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WAEC Unveils ‘EDUSTAT’ an Innovative Educational Statistics Platform

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West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has launched an Educational Statistics platform (EDUSTAT), designed to ease access to quality data and insights in the educational sector.

This innovation was done to take the edge off the manual access to data by stakeholders, improve the quality of service delivery and generate more revenue for the Council.

Sidmach Technologies, Africa’s emerging ICT giant provided the technical support and expertise in the development and design of the platform.

Mr. Areghan, Head of the national office West African Examinations Council, WAEC Nigeria, speaking during the launch said that stakeholders do not need to write the body regarding any inquiry, as all information from the body can now be accessed anywhere in the world digitally with a little token.

He noted that the council is leveraging technology, detailed data analysis and insights, to establish itself as a leading light in the educational sector and a future brand by introducing this Educational Statistical Platform.

According to him, “As you all know, the new world is smarter and more instant. The access to statistical data analysis, its collation, interpretation and presentation cannot be different. Businesses and organizations alike need every edge and advantage they can get to improve service delivery, thanks to the rapidly changing markets, economic uncertainties, shifting political landscape, customer-focus, and even the global Pandemic, which have made statistical analysis more sought-after by researchers, for fact analysis and findings.

“The West African Examinations Council is committed to its mission of remaining Africa’s foremost examining body, providing qualitative and reliable educational assessment, encouraging academic and moral excellence, and promoting sustainable human resource development and international cooperation.

“As an examining body that has survived the centrifugal forces of the colonial era and remains the foremost examining body in the West African Sub-region, with a vast and rich database, it has become expedient to completely migrate from the manual way of interpreting data to a more sophisticated and advanced mode of data interpretation through technology.

Mr. Patrick Areghan blamed lack of quality data, inconsistencies and multiple data copies in education as reasons for false facts resulting in bad decisions-making and loss of revenue.

“WAEC identified these issues and sought to solve the problem through its new EDUSTAT product, which addresses poor infrastructure and the manual process of assessing educational insights and statistics”, he added.

This product according to him, “is borne out of the desire to provide stakeholders, such as researchers, funding agencies, government institutions, school administrators and parents with a reliable platform that provides educational insights collected from multiple sources and delivered in simplified graphs, summaries, and dashboards which help them enhance their decisions.

“The core benefit of EDUSTAT platform is access to a comprehensive interactive Web Report.

“Also, the platform offers detailed and smart statistical insights into education and assessment dynamics, using historical and current data to provide detailed intelligence for stakeholders across the globe, in a smart and easily accessible manner.

“One of the key features of this platform is its ability to analyze data in real-time.

“This means that educators can get immediate feedback on how their students are performing, enabling them to adjust their teaching strategies as needed. Additionally, the platform is designed to be user-friendly and customizable, allowing educators to tailor it to their specific needs and preferences.

“As the name implies, EDUSTAT is an innovative educational statistics platform designed to leverage WAEC’s comprehensive and reliable database of over 50 million candidates who have been tested over the years.

“This platform results from years of research, development, and collaboration, and we are confident that it will revolutionize how data is accessed.
“For schools, the platform offers student-level data on academic performance, attendance, and demographic information. This data can be used to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses within the school and informed decisions about how to improve student outcomes.

“Institutions such as universities and colleges can also benefit from the platform by accessing data on enrollment and academic performance of their students. This information can be used to identify areas where additional resources are needed to support students and improve overall performance,” he concluded.

Also speaking, Mr. Chijioke Ekeh, Managing Director of Sidmach Technologies Nig. Limited, applauded the management of the West African examinations body for their foresight in identifying the need to democratize education data for the benefit of the regional education sector and economies at large.

He pledged Sidmach’s continued support to achieve greater heights in the sector.

During a demo session, Mr. Akintunde Opawole, the Product Manager at Sidmach Technologies Nigeria Limited, said EDUSTAT offers a wide range of features that will benefit the user.

He collaborated on the statement by Mr. Areghan’s that the artificial intelligence-driven platform provides, for instance Government agencies, detailed statistics on student enrollment, graduation rates, and academic performance at various levels of government.

He added that this platform will help policy makers make data-driven decisions about education policy, funding, and program design.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Tribunal Upholds FCCPC’s $220m Fine against Meta, WhatsApp

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Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has upheld a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp LLC for data privacy violations in Nigeria.

Tribunal Upholds FCCPC’s $220m Fine against Meta, WhatsApp

The Tribunal also awarded $35,000 in investigative costs to the country’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission .

In a statement issued by the FCCPC, the Tribunal delivered its judgment in the appeal filed by Meta Platforms Incorporated (Facebook) and WhatsApp LLC against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), affirming the Commission’s authority and ruling in favour of its actions on nearly all contested issues.

According to the statement by the FCCPC, “The Tribunal specifically determined that the Commission adhered to prevailing laws, fulfilled its mandate, and exercised its powers by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“It ruled that the multiple actions by WhatsApp and Meta, for which the Commission made findings of violations, were correctly identified, and that the Commission did not err in making those findings.”

The statement revealed that WhatsApp and Meta’s legal team was led by Professor Gbolahan Elias (SAN), while the FCCPC was represented by Babatunde Irukera.

It added that both legal teams presented their final arguments on behalf of their respective clients on January 28, 2025.

“The FCCPC had on July on July 19, 2024, issued a Final Order imposing a $220 million administrative penalty after concluding that the companies engaged in discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers, the investigation started in 2020.

“The case arose from a 38-month joint investigation initiated by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into the conduct, privacy practices, and consumer data policies of Meta Platforms and WhatsApp.

“Dissatisfied with the Order last year, Meta and WhatsApp appealed to the Tribunal, challenging both the legal basis and the findings of the Commission,” FCCPC said.

The Tribunal upheld the FCCPC’s authority and investigative procedures in Meta and WhatsApp’s appeal, resolving most of the contested issues in the Commission’s favour.

It confirmed that the FCCPC acted within its constitutional and statutory mandate, particularly regarding fair hearing, data protection, and consumer rights.

While it dismissed the majority of the appellants’ objections, it set aside one specific order (Order 7) for lacking sufficient legal basis.

While expressing satisfaction with the judgment, Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman/CEO,  commended the Commission’s legal team for their exceptional diligence and forensic expertise in assembling evidence and presenting their case.

He reaffirmed the FCCPC’s unwavering commitment not only to protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers but also to promoting fair business practices in line with the FCCPA (2018) and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Nigerian government.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Legend Internet Plc Makes History as First Indigenous Telecom Firm on NGX

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Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), has made history with the listing of Legend Internet Service Plc  as the first company in its Telecoms sector and the first company to be listed this year.

Legend Internet Plc Makes History as First Indigenous Telecom Firm on NGX

Legend’s N2 billion ordinary shares, with a par value of 50 kobo each, were listed at N5.64 per share.

Dr Umaru Kwairanga, chairman of NGX Group,  who welcomed Legend’s board and management, commended the company for its successful listing on the Exchange

He highlighted that listing signifies an elevated commitment to corporate governance and provides opportunities to leverage the Exchange’s diverse asset classes for capital raising.

He stated, “As we celebrate this listing, with many more in the pipeline, I commend the management of Legend Internet Plc for this remarkable milestone.

“This bold step demonstrates confidence in your business model and growth vision.

It also marks the formal emergence of a broadband service as a distinct sub-sector on our Exchange.

Legend has evolved from a focused digital network provider to a diversified technology player, achieving significant advancements in broadband infrastructure development and data services.

We anticipate continued growth in the future.

“We are still bringing many companies on board the NGX, including Dangote, NNPC and others.

“As Africa’s leading exchange, NGX has consistently championed innovation, transparency and sustainable value creation through our investment in cutting-edge infrastructure and a comprehensive range of product offerings, spanning equities, bonds, ETFs and derivatives

Speaking at the Facts Behind the Listing Ceremony, Dr Ladi Bada, chairman,  Legend emphasised that the company, as the first indigenous telecommunications company on NGX, has substantial value to offer the market.

Bada encouraged Nigerians to embrace the broadband industry, recognizing it as the fastest-growing sector globally.

He noted that the company had been instrumental in laying fiber optic cables connecting 250 homes in the Suleja and Abuja environs.

He expressed optimism that the Exchange would serve as a catalyst to replicate such commendable projects across other regions of Nigeria.

“We are here to create an enabling digital infrastructure to achieve the projected one-trillion dollar economy.

“On this special day, Legend Internet takes a bold step forward, not just for itself, but for the broader ecosystem of technology, infrastructure, and enterprise in Nigeria.

“As we begin this exciting new chapter as a publicly listed company, we do so with humility and boldness.

We remain committed to continuous innovation, expanding our reach, and delivering value to shareholders and society

“A listing on the Nigerian Exchange is more than a financial event. It is a signal and a declaration that a business is ready to be held to the highest standards of governance, performance, and public trust,” he said

Providing insights into the company’s development, Ms Aisha Abdulaziz, chief executive officer of Legend Internet Plc, stated that the company had evolved from an internet service provider to a comprehensive digital service provider.

