Tech

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Han Jong-hee, the joint chief executive officer of Samsung Electronics, has died of a heart attack at the age of 63, the company announced.

Han had led Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division since 2021, navigating the tech giant through an increasingly competitive market dominated by Chinese rivals.

His sudden passing leaves Jun Young Hyun, who oversees Samsung’s semiconductor business, in sole charge of the company until a successor is appointed.

Samsung, the world’s largest producer of memory chips, smartphones, and displays, is yet to announce details of Han’s funeral or succession plans.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched a groundbreaking digital enrichment project using artificial intelligence (AI) to teach and correct the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.

The initiative, inaugurated on Saturday, is part of broader efforts to enhance the experience of pilgrims and visitors at the Two Holy Mosques. 

It offers an advanced educational platform that allows users to enhance their recitation through AI-driven analysis, listen to model recitations from imams of the mosque, and explore translations of the surah in various languages.

According to the Presidency, this represents the pilot phase of the project, which is expected to expand in the future. The platform employs advanced algorithms to evaluate recitation in real-time, connecting traditional learning methods with modern technology.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation strategy in religious education, the initiative aims to offer a seamless and enriching learning experience for visitors from around the world.

By Anas Abbas

In a strategic move to bolster its position in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, China is set to launch dedicated AI courses in primary and secondary schools.

The initiative, announced by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, will commence in the upcoming fall semester, starting September 1.

According to the announcement, schools in Beijing will offer a minimum of eight hours of AI instruction periodically.

These classes can be conducted as independent courses or integrated into existing subjects such as information technology and science.

The directive emphasizes the need for schools to develop comprehensive foundational courses that align with national curriculum standards while focusing on artificial intelligence education.

It encourages the exploration of localized AI curricula tailored for primary and secondary education. The document, outlines plans to create teaching guidelines and student learning materials that cater to the cognitive development of students at various educational stages.

It also highlights the importance of developing diverse and regularly updated resources to incorporate the latest advancements in technology and methodologies.

This educational initiative comes amid a growing rivalry between China and the United States in the AI domain, particularly following the release of DeepSeek’s new model, which competes directly with American counterparts.

Additionally, China’s government has committed to promoting the widespread application of large-scale AI models and advancing next-generation intelligent devices and manufacturing technologies.

Huai Jinpeng, China’s Minister of Education, has indicated that a comprehensive white paper on AI education is expected to be published by 2025.

By Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi

I want to share an inspiring story about perseverance and determination. Some time ago, Malam Aisara Fagge, a visionary educator from Kano, conceived an innovative idea to empower youths with knowledge about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and train them to utilize ChatGPT effectively. 

Malam Aisar took his enthusiasm to social media, publicly announcing his intention to collaborate with Professor Abdullah Uba Adamu on this project. Although the project didn’t come to fruition, an interesting turn of events unfolded. 

Shortly after, I stumbled upon banners advertising training programs on ChatGPT in southern Nigeria with prices that seemed exorbitant. I shared these banners with Malam Aisara, whose response was profound: ‘When you have an idea, many people will try to replicate it.’ His words echoed the age-old adage that ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

This experience came flooding back when I connected with Dr. Idris Ahmed on social media. He shares a similar passion for educating people about computer appreciation and AI and plans to make this vision a reality through his NGO, CUPS. I was impressed by his dedication, and I offered him my support.

What’s truly remarkable about Dr. Idris’s endeavor is his commitment to training many people, thereby pioneering a movement in this field. His initiative has the potential to bridge the knowledge gap and make AI more accessible to a broader audience in Nigeria and beyond.

I sincerely hope Dr. Idris receives the support and recognition he deserves to make this project a resounding success. I pray that Almighty Allah grants success to both Malam Aisara Fagge and Dr. Idris Ahmed in their endeavors, and may their efforts bring about positive change in the lives of many.

Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi wrote via prof4true1@gmail.com.

By Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Abdullahi

In Nigerian landscape today, people need help. Almost everyone needs one form of help of another. This is especially since after Buhari’s brutal leadership which took Nigerians 20 years backward. Baba Tinubu promised that he would continue, not to change and turn things around. And Nigerians are really witnessing a massive and huge form of suffocation, where everyone is gasping for air and therefore, many people don’t care much about what the leaders should do or not do.

A lot of people are hungry as a result of the reckless driving of the nations drivers. You won’t understand the depth of the challenges in Nigeri’as political arena until you engage some politicians, especially those who are genuinely interested in contributing positively to the community. That’s why people like us—who are so much inquisitive—struggle a lot in this field!

I don’t particularly enjoy discussing or praising politicians because whatever they do, they are just doing their jobs. However, there are some reasons that compel me to write on the MB Shehu’s empowerment program, and God willing, I will not do it to flatter; I will only share what I know about that support program, and I know that God is my witness regarding what I write. I also speak from a position of being part of the support committee.

MB Shehu is the current member federal house of representatives, representing the good people of Fagge. During his campaign rallies, he has mentioned and promised many things he intended to do to his people if elected. Today, he is the member, representing Fagge in Abuja. As part of promise fulfillment, he distributes, or rather, he has already distributed a lot of items, to his constituents, to mitigate and cushion the sad and bad effect of the T-pain. While I do not know where he got the idea for this kind of distribution, I believe it stems from the large number of people he has attracted politically, most of whom are needy and in dire need of such support and assistance. He has promised them that he will do good for them if given the opportunity and he is now doing exactly what he said.

Someone might ask, what is more important: meeting the needs of one person or meeting the needs of many people? Many will tell you that meeting the needs of many is more significant. However, how can one meet the needs of the entire community if one doesn’t start from individual people?

Initially, I don’t personally see such “empowerments” as worthy programs, but now, having seen the actions taken and how they have been implemented and also, hard situation which most of the beneficiaries are battling with, I believe that a leader, should, in such kind of situations, do two things:

1) Assist their community in a way that is pleasing to God, through proper channels—those that the people desire (not necessarily highly sophisticated and systematic way), even if a leader sees other ways as more beneficial.

2) A leader should strive to seek and identify certain vital good initiatives that are beneficial, even if many in the community do not see the immediate advantages. This is because most people lack the knowledge or understanding to discern what is more important for them.

Both the above two ways should be integrated! There should be plans for political accountability, and there should be thoughtful and dignified initiatives that can be recognized as good deeds even after one’s life.

During the opening ceremony of the program, the executive Governor of Kano, Abba Kabir Yusuf, aka Abba Gida-gida, inaugurated the program, and it was expected that around 3,000 people will directly benefit from the empowerment, indeed it is serious. Here are some of the items being distributed to the community members:

i) Cars
ii) Motorcycles
iii) Mechanic toolboxes
iv) Car diagnostic gadgets
v) Sewing machines
vi) Deep freezers
vii) Industrial sewing machines
viii) 50,000 Naira to over 1,000 people, with the total number reaching 1,107
ix) Welding machines
x) High-powered cameras, etc

These are just a few of the items I have seen, and some I have heard about.

The Governor of Kano, Abba Gida-gida, who was present during the inauguration of the support program, expressed his happiness and said that he was at a loss for words due to his joy. He added that he had never seen any member who did something like what MB Shehu has done.

This is indeed a significant achievement, and I know that MB Shehu is committed to implementing more initiatives. Anyone interested in knowing about such initiatives can contact Alkanawy, as they are the ones disseminating news and promoting the activities of the legislator.

Before the empowerment, a very strong committee was formed under the leadership of Professor Bashir Yusuf Fagge, and genuinely, there has been a commitment to identifying deserving beneficiaries. I can confidently say that a great effort has been made, day and night, to ensure this work is done perfectly.

