Category: Science & Tech

Award

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Dr Bonaventure Okere, an astronomer with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has won the 2024  International Astronomical Union (IAU) prize for astronomy education in Africa.

Guido Schwarz, IAU’s Press Officer, announced the prize winners in a statement issued on the union’s official website page, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

The prizes were in three categories, which included the IAU Astronomy Outreach, Development and Education (ODE).

“The IAU has announced the 2024 winners of three IAU prizes that were created in 2022.

“The three awards recognise individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to the fields of astronomy outreach, development and education.

“The 2024 ODE Education prize is awarded to Linda Strubbe and Okere for their leadership in creating high-quality educational experiences in astronomy for African university students.

“ Okere led the foundation of the Pan-African School for Emerging Astronomers (PASEA) at the IAU 28th General Assembly, in Beijing to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education in Nigeria and Africa.’’

Schwarz said that Okere’s partner, Strubbe, had been central in creating very high-quality educational experiences in PASEA through her design, leadership and teaching.

According to Schwarz, Okere’s work draws on a particularly strong evidence base across the educational curriculum; from professional development for PASEA instructors to the evaluation of student’s learning.

“The inquiry-based curriculum intertwines teaching content with scientific practices, and is highly regarded by students, building on Bonaventure Okere’s vision of leveraging the world-class astronomy facilities on the continent.

“The impact of  Strubbe’s and  Okere’s initiative, leadership, and excellence in implementing PASEA is already enormous and will continue to grow into the future,” he said.

He said that PASEA had trained no fewer than 300 students across 18 African countries, with the sixth school being held in Tunisia this year.

Okere, in his response, said that with the many observatories across Africa, he had always pondered on how to contribute to the development of astronomers from Africa who would play key roles in the observatories.

He said the collaborative journey to build a critical mass of astronomers across Africa began in 2012 and led to the founding of PASEA, adding that he was honoured to receive the prize for team PASEA.

Other prize winners were Saran Poshyachinda for IAU Outreach and the Central American-Caribbean Bridge in Astrophysics for the IAU Development.

A total of 62 valid nominations were received, with both the nominators and nominees spanning the entire globe.

Schwarz said that the awards would be presented to the winners at the IAU 32nd General Assembly (IAUGA2024) in Cape Town, South Africa, in August.

Okere is presently the Director, Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy, an activity centre of NASRDA.

Strubbe is an Astrophysicist, who is currently consulting for a number of physics education projects in the U.S. and working to develop more ways to support African astronomy lecturers and students.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

NIU/CJ/

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

LASG donates N1bn seed fund for startups to LASRIC

By Oluwatope Lawanson and Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 14, 2024 (2024) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday presented a cheque of ₦1 billion as seed fund for startups to the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC)..

Sanwo-Olu made the presentation at the inauguration of members of the newly reconstituted Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) in Lagos.

He said that the seed funding was for the advancement of scientific innovations in Lagos State.

He emphasised the state’s commitment to supporting innovation, acknowledging Lagos as the home to many promising early-stage and unicorn startups.

Sanwo-Olu said that in the past years, the success metrics in the startup ecosystem in Lagos State had leapfrogged startups in many other cities and countries in Africa.

He said that there had been amazing impacts in Foreign Direct Investment attraction, numbers of startup solutions and patents.

“We are committed to increasing these success metrics with the provision of LASRIC seed fund to the tune of N1,000,000,000 (one billion Naira) – in the first tranche funding to the council.

“We believe this fund will continue to catalyse development in our dear state.

‘’It is my expectation that the new LASRIC Board being inaugurated today will work assiduously towards ensuring the realisation of our collective goals and aspirations,’’ he said.

According to the governor, sustaining the path of the development of Lagos State is the central focus of his administration’s THEMES Agenda.

He said that to drive deeper positive economic outcomes, it became essential to establish an Innovation, Science, and Technology body (LASRIC) to manage and propel Lagos State’s engagement with the science and technology ecosystem.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the LASRIC council is composed of experts from industry, academia and the public sector.

He said that their mission was to deepen and expand innovation activities in Lagos.

“Over the past four years, LASRIC has created over 500 jobs by supporting innovative startups in areas such as AgriTech, the circular economy, climate change and construction tech.

“In research and development, LASRIC has supported more than 70 initiatives, ranging from projects in biomass and biodiesel to artificial intelligence for medical imaging.

