Category: Science and Technology

By   Milcah    Tanimu

Nigeria’s education system is at a turning point, requiring urgent reforms to meet the demands of a globalized, tech-driven world. Prof. Olu Aina, former registrar of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), emphasized the need for a tertiary education system that prioritizes technology and entrepreneurship as engines of development.

With outdated curricula, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of practical skill-building, Nigeria struggles to produce globally competitive graduates. Additionally, UNESCO estimates over 20 million Nigerian children are out of school, highlighting systemic challenges.

The Role of Technology in Education

Technology offers transformative opportunities to address these challenges by:

• Expanding access: E-learning platforms like uLesson and Tuteria bridge gaps in education for underserved areas.
• Enhancing engagement: Smart classrooms and AI-driven tools provide personalized learning experiences.
• Improving teaching: Digital tools reduce teacher workload while boosting teaching quality.

Advancing Entrepreneurship Education

Entrepreneurship education fosters self-reliance, job creation, and economic growth. Institutions like Covenant University have introduced entrepreneurship programs, but broader implementation is essential.

Path to Reform

To integrate technology and entrepreneurship effectively:

1. Curriculum Reform: Introduce coding, robotics, and entrepreneurship at all levels.
2. Teacher Training: Equip educators to integrate modern tools and foster entrepreneurial thinking.
3. Infrastructure Investment: Build smart classrooms, innovation hubs, and digital networks.
4. Policy Support: Increase education funding to meet global benchmarks and incentivize private sector involvement.

Countries like Singapore, India, and Estonia demonstrate the success of integrating technology and entrepreneurship into education. Nigeria can adapt these strategies to address its unique challenges and create a robust system that empowers its youth.

Transforming Nigeria’s education system through technology and entrepreneurship is critical for its future. Policymakers, educators, and stakeholders must collaborate to ensure Nigerian youth are prepared to lead and innovate in the global economy.

By  Milcah   Tanimu

Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed that all available human data for training artificial intelligence (AI), including books and internet content, was exhausted in 2024. This statement aligns with observations from other industry experts, including former OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, who had previously noted that the AI industry reached a “peak data” point.

Musk, who also leads the AI company xAI, explained during a livestream with Stagwell chairman Mark Penn on X that the next phase for AI development involves synthetic data. This data, generated by AI itself, is the only option left for further AI training after exhausting human-sourced information.

He pointed out that AI has progressed in both hardware and software, but the shortage of human-generated data now requires a shift to synthetic data. Musk elaborated, stating, “We’ve literally run out of the entire internet, all books ever written, and all interesting videos. We’ve now exhausted the cumulative sum of human knowledge in AI training.”

Synthetic Data Challenges

Despite its promise, synthetic data presents challenges, especially in verifying the accuracy of AI’s outputs. Musk expressed concerns over “hallucinated” answers, where AI may generate false or misleading information, making it difficult to determine the correctness of its responses.

Researchers have also warned that reliance on synthetic data could lead to “model collapse,” where AI models become less creative and more biased, limiting their functionality.

Industry Shift to Synthetic Data

Several tech giants are already using synthetic data to enhance their AI models. Microsoft, Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic have incorporated AI-generated data into their training processes. According to Gartner, 60% of the data used in AI and analytics projects in 2024 will be synthetically generated.

By    Milcah   Tanimu

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang plans to make Blackwell chips the backbone of data centers worldwide. Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Huang shared his ambitious goal. He believes Blackwell chips will outperform Nvidia’s Hopper chips in revenue by early 2025.

“We’re racing to get Blackwells into every data center in the world,” Huang stated during a Yahoo Finance interview.

Blackwell Chips to Drive Data Center Growth

Nvidia’s data center business accounted for nearly 90% of its revenue last quarter. The rollout of Blackwell chips is expected to sustain this strong growth. Nvidia reported $35.1 billion in revenue in Q4 2024, driven by advancements in AI and data centers. Analysts predict Blackwell will generate billions in sales during the fourth quarter of 2025.

Expanding into Robotics and Autonomous Driving

Huang also discussed opportunities in robotics and self-driving cars. Nvidia’s autonomous driving technology already brings in $5 billion annually. He believes the industry will grow significantly in the coming years.

“This is likely going to be one of the largest robotics and computing industries in the world,” Huang noted.

Key Partnerships and Innovations

At CES, Nvidia announced partnerships with Toyota and Aurora Innovation. These collaborations will focus on self-driving vehicle systems powered by Nvidia’s DRIVE Thor chip. The chip is built on Blackwell architecture. Aurora’s stock rose over 30% after the announcement, while Nvidia’s stock experienced a slight dip.

Nvidia also introduced the GB10, a compact AI superchip. Designed for developers, researchers, and students, the GB10-powered supercomputer will be available in May for $3,000.

What’s Next for Nvidia

Huang emphasized Nvidia’s goal to make AI accessible across platforms. The company is expanding from cloud computing to personal devices. Nvidia’s Blackwell chips are poised to redefine the tech landscape in 2025 and beyond.