In this current political climate under Tinubu, if someone gives you a car, motorcycle, or money, you certainly should appreciate them. Because in Nigeria, especially now, if they don’t give you, there’s nothing you can do. Many elected members do not contribute anything to their constituents and nothing happens.

Finally, some people oppose this empowerment due to their personal reasons or grudges against the one who did it, the committee members or the process. No one can do things that can be accepted by all. Just do your best and move on. No one (especially the politicians) would loved or hated by all. This is why doing things with great foresight and consultation is invaluable. I saw happiness in the faces of the recipients. I hope the money and items given will metamorphose and multiply into bigger fortune.

I call upon the respected member to continue working diligently, to fear God more in carrying out his responsibilities, and to keep doing good for the people. Amen.

Muhammad Kano

By Nasiru Ibrahim

“The introduction of AI and automation is a double-edged sword: it holds immense potential for efficiency, but its consequences on job markets, especially in developing economies like Nigeria, need to be addressed through strategic workforce planning and skills development” (Bessen, 2019).

This article examines the positive and negative impacts of AI on the workforce, supported by economic theory and real-life examples from Nigeria.

Artificial intelligence is the direct opposite of human intelligence. It showcases the ability of machines, such as computers, to carry out tasks that require human intelligence. AI performs tasks such as writing, problem-solving, analyzing data trends, driving self-driving cars, harvesting fruits on farms, and other tasks traditionally performed by humans.

AI automation involves the use of artificial intelligence and technology to automate repetitive tasks that humans traditionally carry out in their daily lives. It enhances productivity, efficiency, and scalability, reduces production costs, and ensures round-the-clock availability for services such as banking.

AI depends on data to perform tasks and learns from humans through data annotation or labelling. This indicates that it cannot recognise images, interpret voices, or understand statements unless trained by humans. Generative AI like GPT–4 is transforming the labour market while influencing the demand and supply of labour in the overall economy. The automation of repetitive tasks in both skilled and unskilled jobs by companies has raised concerns about whether AI will harm or benefit the workforce. This debate has led to the application of traditional economic theory to explore and explain the economic effects of AI.

Economic Theory on AI

Austrian Economist Joseph Schumpeter’s theory of creative destruction explains how new technology and innovation reshape economies by replacing old jobs and technologies with new ones. This theory supports the argument that AI can create new industries, jobs, and opportunities, as seen in Nigeria’s growing tech sector, which includes Fintech, E-learning, E-commerce, and Agritech. Below, we explain these theories with examples from across Nigeria.

Firstly, in Fintech in Lagos, companies like Flutterwave and Paystack now employ AI engineers and data scientists to develop fraud detection systems and personalised banking tools.

Secondly, in E-learning in Abuja, platforms like Ulesson use AI for tailored learning experiences, creating roles like app developers and AI trainers.

Thirdly, in E-commerce in cities like Lagos and Kano, Jumia and Konga use AI for supply chain optimisation and chatbots, fostering jobs in logistics tech and digital marketing.

Fourthly, in Agritech in Kaduna, Thrive Agric employs AI for farm monitoring and analytics, generating demand for data analysts and field specialists.

Human Capital Theory

Human Capital Theory, developed by Gary Becker and Theodore Schultz, emphasises the importance of education and skills in economic productivity. In Nigeria, the demand for human capital has increased in sectors such as machine learning, data annotation, and AI development. The rise of AI has fostered a need for expertise in areas like data science and machine learning. Initiatives like Data Science Nigeria are aiding individuals in acquiring these skills, enhancing their employability and contributing to the nation’s economy. This aligns with Human Capital Theory, which asserts that investing in education and skills enhances productivity.

Pareto Optimality

AI has the potential to increase productivity and efficiency in Nigeria’s economy without worsening the condition of any particular group, achieving Pareto optimality. AI in Nigerian healthcare, such as AI tools for diagnosing diseases, is helping both patients and doctors. These tools make diagnoses faster and more accurate, improving care without harming anyone. This is an example of Pareto Optimality, where everyone benefits without undermining the benefit of anyone.