“LASRIC’s efforts have increased innovation activity within the state by over 250 per cent,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu  added that notably, LASRIC secured the government’s first patent through a multidisciplinary team from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which worked on the Ambubag Ventilator.

He said that there were many other patent-pending projects underway, adding that these activities highlighted a path toward strengthening his administration’s value creation tenet.

While reconstituting the new LASRIC council, the governor commended the outgoing members of council under the leadership of Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos.

He commended their outstanding performance in laying the foundation and charting the course for the new members of the council to build on.

Sanwo-Olu urged the new members to have a renewed commitment to enhancing the state’s innovation capacity.

He highlighted key areas of focus for the newly reconstituted council, which included increased funding and support, collaboration and partnership.

Some others, he said, included capacity building, focus on local challenge and promotion of culture of innovation.

Also speaking  at the occasion, Mr Olatunbosun Alake, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, said that there was a structured assessment for technology companies and startups that could apply for the seed funding.

Alake said that the ministry had developed a system of assessment and Code of Activities called “POEM” for would-be applicants.

“POEM stands for Proposition – what problems are the startups and tech companies solving? Organisation – what kind of skills have been put together to solve the problem?

“The ‘E’ in POEM stands for Economics – does it make business sense? Will it make money? Will people buy it? and ‘M’ stands for Milestone in terms of the building these businesses will have.

“Startups or tech companies that are able to pass this assessment and access the seed funding should be able to solve problems in Lagos State and beyond,” Alake said.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, the newly appointed Chairman of LASRIC and Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University of Science & Technology, expressed his gratitude and outlined his vision for the council’s future.

“It is a call to duty and to work. I am beyond excited for the opportunity to work with great minds to further advance human enterprise.

”We are glad that the government is matching its words with action,” Odusanya said.

A member of the council and Founder, Eko Innovation  Centre, Mr Victor Afolabi, said that being a member of the council was an opportunity to serve, upskill and support startups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
SKA/LAW/COF
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Edited by Christiana Fadare

Healthcare
By Stellamaris Ashinze
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Executive Director and Board Member, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya on Friday highlighted the importance of healthcare system to the economic growth of the nation.

Sanya who made this known in her keynote address at the 10^th graduation of CLI College in Lagos, said that strong healthcare system would enhance a thriving economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the graduation of over 50 students at the CLI College exemplifies its dedication to equipping Nigerians with the skills and knowledge needed to address the critical needs for qualified healthcare professionals.

She said that a healthy workforce was essential for any economy.

‘’When there are issues with healthcare, it erodes the talents and hinder economic growth,’’ Sanya said.

She noted the crucial roles of the private sector, encompassing not only corporations but also individuals and institutions in bridging the skills’ gap within the Nigerian healthcare industry.

The executive director also encouraged the graduating class on the importance of collective action in building a stronger healthcare system for Nigeria.

In her welcome address, Head of Health School, CLI College, Angela Chizea, acknowledged the graduates’ dedication and emphasised the importance of education in shaping their future.

Chizea said that CLI College’s graduation exemplified its dedication to equipping Nigerians with the skills and knowledge needed to address the critical need for qualified healthcare professionals.

According to her, the programmes empower graduates to enter rewarding careers and contribute significantly to the national healthcare workforce.

She, however, expressed gratitude to the college staff and supportive families who played a role in the graduates’ journey.

Chizea acknowledged critical roles played by the college staff, whose tireless efforts and unwavering support had helped shape the journey.

The institution also announced the launch of new health care programmes including Health Office Administration, Developmental Support Worker and Pharmacy Assistant programmes to further enhance healthcare professionals’ knowledge and skills.

NAN reports CLI College is a private career college in Nigeria offering Diploma and Certificate programmes designed to prepare students for success in healthcare, business, technology and creativity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
SKA/AJA
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

(more…)

