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Youth IT Empowerment: Key to Vision 2020– Shobajo

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Kayode Shobajo, Chief Technopreneur/CEO, HiiT, synonymous with youth IT empowerment. He has undying passion for quality ICT education. Shobajo is a consummate technoprenuer, with panache and zeal to deliver world class and affordable training solutions particularly to youths in this technology-driven economy. Shobajo retired as a senior military officer in the Nigerian Air Force, over a decade ago, to start HiiT. He spoke with Emeka Okafor.

 

Quality IT Training/Education in Nigeria

HiiT began operations twelve years ago with a mission to eradicate IT illiteracy by offering world class and affordable training/education in a customer-centric manner. Today, we are still in the pursuit of our mission. Since 1996, we have graduated twenty thousand students in our Kano and Lagos centres. It may interest you to know that HiiT has recorded matchless milestones. In 2007, it produced the first and only Java Master in Nigeria. In terms of quality training we have the facilities and the human capital. We have equally upgraded our IT Proficiency curriculum, amongst others, by fusing a marriage between International Computer Driving License (ICDL) and Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) syllabi. This enables Nigerians to kill two birds with one stone. So, for us at HiiT, rendering world-class affordable services is our brand essence.

Cost of ICT Training/Education

HiiT is 100 percent Nigerian brand, so, we are stakeholders in the future of our country. In the last twelve years we have consistently delivered world-class affordable ICT training in all our centres. Empowering Nigerian youth goes beyond profit maximization. It is a call to serve, so that our nation can be liberated from both economic and digital poverty. In my perspective, I believe there should be a lot of platforms to train the youth in ICT apart from the typical Introduction to computers being taught in higher institutions. Our higher institutions are trying but ICT requires expertise and proficiency with management acumen for execution and sustained quality service delivery. We at HiiT see our role as that of intervention because ICT youth empowerment is the focal point of our development efforts. Our nation must challenge the youth with appropriate and adequate IT facilities and re-orientate them to reawake the e-spirit needed to produce IT proficient graduates, across board, as well as knowledgeable technopreneurs. This is why HiiT shall continue to render world-class affordable services to our target market.

HiiT ICT Empowerment Galleria in Tertiary Institutions

In line with our strategic growth agenda, HiiT is investing at least N2 billion within the next one year, in at least six tertiary institutions that meet our requirements. This is only the first phase of our intervention. We aim to eventually partner with all willing universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and others. We also appeal to their visitors to help facilitate this intervention for them with good speed. Our ICT Empowerment methodology is not only revolutionary but sustainable. It is also a home-grown solution based on eight years of research. This intervention is designed to first, train all tertiary institution students to become IT proficient in the use of market-relevant computer applications taking into consideration our peculiarities in Nigeria. And second, to empower all computer science students and other students with flair for IT, with current solution development platforms and appropriate certification curricula under same roof with their academics. What is more, all these will cost the students very little. This will certainly augment government efforts in realizing its ICT empowerment component of Vision 2020.

National IT Policy Review

As you also know, a purposeful and well articulated National IT policy document will form a good foundation for the Nation to leverage IT towards achieving the Government’s Vision 20: 2020. This is what most countries in our similar circumstances have done successfully. India and Malaysia are ready examples. In my opinion, the President’s 7-point agenda should be upgraded to an 8-point agenda; with the eighth point being IT. The National IT Policy Review efforts currently in progress under auspices of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), I wish, will be able to articulate something convincing enough to government in this respect. As an experienced and seasoned technopreneur, I have no doubt at all that this is our optimal path towards the actualization of Vision 20:2020

