Telecom
Tizeti Unveils NeXTGEN Connectivity Solutions to Empowers More Africans with Digital Offerings
Tizeti, West Africa’s pioneer solar-based internet and voice service provider, has launched NeXTGEN connectivity offerings that would enable more Africans to take advantage of digital offerings in a new world defined by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new products encompass the company’s commitment to widening the broadband envelope in Nigeria with more robust internet plans, expanding coverage, especially in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, and a focus on accelerating internet availability across the continent with a new venture fund.
The products also reiterate the company’s focus on delivering a simpler and more convenient technology offering with a smart customer care operation and integrated Customer Relationship Management systems.
Speaking at the company’s annual conference, Kendall Ananyi, Chief Executive Officer of Tizeti, said the company reflected on digital interaction and transformation more seamless and intuitive for its stakeholders, especially during the wake of the disrupting global pandemic.
“The global pandemic expedited the need for technology to be more agile, faster, more intuitive, and easier to understand, irrespective of the peculiarities of its users.
“Many people were unable to quickly adapt to the new normal of working, connecting to family and colleagues remotely, and accessing various educational, occupational, entertainment, and other services virtually.
“Many firms took an unnecessarily long time to adjust to the constraints the pandemic brought, and this resulted in declined productivity, ineffective transformation, and lost revenue.
“Technology is only useful when it is creating solutions to problems and we believe that as a leader in the digital space in West Africa, we have a role to build the technology platforms that will allow our user base to be agile and relevant in the coming years.
“We saw the transition from physical everything to the work-from-home model overnight and knew that we had to help people and businesses change the way they work and play”.
Ananyi continued “This is why we have launched new voice and data service for residential, small, medium, and enterprise organizations within Nigeria.
“Our brand-new Turbo 100MBps Unlimited Internet Plans in Lagos will guarantee 100Mbps unlimited plans (which is 50 times faster than the existing plans in the market), with a free three months pilot to the first 100 signups in the Lekki area.”
Ananyi also talked up the company’s desire to empower more Nigerians, stimulate economic activities and provide unlimited access to affordable and reliable broadband services by widening the broadband envelope to 10 new cities in Nigeria.
“We are expanding our unlimited internet plans, currently available in cities in Lagos, Ogun, Rivers and Edo States, to Abuja, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Warri/Asaba, Eket/Uyo, Onitsha, Aba, Enugu, and Calabar.
“We are building brand-new, solar-powered, 4G-capable towers in these cities and leveraging expansive fiber-networks built by some of our partners, to enable us to roll out our low-cost broadband service, and bring millions of people online, who can now take advantage of the life-changing socio-economic opportunities that access to the Internet provides.”
Earlier, the company announced its partnership with a $5m venture fund focused on startup ISPs that are expanding internet access across Africa.
According to the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Ifeanyi Okonkwo, the company will leverage its proprietary OS technology, global partnerships with equipment vendors, submarine cable companies, payment providers, and Venture firms to provide the resources for these startup ISPs to accelerate the availability of unlimited internet across the continent.
Successful startups will participate in a 3-months programme with at Tizeti’s location in Nigeria or Ghana where they are expected to gain the knowledge and expertise to rapidly launch affordable internet services in their respective countries.
Tizeti has also simplified its customer experience with a Smart Interactive Voice Response Service that extends its existing Wi-Fi Voice APIs and authenticates callers into their call centers using their phone numbers.
This smart IVR reduces wait times and the need to talk to customer service agents by providing tailored information on account holders while on the phone call.
The company also extended this innovation to its Integration to major Customer Relationship Management systems such as Freshdesk, Zoho, and Bitrix 24.
This new feature allows businesses to make and receive calls directly from their CRM applications using Wificall.ng at local call rates.
“Tizeti was built to tackle poor internet connectivity not only in Nigeria but on the continent as a whole, by developing a cost-effective solution from inception to delivery, for reliable and uncapped internet access for potentially millions of Africans”, said Ananyi.
“Over the past years, we have been able to roll out our superfast broadband services in Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Edo state to address the huge demand for reliable unlimited internet service.
“This move to expand rapidly to 10 other states builds on the successes and allows us to expand quickly to Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations outside the unlimited broadband internet envelope.
“We also have our eyes on accelerating our expansion in other West African countries, over the next few years”, he said.
Other speakers at TizetiNeXTGEN include Yinka Adewale, co-founder/Chief Executive Officer, Kudi; Akin Jones, co-founder/Chief Executive Officer, Aella App; Dr. Femi Kuti, Chief Executive Officer, Reliance Health, Eniola Campbell, Country Managing Director, Nokia Nigeria, andOlubunmi Ogun, Deputy General Manager, Nigeria Sales, MainOne.
For many countries in Africa, there is still a huge digital divide. Tizeti is playing a significant role in addressing this digital infrastructure deficit in Africa with innovative technology and capabilities, to improve development outcomes for millions of people, with better outcomes for employment, education, family and social life, and access to information.