Investment
By Simon Akoje
Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Some experts have urged the Federal Government to invest more in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and manufacturing sector to boost Gross Domestic Products (GDP)
They gave the advice on Thursday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Prof. Bright Eregha, a Professor of Economics, at the Pan Atlantic University, said the government should accord more priority to the ICT sector to accelerate more growth in the second quarter.
“The sector has the capacity to facilitate immense economic growth due to the fifth generation network being operated currently.
“This is achieved where business transaction and the impact of artificial intelligent have simplified contemporary complex issues in the society,’’ Eregha said.
He noted that the government could ensure more GDP growth in the preceding quarter of the year, by investing in domestic manufacturing.
“The government should initiate more Public Private Partnership (PPP) schemes that will fix key infrastructure to drive the manufacturing sector because of the impact to our economic development.
“Countries such as South Africa have been able to revamp their critical infrastructure to boost the productive sector of their economy and Nigeria should not be an exemption,” Eregha said.
Also, Mr Boniface Okezie, President, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said the government should fully implement its all year farming schemes to catalyse economic growth.
“More efforts should be made to mechanise its farming practices and address the insecurity that is negating the sector.
“Then, the sector can return to the largest contributor to GDP growth and create employment opportunities for the teaming youths in the hinterland,”Okezi said.
He said that the Federal Government should also harness the enormous prospects in the solid mineral sector to grow the economy.
“The solid minerals sector is yet to be exploited commercially for our public good particularly in the North Central zone where there are many minerals and other precious metals in commercial value,” Okezie said.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria has recorded a 2.98 per cent growth in GDP in the first quarter of the year.
This represents a 0.48 percentage point quarter -on-quarter decline in GDP growth when compared with 3.46 per cent growth recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023.
This growth rate is higher than the 2.31 per cent recorded in the first quarter of 2023 and lower than the fourth quarter of 2023 growth of 3.46 per cent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AST/ADA
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Data

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) says it is making efforts to create more awareness on the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) to ensure organisations and relevant stakeholders comply with the Act.

NDPC’s National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said this on Wednesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the commission’s one year implementation of the NDPA in Abuja.

NAN reports that NDP bill, which was signed as an Act of parliament by President Bola Tinubu on June 12, 2023, provides a legal framework for the regulation of processing and protection of personal information, and other related matters

Olatunji said that organisations’ non compliance to the Act could result in public distrust and loss of business opportunities for the defaulting organisations.

He said though the law prescribed penalties and remediation fees for defaulting organisations but the commission was trying to build the culture of compliance and not out to look for those defaulting.

He attributed the low level compliance to lack of awareness and knowledge of the Act by organisations.

“The common challenge we have in propagating data privacy message is awareness; some organisations don’t even know about data protection law, while some don’t understand it.

“When we have interactions with them, they are willing to comply because we are approaching them from the perspective of the value in it for them.

“We tell them that when you are compliant, the perception, trust of people dealing with you to a large extent increase your business opportunities.

“But where there is no trust, nobody will believe you and we also let them know the repercussions, financial loss through their breaches.

“We are trying to build the culture of compliance; we are not necessarily out to look for those defaulting,” national commissioner said.

On the level of compliance, he said that the private sector had been more compliant than the public sector.

Olatunji disclosed that the commission was making efforts at engaging Chief Executive Officers of government institutions and relevant stakeholders across board to increase the awareness on data privacy.

“When we started, the level of compliance within the private sector was about 49 per cent while the public sector was four per cent.

“But today, private sector compliance level is above 55 per cent, while the public sector compliance level has reached 15 per cent,” Olatunji said.

He disclosed that the commission within the period under review, received about 1,000 complaints on data breaches.

“Out of the 1,000 cases, majority of them were on digital loan companies that we call loan sharks.

“But we have also conducted investigations in the education sector, financial institutions, real estate, insurance, consulting, and schools.

“As at today, we have finalised four major investigations, and some have paid their remediation fees.

“In the law, we can fine companies depending on the nature of the breach, impact on the subject, and level of cooperation; and we have gotten N400 million from remediation fees,” he said.

Olatunji noted that the country’s large population and its huge land mass were affecting the commission’s effective interventions on data privacy.

According to him, this is because some data privacy violators are operating from unknown locations.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

NIU/KOO/ADA

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Deji Abdulwahab

Project

By Philip Yatai

Suleja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Some beneficiaries of the World Bank-supported Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) say the project is equipping Nigerian youths with digital skills to tap from the nation’s digital economy.

The beneficiaries stated this on Tuesday during their graduation, inauguration of internship programme and unveiling of Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd in Suleja.

The beneficiaries were among the 460 youths trained on digital marketing, data analytics and cyber security by Ubelle Neo Cloud Technologies Consortium under the IDEAS project.

One of them, Khadijat Abubakar, a data analytics trainee, described the digital training as one of the best she had ever attended and thanked the organisers for the opportunity.

Abubakar said that the training had equipped her with the necessary skills to tap from the huge opportunities that the digital economy provides.

“I now know how to clean, filter, sort and verify data among other data analytics skills.

