Telecom
Pantami Commissions First National Centre for AI and Robotics, Extols its Immense Benefits

Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has lauded the immense benefits derivable from the establishment of National Centre for AI and Robotics (NCAIR) in Nigeria, noting that it will serve as a leading hub of innovation, research and development, knowledge transfer, and training in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and other emerging technologies.
The minister noted this on Friday at the official commissioning of the centre, constructed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
He stated that the Centre would engage youths and support the diversification of the economy, create more jobs and inspire our digital entrepreneurs.

Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami
He explained that the ministry is committed to the digital economy drive of President Muhammadu Buhari administration, stressing that the drive gained more traction when the mandate of the Ministry was extended to include ‘digital economy’.
He added that the adoption of regulatory sandbox frameworks for testing technology in a controlled environment will enable the Center accelerate the progress the country is making in the development of digital economy.
The Centre, he noted will also serve the following purposes of Providing access to specialized technical skills for AI and Robotics, cultivate a network of influential supporters and champions across the country; Support the spread of early success stories with prioritized use cases to build and appetite for more AI activity, Develop an AI ecosystem; Create a vision for AI in the Country.
He also revealed that the Centre will house the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (MIT-REAP) Office.
Speaking further on the benefits of the centre, Pantami said that he is confident that the Centre will engage Nigerian youths, support in the diversification of the economy, create more jobs and inspire our digital entrepreneurs.
He further directed the DG of NITDA, to ensure that the centre is run in line with the general Policy of the Ministry which he said will be conveyed to the Centre through him.
At the same time, he directed the Director-General to send him monthly report from the centre, from now until 31st of December, 2021.
However, he commended the DG of NITDA and his team for making this Centre a reality and urged them to redouble their efforts and do more.
In his opening remark, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director-general/ceo, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said the Centre was built to foster the development of emerging technologies in preparing Nigeria for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which he said is in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and strategy.

According to him, “This project is one among many of our developmental programmes in accordance with our core mandate of facilitating the growth of Information Technology (IT) development in Nigeria.
“We are focused on providing support for viable innovations with socio-economic impact as well as a level playing field for all Nigerians to thrive in.
“As we enter the age of advanced technological breakthroughs such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Nigeria cannot be left out in harnessing the advantages of AI, Robotics and other emerging technologies.
“AI has the potential to add to economic growth but the impact may be gradual and take sometimes to manifest according to McKinsey Global Institute”.
The Director General noted that AI if properly harnessed could add 5 to 15% to Nigeria’s GDP, which he said could be around 400B USD.
He added that through AI developed countries could add 20 to 25% net income to their GDP while developing countries like could add 5 to 15%.
Mallam Abdullahi emphasized that the centre is aimed at achieving unprecedented boost to Nigerian economy.
He called on all stakeholders in the ICT sector to join hands in the optimum use of the facility so as to bring about the projected gains of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in the Nigerian technological space.
Telecom
MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), a fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles to provide subsidised bus rides of ₦10 per fare to students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

MoMo PSB
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is aimed at easing transportation costs for young Nigerians, particularly students, as part of MoMo PSB’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and digital accessibility.
MoMo PSB, which provides millions of Nigerians with secure financial services including transfers, savings, card services, bill payments and wallet solutions, said the transport subsidy reflects its mission to improve everyday life by reducing the cost of essential services.
The company explained that the partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles would not only make commuting more affordable for students but also promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric buses.
Officials of MoMo PSB noted that the initiative is designed to bring “good cheer” to the UNILAG community, ensuring students can access safe, reliable and cost-effective transport while focusing on their education.
Telecom
MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

MTN Nigeria has launched its Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology, a move the telecoms giant says will tackle long-standing challenges of capped data limits, high costs and unstable connectivity faced by internet users across the country.

MTN Nigeria
Egerton Idehen, Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the new product was designed to support high-demand users including streamers, gamers, households and businesses requiring uninterrupted connectivity.
“We’re building a broadband experience for everyday life. For content creators, remote workers, gamers, students and households. Our focus is on speed, reliability, low latency, and affordability.
“Broadband is designed to deliver seamless connectivity that empowers Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy,” Idehen said.
The plans, available in speed-based variants of 50Mbps and 100Mbps, promise lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency to address issues of lag and buffering. MTN said the packages would also provide affordable and flexible options to cater to diverse economic segments.
New customers who purchase a 5G router will enjoy a welcome bonus of unlimited data for the first 30 days, allowing them to experience the service before committing to long-term use.
The company explained that the initiative was part of its broader commitment to digital inclusion, enabling Nigerians to access stable connections for virtual meetings, large file transfers, online learning, high-definition streaming and professional gaming.
Customers can subscribe to the Unlimited Broadband Plans by dialling 4611#, using the MyMTN app, MTN eShop, MTN website, or visiting authorised retail outlets nationwide.
Telecom
Airtel Africa Foundation Opens Undergraduate Scholarship Portal in Nigeria

The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.

The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.
Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”
Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.
Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.
Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.
The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.
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