Dr. G. Yoganandham (2024), Professor & Head of the Department of Economics, in his paper titled Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Economy, Politics, Ecosystem, Innovation, and Promoting Inclusive Workforce Frameworks (2024), stated:

“The global economy could benefit by $13 trillion from artificial intelligence by 2030, although 375 million jobs may be displaced. The workplace is one of many areas where AI will bring a revolutionary impact. It can streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making. AI can also improve customer satisfaction by analysing data for predictive analytics, reducing accidents in construction and manufacturing, and creating new employment opportunities in data science, machine learning, and AI education.

However, workplace AI raises ethical concerns about racial bias, privacy, security, and democracy. While some argue it may lead to robotic employment, there is ongoing debate about its potential to foster innovative work, create new career paths, and improve judgment.”

From the above theories, it can be deduced that on the one hand, AI, ceteris paribus, could have a positive effect on the expanding workforce in Nigeria, in terms of:

Firstly, AI fosters the creation of new jobs and opportunities. It fosters the emergence of new industries and job roles, particularly in data science, big data technology, AI engineering, and cybersecurity. Companies like Data Science Nigeria (DSN) are equipping Nigerians with skills in data analytics and machine learning, creating employment opportunities in the tech industry.

Secondly, AI enhances productivity and efficiency. It reduces production costs and streamlines processes, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently. In agriculture, Hello Tractor uses AI to connect smallholder farmers with tractor owners, increasing farming efficiency and reducing costs.

Thirdly, improving demand forecasting and profitability. AI tools optimise supply chain management and demand forecasting, leading to increased profitability for businesses. Jumia, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce platform, employs AI algorithms to predict customer preferences, enhance inventory management, and boost sales.

Fourthly, upskilling the workforce. AI encourages the development of skills that align with technological advancements, offering workers better career prospects.

On the other hand, AI could have a negative impact on the workforce in Nigeria, in terms of:

Firstly, job displacement due to the automation of repetitive tasks can affect low-skilled workers, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors. In Nigeria’s financial sector, banks such as GTBank have adopted AI-powered chatbots (e.g., Habari), thereby decreasing the need for human customer service representatives.

Secondly, bias in hiring and decision-making. AI systems trained on biased data can create discrimination, particularly in hiring processes.

Thirdly, ethical and privacy concerns. AI-driven technologies often raise privacy, security, and data misuse issues.

Fourthly, there is limited access to AI resources. Many Nigerians, particularly in rural areas, lack access to the infrastructure and education required to benefit from AI advancements. For example, I live in Gwiwa Local Government Area, Jigawa State, but the entire local government lacks basic ICT facilities, let alone advanced technological resources that would help people understand artificial intelligence.

While AI promises to increase efficiency and productivity in various sectors in Nigeria, such as agriculture, the question remains: Will the benefits outweigh the job losses, particularly in a country with high unemployment and underemployment?

In Northern Nigeria, where more than 50% of the population is engaged in agriculture, a phased approach is urgently needed. Before AI can be widely adopted, attention should be directed towards improving mechanised farming techniques to enhance food security and tackle inflation. 

Given the shortage of skilled labour prepared to use AI in agriculture, it is essential to prioritise education and training, followed by the mechanisation of farming practices. This would ensure that the workforce is adequately prepared to embrace AI when it is introduced. AI has the potential to boost agricultural productivity by facilitating the timely harvest of crops and minimising the risk of poor yields.

The lack of education in Northern Nigeria exacerbates these challenges. According to the World Bank, the literacy rate in Nigeria stands at approximately 31%, with the Northern region experiencing a significantly higher illiteracy rate. This deficit in educational access has fostered a profound sense of frustration, as many individuals find it difficult to survive amid escalating economic hardships.