By   Milcah   Tanimu

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has disclosed that the company is losing money on its $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro subscription due to unexpectedly high usage. Altman shared this in a post on X (formerly Twitter), admitting that operating costs for the AI platform have outpaced revenue.

ChatGPT Pro, introduced in late 2023, includes access to an upgraded AI model, “o1 Pro,” and removes rate limits on tools like OpenAI’s Sora video generator. However, Altman revealed, “We are currently losing money on OpenAI Pro subscriptions! People use it much more than we expected.”

Potential Price Adjustments

To address the shortfall, OpenAI is considering revising its subscription pricing. Altman noted, “I personally chose the price and thought we would make some money.”

Financial Challenges

Despite raising $20 billion in funding, OpenAI has yet to achieve profitability. Reports indicate a $5 billion loss in 2023, with revenue totaling $3.7 billion. Key expenses include staff salaries, office rent, and the high costs of AI infrastructure, with ChatGPT alone costing an estimated $700,000 daily to operate.

OpenAI is also preparing for corporate restructuring to attract further investments, acknowledging it needs “more capital than it imagined.”

User Growth and Industry Challenges

Altman highlighted the company’s rapid growth, boasting over 300 million weekly active users, up from 100 million two years ago. However, OpenAI faces criticism from competitors, including co-founder Elon Musk, who alleges the company has abandoned its nonprofit roots.

Musk has escalated his legal battle against OpenAI, accusing it of pursuing an “illegal” transition to a for-profit structure, which he claims threatens competition in the AI market.

Moving Forward

As OpenAI continues to innovate and adapt, Altman emphasized its commitment to research, safety, and solving real-world problems. The company remains focused on balancing financial sustainability with technological advancements.

What’s Next for OpenAI?
OpenAI’s future depends on strategic adjustments to pricing and investments while navigating challenges from competitors and financial pressures.

By   Milcah   Tanimu

Nigeria’s mobile subscription base reached 157.3 million in October 2024, showing a positive recovery from 154.6 million in September. The growth, led by MTN and Airtel, signals a bounce back after months of decline due to an extensive audit and the NIN-SIM linkage exercise.

Nigeria’s Teledensity and Market Share Growth
With the increase in subscriptions, Nigeria’s teledensity rose to 72.7% from 71.46% in September 2024, based on a population estimate of 216 million.

MTN and Airtel Performance
MTN, the largest operator in Nigeria, gained 2.2 million new subscribers, reaching a total of 80.3 million, and now holds 51.09% of the market share. Airtel also saw growth, adding 697,430 new subscribers, bringing its total to 54.4 million, holding a 31.61% market share.

Challenges for Globacom and 9mobile
Globacom, which lost 19 million subscriptions due to the NIN-SIM linkage, saw a slight decline of 44,635 subscriptions, bringing its active subscriber base to 19.1 million. 9mobile, struggling with a customer base decline, lost 245,263 subscriptions, reducing its active subscribers to 3.3 million.

Impact of NCC Audit and NIN-SIM Linkage
The growth in subscriptions follows the NCC’s audit and NIN-SIM linkage, which removed inactive lines from the database. This correction aimed to provide more accurate data and improve industry transparency. The removal of approximately 40 million misclassified inactive subscriptions by one operator highlights the audit’s importance in shaping the market’s recovery.

By  Milcah   Tanimu

In 2024, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) made significant strides in Nigeria’s digital sector through targeted initiatives and global recognition. The agency’s strategic initiatives have played a pivotal role in advancing digital transformation and empowering Nigerian talent.

Key Initiatives Driving Digital Transformation in NigeriaOne of NITDA’s key achievements was the launch of SRAP 2.0, a strategic framework designed to guide Nigeria’s digital transformation over the next three years. This initiative builds on previous milestones like the Nigeria Startup Act and IT Project Clearance, with a strong focus on strengthening the nation’s digital economy and fostering sustainable growth.

NITDA’s “One Million Developers and Skills” program also made an impressive impact in 2024. The initiative provided over 8,000 Nigerians with essential digital skills, positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for global tech talent. By equipping young professionals with critical digital competencies, NITDA is ensuring a future workforce ready to drive Nigeria’s technology sector forward.

International Recognition for NITDA’s Digital Education Efforts

In recognition of its efforts in workforce development, NITDA received the prestigious “Maximising Impact Award” at Coursera’s 2024 Outstanding Enterprise Customer Achievement Ceremony. This global recognition highlights the agency’s success in promoting digital education and its ongoing commitment to developing digital skills nationwide.

Leadership Excellence in Digital Transformation

NITDA’s Director-General was also honored with an Award of Excellence for his leadership in championing digital transformation in Nigeria. This accolade serves as a testament to the agency’s visionary leadership and its continued commitment to advancing ICT development.

**NITDA’s Role in Shaping Nigeria’s Digital Future**

NITDA’s achievements in 2024 underscore its critical role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future. Through strategic initiatives, skill-building programs, and international collaboration, the agency is laying a strong foundation for Nigeria to become a global leader in digital innovation and technology.

