said the fit would affords students unfettered access to textbooks, makes teaching and learning exciting to teachers and students and has practice questions in the text zone and past questions and revision notes for 10 years.
The Deputy who doubles as the State Commissioner for Education added that the present administration in the State inherited an educational system in abysmal state.
“On assumption of office of the Aregbesola administration public schools educational system had collapsed and was at the lowest level; school infrastructure had collapsed, the buildings were dilapidated and students’ performance in examinations was abysmal as only 3% was “matriculable’.
“School fees were prohibitive in tertiary institutions, with grants insufficient to schools for basic education, bursary was not realistic, and elementary school pupils were malnourished and poorly dressed for school, demoralized and uninspired staff”.
In view of the deplorable state of educational sector in the State, Tomori noted that The State Government convened an Education Summit in February 2011, where the findings, reports and recommendations of the Summit have since become the education road map for the State.
‘Opon Imo’ ideology is an offshoot of the Summit. Under the scheme, Osun State Government plans to unleash 150,000 Copies of Opon Imo, teachers would receive their copies, there are 63 text books in the e- library, revision notes for ten years, a mock test center and an MOU already signed with the Chinese manufacturer for the establishment of the production factory in the State of Osun.
The Computer tablet is solar powered. Power outage should not hinder academic endeavours.
It is easy to carry, could be used anywhere and at any time. This system of learning has improved academic performance in developed countries. Computer Tablets is produced for high school students. Virtual learning Center pre-loaded with lesson notes for SS I-III. The teacher in the virtual classroom introduces the subject for the Day.
She added that the State’s New School System is now structured into Elementary, Middle and High Schools. The Elementary school comprise of pupils between the ages of 6-9 years, with daily academic activities would span 8am – 2pm. “This categorization is currently known as Primary 1-4 and would henceforth be known as Grades 1-4. There are Infrastructural Facilities designed to accommodate 900 pupils and 10 Elementary Schools would be delivered by the end of July.
“The middle school is made of pupils between the age ranges of 10-14 years, whose daily academics activities is between 8am – 3.00pm. This categorization is currently known as Pry. 5, 6, JSS 1, 2 and 3. They would henceforth be referred to as Grades 5-9 and an example of a middle school has been built at Alekuwodo, Osogbo, ready for commissioning,” she said.
Others in the high school who are to benefit from the ‘Opon Imo’ are students in the age range of 15 and 17. This category is currently known as SSI- SSIII and would hence forth be known as Grades 10 -12. The Infrastructural facilities designed to accommodate 3000 with facilities like libraries, food court, football pitch, laboratories &examination Halls
“The new system aims at exposing pupils/students to modern facilities in form of standard classrooms, boarding facilities, libraries, science/ ICT Facilities,” the State Commissioner for Education noted.
Meanwhile, the State Government said it is spending millions of naira to provide enabling educational system comprising of feeding, uniform, provision of infrastructure, among other developmental agenda.
E-Business
NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.
NITDA, which made the announcement on its X handle, said that the collaboration was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,
During the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, director general of NIMC, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, which include building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.
This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up.
This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonising the initiatives and is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.
E-Business
Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes
Noble Ajuonu, head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to harmonise National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to tackle crimes and insecurity in the country.
Ajuonu made the call at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.
Ajuonu said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,
“We need to harmonise data, prioritise seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.
According to him, the unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.
He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.
“There is need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’
Ajuonu also urged the government to address infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all encompassing to address insecurity.
“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’
Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres, digital services were limited.
“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the national database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.
“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).
“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.
Also, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, called for empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance and training to enhance productivity.
According to Petgrave, Nigeria requires policy reform and institutional strengthening to improve agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.
Mr Akolade Jimoh, another expert of the group on health, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.
Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise products design and quality improvement on health services.
E-Business
Konga launches Infinix Brand Week with Incredible Deals
Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, is thrilled to announce the launch of amazing deals at its Infinix Brand Week. Infinix, a leading global smartphone brand known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology promises exclusive discounts and special offers on select smartphones, marking an exciting milestone in the realm of online shopping.
Shoppers can expect nothing short of extraordinary deals on a wide range of Infinix products, all available exclusively on the Konga online platform. With discounts of up to 30% off, this partnership between Konga and Infinix aims to redefine the shopping experience for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria.
Konga Brand Week has become synonymous with excitement and unbeatable deals, and this year’s edition is no exception. In addition to exclusive discounts on Infinix smartphones, shoppers can explore a diverse array of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.
“At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible,” said Rita Ohaedoghasi, VP Marketing at Konga. “The Infinix Week during Konga Brand Week allows us to continue delivering on that promise by offering incredible discounts and special offers on some of the most sought-after smartphones in the market.”
To stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive deals during Konga Brand Week, shoppers are encouraged to connect with Konga across all platforms, including social media and the Konga website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big savings and elevate your tech game with Infinix and Konga.
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