NACOSS and HiiT

As you know, NACOSS stands for National Association of Computer Science Students. It has a local chapter in most tertiary institutions that offer computer science a course, HiiT and I have been supporting NACOSS both morally and financially for many years now. Our reasons for doing this are many. First, and as I have said earlier, our principal brand essence is IT Youth empowerment. Second, we are consciously investing in building a pool of competent IT talents/workforce of the future by discovering and nurturing them from this formative stage. You should also be aware that we are an IT solution company as well. We are a bit silent in this aspect for now because the existing pool of talents to utilize in this respect in our economy is still very shallow. So you can see the synergy. At HiiT, we are building a world-class and sustainable strategic IT concern, not a petty contracting one. That is why we have to deepen our roots for our superstructure to stand firmly in the future. In today’s e-economy, competition is global; therefore, human capital development is more critical to the survival of the private sector than the public sector. We are therefore not expecting government to do too much for us, hence our strategic relationship with NACOSS, in particular and tertiary students, in general. I am happy to report that the students themselves are not only happy but excited with both the relationship and our IT empowerment intervention concept. They have so far recognized our good efforts and contributions by NACOSS bestowing on HiiT Distinguished National Award of Excellence, on one hand, and making my good self a National Patron of NACOSS, on the other hand.

Nigeria Internet Group (NIG)

As you are also aware, NIG is an NGO that was founded/supported by some public sector institutions/agencies and the likes of Engr Olawale Ige (Former Minister of Communications), Engr. Iromantu (Former CEO, NCC) Mr. Jim Ovia (MD/CEO), Zenith Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem (Incumbent President, ATCON), Engr Lanre Ajayi (Incumbent President of NIG) and Engr Ernest Ndukwe (Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC) and others in the mid 1990s. The aim was to use the platform as an advocacy organ to encourage the military government of that era to see the imperative of the Internet as a tool for economic development and also, to make internet access available around the country. In 2008, internet access, to a large extent, is available nationwide. We may argue about affordability to most Nigerians at the moment, but access is no longer a serious issue. To this extent, NIG can be said to have achieved its goal of widespread internet access. What is therefore next for NIG, as the incumbent Vice President, it’s my pleasure to let you know that our focus now has shifted to content on the internet by Nigerians in Nigeria. Our current theme is Internet for Jobs, I4J, for short. Our vision in this respect is to use the internet as a platform for creating a critical mass of job opportunities for Nigerians and making Nigeria a positive contributor to the emergent knowledge economy, and to be a preferred destination for the global Internet related services including outsourcing Web Application Development, e-Commerce and Software development. We have organized two public seminars on this theme in the last one year; more activities in this respect should be expected soon. My parting words: its time for Nigerians to start uploading contents of global commerce seriously not just to continue to download alone because the future of the global economy will be determined by content competitiveness, as most other factors would soon become constant.


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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Firm Explores the Evolution of AI-powered Ransomware with Password-gated Capabilities

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Kaspersky experts have revealed the inner workings of FunkSec — a ransomware group that illustrates the future of mass cybercrime: AI-powered, multifunctional, highly adaptive and operating on volume with ransoms as low as $10,000 to maximise profits.

Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) constantly monitors the ransomware threat landscape, where attacks continue to rise. According to the company’s latest State of Ransomware report, the share of users affected by ransomware attacks worldwide increased to 0.44% from 2023 to 2024, up by 0.02 percentage points.

While this percentage may appear modest compared to other cyber threats, it reflects the fact that attackers typically prioritise high-value targets rather than mass distribution, making each incident potentially devastating. Within this evolving landscape, FunkSec has emerged as a particularly concerning threat.

Active for less than a year since its emergence in late 2024, FunkSec has quickly surpassed many established actors by targeting government, technology, finance and education sectors. What sets FunkSec apart is its sophisticated technical architecture and AI-assisted development.

The group packages full-scale encryption and aggressive data exfiltration into a single Rust-based executable, capable of disabling over 50 processes on victim machines and equipped with self-cleanup features to evade defenses.

Beyond its core ransomware functionality, FunkSec has expanded its toolkit to include a password generator and a basic DDoS tool — both showing clear signs of code synthesis using large language models (LLMs).

FunkSec’s approach reflects the evolving landscape of mass cybercrime, combining advanced tools and tactics. Kaspersky’s GReAT experts highlight the key features that define their operations:

Password-Controlled functionality

GReAT experts discovered that FunkSec ransomware features a unique password-based mechanism that controls its operation modes. Without a password, the malware performs basic file encryption, while providing a password activates a more aggressive data exfiltration process in addition to encryption to steal sensitive data.