By  Milcah  Tanimu

Google has unveiled its 2024 Year in Search for Nigeria, highlighting the topics and events that captivated the nation. Topping the list were searches for the U.S. elections, the national grid, and the reinstated national anthem, reflecting Nigerians’ strong interest in political and economic issues.

Trending Topics of 2024

The annual report offers a deep dive into the subjects that defined the year. Among the most-searched:

• U.S. Elections: With Donald Trump’s victory as U.S. President, Nigerians closely followed updates and results from the November elections.
• National Grid: Repeated power failures and over 10 grid collapses spurred significant interest in the country’s energy issues.
• National Anthem: President Bola Tinubu’s reversion to Nigeria’s old national anthem, dropped in 1978, also grabbed attention.

People, Entertainment, and Culture

In addition to news, Nigerians turned to Google for entertainment and cultural content:

• Trending Personalities: Bobrisky topped the list, alongside musicians like Shallipopi and Khaid.
• Music: Popular songs like “I Don’t Care” by Boy Spyce and “Ozeba” by Ayra Starr led searches.
• Movies and TV: Films like “A Tribe Called Judah” and series such as “Supacell” and “My Demon” captured the imagination of netizens.

Key Questions Nigerians Asked

Google Search also revealed curiosity about everyday issues and global events. Top queries included:

• “How much is dollar to naira today?”
• “Who won the U.S. presidential election?”
• “How to get perfectly defined curls for African hair?”

Nigerians also sought clarity on words like “demure,” “steeze,” and “pet peeves.”

Insights from Google

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Google West Africa, commented, “The 2024 Year in Search provides a unique glimpse into the questions and interests shaping Nigerians’ lives. Search remains a vital tool for understanding the world around us.”

Takeaway

From political developments to entertainment trends, Google’s 2024 Year in Search reflects the diverse interests of Nigerians and their reliance on technology to stay informed and entertained.

By  Milcah  Tanimu

Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, Founder of Deaf-in-Tech, urged the Nigerian government to create an inclusive society for persons with disabilities. He made this statement at an event organized by Data-Lead Africa to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2024.

Dr. Ayoola stressed that the government must act quickly to build an inclusive society that benefits everyone, especially persons with disabilities. He emphasized that the government should focus on sectors like education, employment, and leadership.

“It’s time to stop ignoring disability inclusion,” Dr. Ayoola said. “Persons with disabilities are an integral part of society. They deserve inclusion in every opportunity.”

Dr. Ayoola pointed out that the government needs more than just temporary measures like social stipends. He called for systemic reforms that will create sustainable opportunities for persons with disabilities to thrive.

“We must build frameworks that empower persons with disabilities,” Dr. Ayoola said. “These frameworks will provide opportunities for employment and allow them to contribute actively.”

He also stressed the importance of collaborating with the disability community. Dr. Ayoola called on the government to design accessible education systems and ensure equitable access to economic opportunities. He added that true inclusion requires laying a solid foundation for future generations.

“Planning for persons with disabilities must be intentional,” Dr. Ayoola said. “We need comprehensive plans for education, employment, and leadership. Working together, we can create a nation where everyone belongs and can contribute to progress.”

Deaf-in-Tech, which works to empower Deaf individuals in the tech industry, aligns with this year’s theme for the International Day for Persons with Disabilities: “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”

The event ended with a rally. Participants held placards that read, “We are Deaf, We are Here, and We are Part of Society. Plan for Us, and Plan with Us.” Dr. Ayoola called for all sectors to work together. He emphasized that no one should be left behind in building a more inclusive society.

By  Milcah   Tanimu

Bluesky, a rapidly growing social media platform, is accused by the European Union (EU) of breaching transparency regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). According to reports, Bluesky failed to provide critical information, including user numbers within the EU and details about its legal establishment.

Non-Compliance with DSA Requirements

The EU mandates that all platforms, including smaller ones like Bluesky, maintain a dedicated page displaying their EU user statistics and legal establishment details. However, Bluesky has not adhered to this rule, as confirmed by an EU Commission spokesperson.

“This is not the case for Bluesky as of today,” the spokesperson stated, emphasizing the importance of transparency for accountability in the digital space.

EU’s Response to Bluesky‘s Violation

The EU Commission has yet to directly engage with Bluesky but has asked member states to investigate the platform’s compliance. Failure to meet DSA requirements could lead to financial penalties or restricted access to EU markets, posing significant challenges to Bluesky’s expansion plans.

About Bluesky

Initially launched as a Twitter project to decentralize social media, Bluesky became an independent entity with a focus on user autonomy and privacy. Despite surpassing 20 million users, Bluesky faces criticism for non-compliance, threatening its growth and reputation.

Key Features of Bluesky

• Customizable algorithmic feeds for personalized content.
• Over 50,000 user-created feeds, showcasing content curation.
• Commitment to user privacy by avoiding user data for AI training.
• Internal AI tools focused solely on content moderation for safety.

Bluesky’s innovative approach has driven rapid growth, but its failure to comply with EU regulations may hinder its progress in a highly competitive market.