Telecom
PPC Predicts Top ICT Trends for 2023
As organizations continue to navigate through economic challenges, PPC Limited, Nigeria’s leading ICT and infrastructure development company, has shared some technology trends that will help Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), IT Managers or Chief Information Officers (CIOs) improve business operations and achieve greater productivity and corporate profitability.
Dr. Patrick Ede, Director of ICT Operations at PPC Limited, said, “This year’s predictions highlight some key aspects of hardware and software technologies that IT managers must prioritize in their strategy to remain competitive over the next 12 months.”
1. Smart Technologies
Smart technologies have a transformative effect wherever they are applied. This year, organizations as well as governments will harness the benefits they offer. In smart cities, the application of IoT and other smart systems will ensure the needs of citizens are met by seamless communication, connected transport systems, street lighting, security and traffic control. In buildings, smart devices that use artificial intelligence can prevent unauthorized access, track assets and improve overall security. Efficiency, productivity and increased uptime will greatly improve with the use of fully-integrated manufacturing systems that utilize AI, IoT and other cloud-based applications that can be managed from any location.
2. 5G network
The launch and availability of 5G network will greatly improve broadband access for various mission-critical and secure operations. In 2023, Nigeria and three other countries in Sub-saharan Africa are predicted to gain increased 5G adoption. There are 5G- consumer devices available already in these countries, which are in turn facilitating increased uptake.
The improved speed and low latency 5G offers will open up new vistas of possibilities for better industrial operations and further propel investment into the entertainment industry. The resulting advancement will be driven by extended reality, augmented reality, virtual reality, and Ultra High-Density videos. Energy companies will benefit from real-time monitoring of assets, energy usage and improved revenue using 5G network access.
3. Clean climate technologies
Climate change advocacy and the commitment of organizations to rethink their operations while reducing carbon footprint will encourage investment in clean technologies that reduce environmental impact and assure energy efficiency. These technologies include renewable power systems and smart lighting.
4. Collaborative tools
The remote or flexible work model is here to stay. Workplaces will continue to develop flexible work structures and invest in collaborative tools that make communication seamless.
5. Cybersecurity
As organizations continue to build digital capacity, data privacy and protection are vital. While there’s a lot of focus on cyber protection, organizations need to develop capacities in cyber resilience in the event of an actual attack or error. Training of personnel on safety on the web coupled with data recovery and continuity efforts should not take a backseat.
6. Cloud
More businesses will migrate their storage to the Cloud this year as it posits as a critical aspect of digital transformation. Cloud products and services support remote or hybrid workplaces, and ensure data privacy while delivering scalability, speed, and cost savings.
Ede added, “While the list is non-exhaustive, these are critical areas that decision-makers need to harness for heightened productivity, profitability and continued relevance”.
PPC’s expertise in the deployment of best-in-class ICT and engineering solutions has assisted several organizations in the public and private sectors to create secure and collaborative work environments.
Telecom
Telecoms Subscribers to Petition National Assembly Over Controversial 5% Tax
The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has announced plans to petition the National Assembly over the Federal Government’s renewed push to impose a 5% excise duty on telecommunications services.
The association, representing millions of telecom users in Nigeria, is set to meet on Wednesday to finalize its petition, urging lawmakers to halt any legislative approval of the proposed tax while a court case challenging its implementation is ongoing.
The case, currently before the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court, has been adjourned to March 13, 2025. NATCOMS President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, told The newsmen on Monday that the petition is necessary to prevent the National Assembly from unknowingly passing the tax into law.
“We are meeting this Wednesday to finalize the arrangement to write the National Assembly. If we don’t inform them that there is a pending court case, the Assembly might unknowingly pass the bill into law. That would be disastrous for subscribers and the industry,” Ogunbanjo said.
NATCOMS has consistently criticized the proposed excise duty as excessive and detrimental to telecom users. Ogunbanjo noted that telecom services are already subject to over 40 different taxes, and adding another levy would significantly increase the financial burden on subscribers. The association’s National Secretary and Legal Adviser, Bayo Omotubora, described the tax as double taxation and unconstitutional.
“The case is before the Lagos High Court and has been adjourned to March 13, 2025. Until a decision is made, implementing this tax would be illegal and unconstitutional. The Federal Government must respect the judicial process,” Omotubora said.
The 5% excise duty is part of a broader tax reform initiative outlined in the proposed “Nigeria Tax Act.” The bill seeks to consolidate tax laws and impose taxes on various transactions, including telecom services regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Introduced in 2022 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the tax faced public backlash, leading to its suspension in July 2023 by President Bola Tinubu. However, the government has recently revived the plan to boost revenue amidst economic challenges.
NATCOMS emphasized that the government must wait for the court’s decision before proceeding with the tax. “We are not just fighting for the legality of this tax but also to protect millions of Nigerians who rely on affordable telecom services,” Omotubora added.
The association’s petition to the National Assembly will highlight the ongoing legal battle and the economic implications of the proposed tax. “The Federal Government must respect the judicial process and suspend any action on this tax until the matter is resolved in court,” Ogunbanjo said.
NATCOMS has called on stakeholders to join its fight against the tax, describing it as an unnecessary burden on telecoms subscribers and the industry.