FunkSec packs full-scale encryption, local exfiltration and self-cleanup into a single Rust binary—without a side-loader or a companion script. That level of consolidation is uncommon and gives affiliates a plug-and-play tool they can deploy almost anywhere.

Use of AI in development

Code analysis shows that FunkSec is actively using generative artificial intelligence to create its tools. Many parts of the code seem to be automatically generated rather than manually written. Signs of this generic placeholder comments (such as “placeholder for actual check”) and technical inconsistencies, like commands for different operating systems that don’t align properly. Additionally, the presence of declared but unused functions—such as modules included upfront but never utilised — reflects how large language models combine multiple code snippets without pruning redundant elements.

“More and more, we see cybercriminals leveraging AI to develop malicious tools. Generative AI lowers barriers and accelerates malware creation, enabling cybercriminals to adapt their tactics faster.

By reducing the entry threshold, AI allows even less experienced attackers to quickly develop sophisticated malware at scale,” comments Marc Rivero, Lead Security Researcher at Kaspersky’s GReAT.

High-volume, low-ransom strategy

FunkSec demands unusually low ransom payments, sometimes as little as $10,000, and pairs this with the sale of stolen data at discounted prices to third parties. This strategy appears designed to enable a high volume of attacks, helping the group quickly establish its reputation within the cybercriminal underground. Unlike traditional ransomware groups that seek million-dollar ransoms, FunkSec employs a high-frequency, low-cost model — further underscoring its use of AI to streamline and scale operations.

Expands beyond ransomware

FunkSec has expanded its capabilities beyond the ransomware binary. Its dark leak site (DLS) hosts additional tools, including a Python-based password generator designed to support brute-force and password-spraying attacks, as well as a basic DDoS tool.

Advanced evasion

FunkSec employs advanced evasion techniques to avoid detection and complicate forensic analysis. The ransomware is capable of stopping over 50 processes and services to ensure thorough encryption of targeted files. Additionally, it includes a fallback mechanism to execute certain commands even if the user launching FunkSec lacks sufficient privileges.

 


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IMF Raises Nigeria’s 2025 GDP Growth Forecast to 3.4%

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International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a 3.4 percent expansion in Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2025, following the conclusion of its annual Article IV consultation with the country.

The IMF announced the forecast in a statement on Wednesday, highlighting progress in macroeconomic reforms while cautioning about persistent vulnerabilities.

The Article IV consultation is a regular assessment of a country’s economic performance and policy framework by the IMF’s executive board. The latest review reflects cautious optimism about Nigeria’s economic trajectory amid ongoing reform efforts.

According to the IMF, Nigeria’s growth in 2024 reached 3.4 percent, mainly driven by increased hydrocarbon production and a robust services sector. However, agricultural output remained subdued due to security challenges and falling productivity.

The IMF expects the positive momentum to continue into 2025, supported by the start of operations at a new domestic refinery, higher oil production, and sustained performance in services. It projected that medium-term growth would remain around 3.5 percent, buoyed by domestic reforms despite an uncertain global environment.

“The Nigerian authorities have implemented major reforms over the past two years which have improved macroeconomic stability and enhanced resilience,” the Fund stated. “The authorities have removed costly fuel subsidies, stopped monetary financing of the fiscal deficit, and improved the functioning of the foreign exchange market.”

The IMF said investor confidence has improved, noting Nigeria’s successful re-entry into the Eurobond market and the resumption of portfolio inflows. However, it acknowledged that poverty and food insecurity have worsened, pushing the government to prioritize inclusive growth.

The report also highlighted positive trends in external reserves, foreign exchange market stability, and inflation. It noted that inflation dropped to 23.7 percent year-on-year in April 2025 from an annual average of 31 percent in 2024, based on the rebased Consumer Price Index released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

“Naira stabilization and improvements in food production brought inflation to 23.7 percent… Inflation should decline further in the medium-term with continued tight macroeconomic policies and a projected easing of retail fuel prices,” the IMF said.

