Category: Science and Technology

By  Milcah   Tanimu

Telecom infrastructure is vital for Nigeria’s economic growth. However, it faces constant threats from cyberattacks, theft, and vandalism. To combat these issues, IHS Towers, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) presented strategies to protect these assets.

At the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, experts emphasized the need for safeguards. They focused on developing a robust Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP). This plan aims to secure the telecom sector and support national security and digital development.

Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President at IHS (Nigeria), spoke about the company’s efforts to work with the government. They plan to equip millions of Nigerians with digital skills and foster innovation. He urged stakeholders to collaborate on protecting Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure.

ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, praised the federal government for issuing an executive order. This order designates telecom infrastructure as critical. He stressed the need for a comprehensive protection plan to achieve the order’s goals.

With stronger regulations in place, stakeholders believe these protections will enhance Nigeria’s digital economy. They aim to secure the nation’s telecom infrastructure effectively.

By   Milcah   Tanimu

The Federal Government plans to streamline Nigeria’s immigration process by introducing e-gate technology. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize border management.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on Monday. He shared the news in a statement on his official Facebook page. During a presentation on the new integrated border management system, he emphasized the need for enhanced national security and smoother travel.

E-gate technology is an automated system aimed at simplifying the entry and exit processes at immigration checkpoints. The minister explained, “At the heart of this system is our e-gate facility, which automates vetting processes and reduces passengers’ wait times during their entry into the country.”

The government aims to create a secure, efficient, and traveller-friendly environment. This approach is expected to support Nigeria’s economic and social growth.

Tunji-Ojo added, “Our vision is to establish a modern, effective, and efficient immigration service, confidently manned by well-trained and motivated personnel.”

As the government implements this new system, the minister reassured Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to advancing border management. He emphasized the importance of addressing emerging challenges to strengthen national security.

By  Milcah   Tanimu

The Lagos State Government aims to help Nigerian startups secure between $2 million and $3 million in investments at GITEX Global 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Specifically, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, shared this ambitious goal during an interview with Nairametrics on Sunday.

Alake explained that this investment target is based on the success of Nigerian startups showcased at the previous year’s event. For instance, “Last year, some of the startups we brought raised money, with one winning $100,000 and another $50,000. Moreover, one is currently in talks to raise $1.5 million,” he stated.

In addition, the Lagos government has brought five startups and nine established companies to the Expand North Star 2024 segment of GITEX Global to showcase their innovations to global investors. Notable startups include:

• An ag-tech startup, which collaborates with farmers to provide fresh, affordable food.
• Seamfix, a digital identity startup.
• RAIN (Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria), specializing in AI and robotics training.
• Chao, a platform for fast and reliable food, grocery, and medicine deliveries to campuses.
• Shekel Mobility, which simplifies financing and operations for car dealers in Africa.

Criteria for Startup Selection

Alake outlined the criteria for selecting startups and companies for the global showcase. In particular, he emphasized the importance of unique value propositions and viable business models. He noted, “We prefer companies at the seed stage, particularly those with Nigerian or Lagos-based founders. Additionally, we evaluate their product-market fit and team formation.”

Furthermore, the Lagos government has collaborated with the Dubai World Trade Centre to conduct competitions, allowing startups to compete for entry into the Supernova competition, which attracts thousands of startups globally.

What You Should Know

GITEX Global, organized by the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), is regarded as the largest tech show globally. It connects industry leaders, government representatives, innovative startups, expert investors, and corporate buyers. Specifically, the Expand North Star segment caters to startups and investors seeking funding opportunities and industry insights. This year, DWTC anticipates over 1,800 exhibiting startups and more than 1,200 investors with assets under management exceeding $1 trillion.

By   Milcah  Tanimu

TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance,  has announced layoffs impacting hundreds of employees worldwide, particularly in Malaysia. This decision aligns with its strategy to increase the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content moderation.

Initially, reports indicated that TikTok had cut over 700 jobs in Malaysia. However, the company later clarified that the number was under 500.

Most affected employees worked in content moderation. Sources told Reuters that the layoffs were communicated via email late Wednesday.

In response to inquiries, TikTok confirmed the layoffs and stated that several hundred positions would be eliminated globally to improve content moderation. The platform uses a mix of automated detection systems and human moderators to oversee user-generated content.

A TikTok spokesperson said, “We’re making these changes to strengthen our global content moderation model.” The company plans to invest $2 billion in trust and safety this year while enhancing operational efficiency. Currently, automated technologies remove 80% of content that violates platform guidelines.