“I am looking forward to a very bright future with my digital skills and hoping to become one of the best data analysts in the country by God’s grace,” she said.

Similarly, Lateefat Abdulrazak, another data analytics trainee, said she had always wanted to become a data analyst but did not have the opportunity until now.

Abdulrazak said: “The IDEAS programme has provided me with the needed opportunity to achieve my long-time ambition of becoming a data analyst.

“I will now use my new acquired skills to solve real life programmes in the digital economy space. I am very grateful to the World Bank, Ubelle Nig. Ltd and New Cloud for the opportunity.”

Another beneficiary, Mr Olarin Shadrack, said that the training has equipped him with a digital marketing skill to be able to explore opportunities in the nation’s digital economy.

“I learned a lot about digital marketing and now in the comfort of my home and my little space, I can market my products and other people’s products in the digital space using digital devices.

“I am into agro-farming and other businesses. With my digital marketing skill, I can easily advertise myself online, showcase my talent and make money,” he said.

Earlier, Dr Ali Onoja, the Project Leader of Ubelle Neo Cloud Technologies Consortium, explained that the 460 beneficiaries were selected from more than 900 applicants.

Onoja said that the beneficiaries went through rigorous digital skills development from December 2023 and were equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital age.

He explained that the Ubelle Nig. Ltd and Neo Cloud Technologies Consortium were among the 14 private sector organisations selected as grantees of the Innovation Grant Funding (IGF) under the IDEAS project.

According to him, the aim was to equip eligible youths, especially women, the disabled, and the vulnerable, with digital skills and certification.

He said that the digital marketing and digital entrepreneurship skills would enhance the capacity of the Nigerian skills development system to produce relevant skills for the formal and informal sectors.

“However, learning alone is not enough. To turn their skills into successful ventures, they need resources, support, and opportunities, and this is where Fabsi Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd comes in.

“We understand that starting or expanding a business requires more than just knowledge; it requires capital, mentorship, and a network of like-minded individuals.

“Fabsi Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd. is designed to provide the graduates and other interested members of the public with these essential resources,” he said.

Also, IGF Consultant, Mr Ndem Ndiyo, National Project Implementation Unit, Federal Ministry of Education, said that the IDEAS project was an ambitious and transformative initiative designed to enhance the quality and relevance of skills development in Nigeria.

Ndiyo described the project as one of the successful Public Private Partnership in the education sector in Nigeria, designed to leverage resources in the private sector for digital training.

He added that the beneficiaries would be certified in line with the National Skills Qualification Framework, to become employable, self-employed and employers of labour.

“They will go through an internship programme where they will be engaged by the digital industry to put their skills to use after which we will look at job placement for them.

“This in the long run will enable them to impact the nation’s digital economy,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/ADA

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

ICANN80: .NG domain names surpass 225,500

.ng

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) on Tuesday said that the domain names of the .ng registry had increased to 225,533 from 222,820 recorded earlier in the year.

This was made known at the ongoing Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Policy Forum (ICANN80), in Kigali, Rwanda.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NiRA is the registry for .ng Internet Domain Names and maintains the database of names registered in the .ng country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD).

Mrs Busayo Balogun, Head of Corporate Services, NiRA, said in her presentation at the Country Code Names Supporting Organisation (ccNSO) session, that the association had launched a dashboard for real time updates on .ng domain name registrations.

Balogun said that the .ng domain name had continued to gain popularity in usage for websites and email addresses.

According to her, the dashboard shows the .ng domains has increased to 225,533 from 222,820 reported earlier in the year.

She said that through its 3Rs – Registry, Registrar, Registrant – model of operation, NiRA contracted more than 100 registrars to provide registration services to the public.

“An end user selects a registrar to provide the registration service, and that registrar registers the domain chosen by the user.

‘’NiRA does not register users directly, this model has really helped us to maintain decorum,’’ she said.

Earlier, the president, NiRA, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, reiterated NiRA’s commitment to driving .ng domain adoption and advancing Nigeria’s digital landscape.

“This growing trend underscores the domain’s significance and its role in establishing a strong digital identity for businesses and individuals alike.

“Additionally, we are currently conducting the .ng brand survey [https://form.jotform.com/niraworks/ng-brand-survey-2024] to gauge the awareness and adoption levels of the .ng domain among internet users in Nigeria.

“I encourage everyone to participate in this survey and share their valuable insights,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

SKA/COF

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Edited by Christiana Fadare