On the fiscal front, the Fund said revenue gains from currency depreciation, improved administration, and higher grants helped offset rising interest payments and administrative costs, leading to improved fiscal performance in 2024.

Despite the progress, the IMF warned of growing risks. It said falling global oil prices or rising financing costs could negatively impact Nigeria’s economic stability. “A further decline in oil prices or increase in financing costs would adversely affect growth, fiscal and external positions, undermine financial stability and exacerbate exchange rate pressures,” it said.

The IMF further cautioned that any deterioration in domestic security could derail growth and worsen food insecurity across the country.


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AfCFTA Opens Opportunity for Logistics Sector

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The African Continental Free trade Area (AfCFTA) has created an opportunity for truckers, airlines and other players in the logistics and transportation sector.

About 2.2 million trucks, valued at $345 billion, will be needed for trade facilitation under the AfCFTA between now and 2045, according to the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

Similarly, 243 aircraft, valued at $25 billion, will be required, with 169,000 rail wagons estimated at $36 billion needed for the continental trade.

Also, more than 130 vessels, valued at $4 billion, will be required to trade under the AfCFTA, Afreximbank said.

“Road, rail, air, and maritime infrastructure are inadequate,” said Gain more Zanamwe, director of trade facilitation and investment promotion, Afreximbank, said at a roadshow in Lagos on Monday.

“Most of the intra-African trade – about 77 percent – is done by road, and this needs to change,” he further said.

He noted that Nigeria is not playing in vehicle market due to a cacophony of poor policies.

“I have had conversations with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). They said why they are not in Nigeria is because of lack of a comprehensive auto policy. If Nigeria fixes the policy, the country can surpass what South Africa is doing,” he noted.

The AfCFTA creates access to a market of 1.4 billion people or $3.4 billion. It also provides an opportunity for Africans to trade with each other and tap from continent’s resources.

Africa’s trade with each other stands at merely 15 percent as against Europe’s 60 percent -70 percent, Asia’s 50 percent -60 percent and North America’s 40 percent.

“We need an ‘Africa-First mentality,” said Kanayo Awani, executive vice president, intra-African trade and export development, Afreximbank, stressing the need for Africans to deepen trade with each other.

The World Bank says the AfCFTA offers a promising opportunity to revive stagnant investment and development.

According to World Bank research, fully implementing the AfCFTA Aagreement could drive intra-Africa FDI by 68 percent and external investment by 122 percent.

“But the devil is in the details: to achieve these gains, countries need to implement the AfCFTA Agreement and its protocols, including the Investment Protocol.

“Drawing on regional integration successes in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU), we know it is imperative to proactively initiate and organize efforts to implement investment reforms,” the World Bank noted.

Nonye Ayeni, chief executive of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), said Africa needs to move beyond the fragmented trade units existing today. She said a nation like Nigeria must begin to produce to export to Africa’s large market.

“Everything needed to produce electric cars could be obtained here. From lithium to rubber, we do not need to import them. We have the tool to bridge the trade gap through collaboration, commitment and cooperation.”

Nigeria’s non-oil export sector recorded a 24.75 percent increase in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.

Non-oil products valued at $1.791 billion were exported between January and March 2025, up from $1.436 billion in the first quarter of 2024.

Cocoa beans accounted for 45.02 percent of total non-oil exports, while urea/fertilizer ranked second with 19.32 percent, with cashew nuts coming third with 5.81 percent.

However, these are agro-based products and insignificant when compared with other emerging markets.

Bangladesh’s exports hit $50 billion in 2024, driven by manufactured goods such as ready-made garments (RMG), jute and jute products, frozen fish and seafood, and leather and leather products, official data said.

Vietnam achieved a record export turnover of $405.53 billion, representing a 14.3 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Malaysia’s exports rose by 4.8 percent to $263.1 billion in 2024, with manufactured goods accounting for 86 percent of its total exports, , according to the nation’s MATRADE.

“It is time we began to think of what we can sell. What value chain can I play in, and what can we do? The world is watching,” said Jumoke Oduwole, minister of industry, trade and investment.


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