Abdulaziz noted that with broadband penetration in Nigeria being less than one per cent, Legend Internet was strategically positioned to deepen access

She affirmed the company’s commitment to taking Nigeria’s digital economy to the next level

“When we started Legend, we weren’t just building an internet company; we were building a movement

A movement fueled by the belief that every Nigerian deserves access to premium, reliable, and high-speed internet, regardless of their location or occupation

“From late nights in our first office to laying fiber across Abuja, to launching products that made people’s lives easier and faster, our journey has always been about connections

“Connecting people to opportunities, connecting homes to entertainment, connecting Nigeria to the digital future it deserves. Our journey has always been about a better way to live.

“This listing is a symbol of our commitment to transparency, sustainable growth, and the kind of excellence that outlives hype.

“Legend’s primary focus now is on unlocking digital value at the household level,” she said.

Mr Jude Chiemeka, chief executive officer of NGX, congratulated the company for making the strategic decision to list.

Mr Chiemeka noted that Legend’s listing on NGX now brings the total number of listed securities to 322

Also, Mr Temi Popoola, chief executive officer of the Nigerian Exchange Group, encouraged the investing public to support the newly listed company.

 


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Digital Realty Expands ServiceFabric to Nigeria, Enhancing Global Interconnectivity

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Digital Realty, the leading global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions, announced today the expansion of its interconnection platform, ServiceFabric®, to Nigeria.

The platform will be natively deployed at Digital Realty’s LOS1 and LOS2 facilities in Lagos, ensuring low-latency, high-performance connectivity for enterprises in the region and beyond.

This strategic expansion reinforces Digital Realty’s commitment to enabling seamless global interconnectivity for businesses, providing enterprise customers in Nigeria with the ability to connect whenever, wherever, and to whoever they need to.

The presence of ServiceFabric® in Lagos will support the growing demand for hybrid IT and multi-cloud connectivity, empowering businesses with a secure, software-defined interconnection platform.

As part of Digital Realty’s broader vision to support digital transformation across Africa, this deployment is a significant step in an ongoing ServiceFabric® expansion across the continent. Future rollouts are planned to bring additional access points across Africa, enabling enterprises to interconnect with partners, clouds, and networks seamlessly.

The timing of this deployment aligns with a surge in digital activity across Africa. The continent’s digital transformation market is projected to grow from approximately USD 23 billion in 2024 to USD 46 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% , underscoring the accelerating demand for advanced connectivity solutions.

In Nigeria specifically, national initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program and the Broadband Alliance reflect strong government support for enhancing digital skills and infrastructure – further highlighting the country’s critical role in Africa’s digital future.

“The launch of ServiceFabric® in Nigeria marks a significant milestone in our mission to build a truly globally connected digital economy,” said Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer, Digital Realty. “By deploying ServiceFabric® natively in our Lagos facilities, we are ensuring businesses in Nigeria have access to the same best-in-class interconnection capabilities as enterprises in major digital hubs around the world.”

Explaining further, Engineer Ikechukwu Nnamani, Managing Director, Digital Realty Nigeria, stated the launch of ServiceFabric® in Nigeria is a direct response to the call by the Federal Government towards availability of global infrastructure in the country thereby enhancing localization of content and bringing global platforms into the Nigerian ICT ecosystem.

By a direct connectivity into the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), the IXPN will be able to peer with other global exchanges thereby enhancing the quality of service delivery to Nigerian companies and service providers.

ServiceFabric® is already available natively in more than 160 Digital Realty facilities and over 500 third-party facilities through strategic partnerships, including with Megaport and the recent collaboration with Console Connect. These partnerships help extend the reach of the platform, providing enterprises with a truly global, interconnected ecosystem.

ServiceFabric® is a next-generation interconnection solution designed to simplify and streamline connectivity between enterprises, cloud providers, and network partners. With integration points to Digital Realty’s Private AI Exchange (AIPx), it also paves the way for secure and efficient AI workload connectivity, further future-proofing enterprise infrastructure.

Key benefits include:

  • Seamless multi-cloud connectivity – direct, secure access to major cloud providers with access to more than 280 cloud on-ramps globally, ensuring optimized performance and security.
  • Global reach, local performance – enterprises in Nigeria can connect with business partners and digital services across PlatformDIGITAL®, Digital Realty’s global data center platform consisting of 300+ facilities across 50+ cities in 25+ countries.
  • Scalability & flexibility – businesses can scale their interconnection needs on demand, adapting to changing IT and network requirements.
  • Enhanced security & reliability – a private, software-defined platform that reduces exposure to public internet risks and improves network resiliency.

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