While TikTok did not disclose the exact number of layoffs worldwide, its parent company, ByteDance, employs over 110,000 people across 200 cities globally. Sources indicate that additional layoffs may occur next month as TikTok consolidates regional operations.

These layoffs highlight concerns about AI’s role in job loss globally. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), recently noted that AI could affect nearly 40% of jobs worldwide. In advanced economies, around 60% of jobs may face impacts from AI, with half of these jobs potentially benefiting from AI integration.

By  Milcah   Tanimu

LinkedIn has announced plans to utilize its users’ data for training its Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, effective November 20, 2024. This update, shared with users over the weekend, aims to enhance the platform’s AI capabilities, including generative AI, which assists in content creation and moderation.

However, LinkedIn will not include data from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom in this training due to stringent data protection laws in these regions. This exclusion ensures compliance with local regulations, maintaining user trust while leveraging the data for innovation.

For users outside these regions, LinkedIn provides an opt-out option. Those who prefer not to share their information for AI training can navigate to “Settings & Privacy,” select the “Data Privacy” tab, and disable the “Data for Generative AI Improvement” feature. However, LinkedIn clarifies that opting out only prevents future data use for training and does not affect data already utilized in previous AI models.

Additionally, the updated User Agreement outlines how LinkedIn will handle content recommendations and moderation while introducing provisions related to generative AI tools. These changes aim to empower creators by allowing broader content distribution and enhancing visibility on the platform.

LinkedIn’s decision aligns with broader trends in social media, where platforms like Elon Musk’s X and Meta are also incorporating user-generated data to train their AI systems. These companies similarly provide users the option to opt-out, highlighting a growing emphasis on data privacy amidst advancements in AI technology.

By  Milcah   Tanimu

In a recent interview, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa revealed that notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji shows signs of distress as military operations intensify against terrorist groups in Nigeria’s North West.

During the interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at its inaugural Annual International Lecture in Abuja, Gen. Musa noted that recent military actions eliminated Halilu Buzu and several other terrorist commanders, instilling fear within Turji’s camp.

“He is clearly panicking,” Gen. Musa asserted. “In the past, he spoke boldly, projecting authority as if he were untouchable. However, it’s evident that he now realizes he no longer holds control. The death of Halilu Buzu, whom he regarded as his leader, has made him acutely aware of his vulnerability. Consequently, he understands he could be next, and what we are witnessing from him is simply noise.”

Moreover, the CDS emphasized that Turji has crossed a critical threshold and assured that military forces would continue operations against insurgents, likely leading to more terrorist casualties. He pointed out that ongoing insecurity in the region largely stems from poverty, illiteracy, and governance issues, which leave many young people without opportunities.

“The prolonged state of insecurity worsens due to these challenges,” he explained. “In addition, we have a significant youth population that remains idle. Therefore, the more we eliminate current threats, the more individuals are drawn into these groups. Additionally, with a 1,500-kilometer border with Niger Republic and another border with Benin Republic, many individuals move in and out of Nigeria, further complicating our efforts.”

With the military’s continued commitment to combating terrorism, the CDS remains hopeful that the tide will turn against these criminal factions in the near future.

Google has officially opened applications for its 2025 Building Opportunities for Leadership and Development (BOLD) Internship Program. This paid summer internship is designed for undergraduate students pursuing non-technical career paths within the company.

The BOLD Internship targets students in their second-to-last year of study, offering a 12-week program beginning in May or June 2025.

Internship Overview

The BOLD Internship Program encourages students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities to apply, emphasizing inclusivity across ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and disability status. Interns will be placed in teams aligned with their backgrounds and interests, contributing to various departments such as Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Program Management.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the BOLD Internship, candidates must be enrolled in a full-time Bachelor’s degree program and plan to return to their studies after the internship. Applicants should also be able to commit to a full-time, consecutive 12-week internship during the summer months, specifically between May and August or June and September 2025. Ideal candidates will showcase an interest in technology and business, alongside strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Fluency in English is essential for effective collaboration across global teams.

Benefits of the Internship

Interns will receive compensation for their contributions, along with opportunities for professional growth. BOLD interns can expect to work on meaningful projects that align with Google’s core operations. Participants will have access to various learning resources, including mentorship programs, speaker series featuring company leadership, and tailored development sessions. These initiatives aim to foster connections among interns and enhance their overall experience during the internship.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their applications by October 19, 2024. The application process requires a resume and an unofficial or official transcript in English. Students should visit the program’s webpage to initiate their applications, ensuring all documents are uploaded in PDF format. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through March 2025.