People in these regions often face unmet needs, yet politicians offer solutions that don’t address the core issues. This disconnect between the people’s needs and the actions of those in power further deepens the divide and hinders progress. Many feel that immediate economic policies, such as harsh taxation and subsidy removals, are prioritised over long-term, sustainable solutions. There is an urgent need for more inclusive and sustainable economic policies that address the technological transformation driven by AI and tackle the underlying social inequalities.

While AI adoption in agriculture has the potential to boost productivity and reduce costs, the key to its successful integration lies in addressing the fundamental issues of illiteracy, poor governance, and lack of infrastructure, particularly in the Northern regions. Only through a concerted effort to improve education, promote mechanised farming, and gradually introduce AI can Nigeria hope to mitigate the potential displacement of jobs while reaping the benefits of technology.

Ibrahim is a graduate of the Department of Economics from Bayero University, Kano, and writes from Jigawa.

By Rukayya Sani Ashir

In an age characterised by digital disruption, Abubakar Sadiq Umar has established himself as a fascinating entrepreneur. Sadiq’s professional experience stretches across borders and industries, and he has built a name for himself as a man who delivers his ambition, the latest being his mentorship platform, AltMentor. His endeavour not only changes the intersection between technology and mentorship but also serves a larger purpose: advancing Africa’s place in the global technology story.

The Seed of Innovation: Envestlab’s Rise

For Abubakar Sadiq, creativity started with Envestlab, a venture aimed at nurturing the tech ecosystem of Northern Nigeria. EnvestLab’s annual tech conferences and vigorous hackathon competitions have become important landmarks for entrepreneurs. These conferences go beyond the superficial trappings of networking; they are fertile grounds where ideas meet execution.

With the aid of Envestlab, Sadiq gives young inventors chances to come together, showcase their ideas, and obtain sufficient resources to kickstart their projects. The hackathons have become a trademark of the initiative, where select novel business ideas are recognised and nurtured.

Sadiq’s philosophy is reflected in the glare of creativity and competition. He has always maintained that Africa does not receive technology; it provides it. This idea inspired the creation of EnvestLab.

A Marketing Virtuoso

Before his entrepreneurial journey, Abubakar Sadiq nurtured his craft through positions that placed him at the forefront of technology. As the Head of Digital Marketing, Northflix experienced his flair for engaging with the audience. He was able to implement the company’s brand further through campaigns based on data analysis and the telling of stories, especially in the rather crowded cyberspace. 

Charting a Global Career in Blockchain

Furthering his range of skills, his time at Green Life Energy (GLE), a UK-based renewable energy blockchain start-up, introduced him to decentralised technologies. Given this, as Project Manager and Director of Partnerships, Sadiq attempted to bridge the gaps in the adoption of Blockchain and devise methods for using the still-young technology.

Abubakar Sadiq stood out among thousands of attendees when he was named Binance Blockchain Week Dubai 2022 Star of the Day. This award recognised his rising stature in the global technological arena and his prowess in linking new inventions with practical use.

Sadiq’s career progressed in tandem with Gameness, a Turkish company involved in esports that focused on the blockchain industry, which was once known as NerfIT. In Gameness, as the Head of Partnerships, Sadiq strategically aligned the company’s blockchain offerings to be tempered and adapted to the rapidly changing needs of the eSports environment. These experiences improved his skill set, equipping him with a nuanced understanding of product innovation and market positioning, which are fundamental to successful entrepreneurial ventures.

AltMentor: The Next Frontier in Mentorship

Sadiq believes that’s why his latest start-up, AltMentor, is timely and ambitious. With a focus on commencement in the first quarter of 2025, the platform seeks a different approach to mentorship. AltMentor connects mentors with mentees through a fee-based model, creating a sustainable ecosystem where knowledge sharing becomes accessible and rewarding.

To Sadiq, AltMentor is not merely a business but a movement. At its core is the belief that structured, personalised, and goal-oriented mentorship can transform lives. “Everyone deserves access to the wisdom of those who have walked the path before them,” he says, articulating a vision that is as inclusive as it is ambitious.