Telecom
Airtel Directors Win Honours @ CIO Awards
Airtel Nigeria’s leadership team has demonstrated outstanding excellence in innovation and technology as two of its directors were honoured with three prestigious awards at the 5th edition of the CIO & C-Suite Awards, held on Saturday, 30th November 2024, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The annual awards, organized by CIO Club Africa, celebrates outstanding achievements in technology and innovation leadership across 11 African nations, recognizing individuals and organizations shaping the future of the tech industry.
During the event, Harmanpreet Dhillon, Chief Technology Officer, Airtel Nigeria was recognised as Overall Tech Champion of the Year and also received the Gold Award as an Innovative Leader in the Telecommunications Sector. Also, the Director of Information and Technology, Airtel Nigeria, Kemi Ariyo, was recognized with the Silver Award as an Innovative Leader in the same category, highlighting her significant contributions to the sector.
While expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Mr. Harmanpreet Dhillon dedicating the awards to the efforts of the Airtel team.
“At Airtel, we are fully committed to continuous innovation and excellence and I must say this is a reflection of the relentless efforts and dedication of the entire Airtel Nigeria team. These awards inspire us to continue breaking barriers and achieving excellence through innovative technology,” he said.
The event brought together technology leaders, including Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), tech visionaries, security experts, and innovation pioneers who share a united goal of shaping the future of technology and driving transformative progress across industries.
In her remarks at the event, Kemi Ariyo also emphasised the importance of professional honours in encouraging innovation across the industry, stating, “Awards like these are a motivation to keep contributing meaningfully to the industry and to push the boundaries of what is possible in technology and telecommunications.”
These achievements reflect the brand’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and setting new benchmarks in the telecommunications industry.
Telecom
SAIL Fellowship: Teachers Reflect on Classroom Transformations with MTN Foundation
MTN Foundation in partnership with the Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL) Teachers Fellowship Programme is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping teachers with innovative tools, methodologies, and digital resources to make classrooms more engaging and productive. Designed to improve the quality of education in Nigeria, the program drew over 6,000 applicants, of which a select group of outstanding teachers emerged as top performers.
Four exceptional teachers, Manasseh Mbah Bagayang, Susan Adeshola, Asmau Adamu Yakubu, and Brian Anthony shared their transformative experiences as participants in the fellowship, offering insights into how the program has revolutionised their classrooms and renewed their passion for teaching.
Manasseh Mbah, a chemistry teacher from Government Basic Education School in Bugai, Kaduna State, reflected on his unexpected journey into teaching. With a degree in chemical engineering, his path to education began out of necessity when he couldn’t find a job in his field. “Before the program, my knowledge of teaching was limited,” he confessed.
The fellowship introduced him to inquiry-based learning (IBL), a methodology that transforms classrooms into spaces of curiosity and critical thinking. “IBL is student-centered. It encourages the use of questions to pique students’ interest and develop their critical thinking abilities,” Manasseh explained.
Applying these methods, he saw a dramatic change in his classroom dynamics. “Before, students were uninterested, some even sleeping in class. Now, they’re curious and eager to learn,” he said.
Even in the face of challenges like limited access to electricity and the internet in rural areas, Manasseh has remained resourceful, using digital tools and interactive teaching strategies to inspire his students.
Susan Adeshola, a primary school teacher in Lagos, described the fellowship as a lifeline for innovation in resource-strapped environments. “Lagos State uses a cohesive teaching method, but my school lacked essential tools like projectors. So, I improvised… “The participation was overwhelming. Even the shyest students were asking questions and engaging,” she said, recounting how she created visual aids from downloaded images and cardboard to teach her students.
The results were astounding. One standout moment came when supervisors unexpectedly visited her class. Leveraging the inquiry-based approach she had learned, Susan captivated both her students and the observers, earning praise for her innovative teaching methods.
Her hope is for the Lagos State government to adopt these strategies more broadly. “If facilities are provided and more teachers are trained, classrooms will transform. Children will love coming to school because learning will be fun,” she affirmed.
Asmau Adamu Yakubu, a biochemistry graduate turned teacher from Kaduna State, described her classroom transformation as nothing short of revolutionary. “Before, students were bored and disengaged. But after implementing IBL, they became curious, attentive, and eager to participate,” she said.
Asmau emphasized the importance of relating lessons to students’ immediate environments, a core principle of IBL. “When students see the connection between what they’re learning and their everyday lives, it sticks,” she noted.
Her vision for the future is ambitious; merging IBL with technological innovation to bridge the gap between underprivileged students and modern education. “Imagine rural students exposed to laptops and digital tools. It would ignite their thirst for knowledge,” she said passionately.
Brian Anthony from Ondo State has always seen teaching as a noble and fulfilling profession. “I love to impact lives. Teaching is my way of sharing knowledge and shaping the future,” he said.
Through the fellowship, Brian discovered new ways to enhance his teaching. “The program taught me the value of self-development. As a teacher, you must keep learning to stay relevant,” he explained. His favourite takeaway was the power of combining IBL with digital tools to make lessons more engaging and memorable.
Brian’s classroom has become a place where students actively participate and think critically. “It’s amazing to see students remember concepts long after the lesson because they were engaged and involved,” he said.
The stories of these teachers reflect the profound impact of the SAIL Teachers Fellowship Programme. By equipping educators with innovative methodologies and digital resources, the foundation is reigniting a passion for teaching among participants.
As all graduating teachers continue to implement what they’ve learned, their hope is for broader adoption of inquiry-based learning and digital innovation across Nigeria. With programs like SAIL, the future of education in Nigeria looks brighter, promising a generation of students eager to learn and equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
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