For further details, visit the Google BOLD Internship Program webpage.

By   Milcah   Tanimu

A recent survey by KnowBe4 reveals that 84% of Africans rely on social media for news. Alarmingly, 80% prefer Facebook. This heavy dependence raises concerns as disinformation continues to rise.

The survey highlights the urgent need for education on misinformation. With 19 African countries set to hold elections in 2024, the worries grow. Disinformation campaigns have quadrupled since 2022, often backed by foreign states like Russia and China. These campaigns lead to social instability.

KnowBe4 conducted the survey in June 2024 across five countries: Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, and South Africa. It included 500 respondents. The majority, 84%, prefer social media over traditional news channels. Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy at KnowBe4 AFRICA, stated that 80% use Facebook and over 50% use TikTok. She warned that these channels are often unreliable.

The ability to spot fake news appears exaggerated. While 82% feel confident in distinguishing true from false information, many lack formal education on the topic. Collard expressed doubt about this confidence. Other research indicates that people often overestimate their ability to detect deepfakes.

The survey shows that disinformation is a growing concern. Eighty percent of respondents worry about its negative impact. Collard noted that many in Kenya have witnessed how disinformation can cause tribal conflict. During Nigeria’s election last year, social media influencers used fake hashtags to fuel political discord.

The survey underscores the need for increased education and awareness. A significant 58% of respondents reported no training on misinformation. Alarmingly, 32% admit to ignoring fake news entirely.

Collard emphasizes a multi-faceted strategy to combat disinformation. This should include enhanced awareness, coordinated government action, and vigilant social media platforms. “Fake news is an ongoing challenge that requires continuous attention,” she stated. “We must teach people to consume media critically, especially emotionally charged content.”

By   Milcah   Tanimu

Google has officially opened applications for its **2025 Software Engineering Winter Internship**, offering opportunities in **Bengaluru** and **Hyderabad**. The internship, starting in January 2025, spans 22 to 24 weeks and is a chance for students to work on Google’s core products and solve technical problems.

The **Google 2025 Software Engineering Winter Internship** targets final-year students enrolled in **Bachelor’s**, **Master’s**, or **Dual degree programs** in **Computer Science** or related fields. Applicants must have a graduation date in 2025 to be eligible.

Interns will work on key engineering operations, researching and developing solutions to technical challenges. They will focus on software applications that improve Google’s offerings, like addressing scalability and automation, including tasks like enhancing search quality and video indexing.

Successful applicants will collaborate with experienced engineering teams, gaining invaluable insights and hands-on experience. Key skills required include proficiency in coding languages like **C**, **C++**, **Java**, **JavaScript**, or **Python**. Additional experience with **Unix/Linux**, **machine learning**, or **security software development** will be an advantage.

To apply, candidates must submit an updated resume and transcript via the **Google Internship Application Portal**. Applicants should highlight their technical skills, experiences, and coding proficiencies. The positions are open at **Google’s offices in Bengaluru** and **Hyderabad**, with opportunities for full-time work outside university term time.

This internship offers students a gateway to join one of the world’s top tech companies, gaining both **experience** and **networking opportunities**.

By   Milcah   Tanimu

E-payment transactions in Nigeria hit an unprecedented N89.5 trillion in July 2024, according to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems (NIBSS). This is the highest monthly record on the NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) platform, reflecting an 89% year-on-year growth from N47.4 trillion in July 2023.

The rise in digital payments is linked to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cashless policy and recent cash shortages. These factors have pushed more Nigerians to use electronic payment methods. The revised policy, effective from January 2023, limits cash withdrawals to N500,000 weekly for individuals and N5 million for corporate organizations.

Total electronic transactions for January to July 2024 have reached N566.3 trillion. This figure is close to the N600 trillion recorded for the entire year of 2023, with five months still to go. Analysts predict that 2024 will exceed last year’s total.

In terms of transaction volume, NIP processed 907 million transactions in July 2024. This is a 22% increase compared to 743 million in July 2023. Industry experts believe cash withdrawal limits and scarcity have pushed people towards digital payments like mobile transfers and PoS.

Adewale Adeoye, a financial analyst, noted that cash shortages have led many Nigerians to embrace cashless options. Banks often limit counter withdrawals to as little as N5,000.

With growing adoption of digital platforms, such as mobile apps and USSD, Nigeria’s e-payment transactions are likely to keep rising. The CBN’s cashless policy continues to drive this trend forward.