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.
Telecom
NITDA Commends Google, X, Microsoft, and TikTok for Compliance
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commended Google, X, Microsoft, and TikTok for their compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries.
The Code which was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA outlines clear guidelines for promoting online safety and managing harmful content.
The 2023 compliance report provides valuable insight into the platforms efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines.
The highlight of the overall statistics across all the platforms includes the following:
1. Four million, one hundred and twenty-five thousand, two hundred and eighty-three (4,125,283) registered complaints.
2. Sixty-five million, eight hundred and fifty-three thousand, five hundred and eighty-one (65,853,581) content takedown.
3. Three hundred and seventy-nine thousand, four hundred and thirty-three (379,433) removed and re-uploaded content following an appeal by users.
4. Twelve million, ninety-nine thousand, six hundred and thirty-three (12,099,633) closed and deactivated accounts.
NITDA acknowledges the positive impact of these efforts by the platforms’ in fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerians and non-Nigerians in Nigeria. `
Furthermore, data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries (such as social media platforms) operating in Nigeria contributed over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024.
This significant increase in revenue underscores the role of robust regulatory frameworks in shaping compliance and driving revenue growth in the digital economy.
While commending the progress made, NITDA emphasises the need for continued collaboration and innovation to address emerging challenges and ensure a safer and more responsible digital space.
The agency remains committed to working with stakeholders to strengthen and enhance user safety measures, digital literacy, trust and transparency.
Telecom
Galaxy Backbone CEO Advocates for Sustainable Digital Infrastructure in Africa
Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone, has underscored the importance of building sustainable digital infrastructure to fuel Africa’s economic transformation.
Presenting a paper titled: Building Digital Infrastructure for a Sustainable Digital Economy at the 2024 edition of Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 4.0) held recently in Lagos, Prof. Adeyanju noted that technology has the potential to redefine Africa’s economic trajectory, and that at Galaxy Backbone, they are dedicated to building the foundational digital infrastructure that supports this vision.
According to him, “Africa’s digital journey presents immense opportunities, but it requires robust, scalable, and sustainable infrastructure to enable economic growth.
“Galaxy Backbone’s mission aligns directly with these goals, as we work to provide the infrastructure and connectivity that powers government services, businesses, and communities across Nigeria.”
He said that today, digital infrastructure is much more than just technology but about creating resilient systems that empower citizens, foster economic empowerment, and drive inclusive growth.
“Our investments in state-of-the-art data centres, fibre optic networks, state of the art SOC and secure cloud solutions have created a backbone that supports Nigeria’s public sector and enables interconnectivity among MDAs,” he said.
Prof. Adeyanju who was represented at the event by Mr. Nnamdi Onoh, Field Service Engineer at Galaxy Backbone, highlighted key projects, including the National Information Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB), which has expanded connectivity and digital services across Nigeria.
Focusing on sustainability, he outlined Galaxy Backbone’s commitment to three pillars including Environmental Responsibility through energy-efficient practices in data centres; Economic Empowerment which aims at facilitating job creation and innovation, allowing businesses to scale; and Social Inclusion which is targeted at bridging the digital divide and reaching underserved communities.
He said that looking ahead, Galaxy Backbone plans to expand cloud services, strengthen cybersecurity, and explore AI, IoT, and blockchain to build a future-ready infrastructure, noting that the Government Service Portal (GSP), a consolidated platform for public services, was also introduced as a step towards enhancing transparency and citizen-centric services.
“In the next 12 to 24 months, Galaxy Backbone will focus on expanding our cloud capabilities, strengthening cybersecurity, and exploring emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain to enhance service delivery.
“Our goal is to build a future-ready infrastructure that supports the dynamic needs of Nigeria’s digital economy.
“We are also advancing projects such as the Government Service Portal (GSP), which consolidates public services into a single, accessible platform. This effort demonstrates our commitment to making government services more transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric,” he said.
The CEO emphasized that digital transformation is a collaborative effort involving government agencies, industry, and international partners and highlighted partnerships with NITDA, the Ministry of Communications, and ECOWAS members as essential for a resilient digital economy.
According to Prof. Adeyanju, “As we pursue this vision, we recognize the challenges we face—connectivity gaps, regulatory hurdles, and cybersecurity threats.
“Our approach is to address these proactively by investing in secure, scalable infrastructure and advocating for policies that enable digital growth.
“At Galaxy Backbone, we are committed to developing a skilled workforce capable of managing and advancing our digital infrastructure.”
In recognition of its leadership, Galaxy Backbone was awarded the ATAEx Outstanding Government Agency of the Year, an award Prof.
Adeyanju said “underscores our commitment to a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for Nigeria, reaffirming Galaxy Backbone’s dedication to advancing Africa’s digital economy.”
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