The platform’s goal of reaching a $100 million valuation within 24 months is backed by its robust scalability and global appeal. AltMentor aims to connect millions of users, from young professionals seeking guidance to seasoned experts looking to impart their knowledge. The dual benefit of empowering mentors while equipping mentees positions the platform as a potential game-changer in Africa’s education and professional development landscape.

The Broader Vision

Sadiq’s work with AltMentor and Envestlab reflects a broader narrative: the recalibration of Africa’s place in global innovation. By focusing on mentorship and entrepreneurship, he addresses two critical gaps that often hinder the continent’s growth: access to knowledge and the support needed to scale ideas.

His dream is larger than those associated with the platforms he has developed. Sadiq sees Africa as the next big tech powerhouse, not for replicating others’ inventions but for creating original ones. By nurturing the culture of mentorship and supporting entrepreneurs, he is building a system where the next generation will be empowered to prosper.

A Legacy in the Making

Sadiq has an inspiring story. His tale depicts the promise and growth potential of AltMentor’s upcoming launch. His belief in innovation and collaboration is unwavering, as we can see from his journey of supporting startups at Envestlab, the birth of AltMentor, and everything in between. 

It is as transformative as it is enticing investors, mentors, and mentees to join the AltMentor venture. He has been vocal about the platform’s purpose, and considering his previous milestones, it’s safe to say that the venture aims to make profits while solving critical problems.

Abubakar Sadiq Umar is a leader with a vision, and in his envisioned world, technology not only solves problems but also creates many opportunities. He is the person who has dreams but, even more importantly, acts. He demonstrated how the continent of Africa and the world at large can innovate and develop.

Rukayya Sani Ashir writes from Kano and can be reached via email at saniashirrukayya@gmail.com.

By Oluseyi Sodiya

The tech startup landscape is evolving, and with it, a new paradigm known as product-led growth (PLG) is taking centre stage. Unlike traditional strategies that rely heavily on sales and marketing to drive growth, PLG focuses on the product itself as the primary driver of customer acquisition, expansion, and retention. This approach is not only reshaping how startups grow but also revolutionizing the tech industry as a whole.

Understanding Product-Led Growth

Product-led growth is a strategy where the product itself is the main vehicle for acquiring and retaining customers. In a PLG model, the product is designed to deliver immediate value, encouraging users to try, adopt, and champion it without the need for aggressive sales tactics. This approach leverages user experiences and organic growth channels such as word-of-mouth and network effects, making it a cost-effective and scalable growth strategy.

Empowering users

One of the core principles of PLG is empowering users. By offering a seamless and intuitive user experience, startups can enable users to derive value from the product independently. This empowerment not only enhances user satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and advocacy. When users are delighted by a product, they are more likely to share their positive experiences with others, driving organic growth.

Data-driven insights

A product-led approach relies heavily on data-driven insights to continually improve the product and user experience. Startups can leverage analytics to understand how users interact with their product, identify pain points, and make informed decisions about feature development and enhancements. This iterative process ensures that the product remains relevant and valuable to users, driving sustained growth.

Reducing customer acquisition costs

Traditional customer acquisition strategies often involves significant marketing and sales expenses. In contrast, PLG can reduce customer acquisition costs by leveraging the product itself to attract and convert users. Free trials, freemium models, and in-app onboarding are effective tactics that allow users to experience the product’s value firsthand before making a purchasing decision. This not only lowers the barrier to entry but also accelerates the adoption process.

Building viral loops

PLG leverages the power of viral loops to drive exponential growth. Viral loops occur when users encourage others to adopt the product, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of user acquisition. Features such as referral programs, social sharing options, and collaborative functionalities can amplify the reach of the product and increase its user base organically. This network effect is a powerful growth engine that can propel startups to new heights.

PLG success

Several tech startups have successfully implemented PLG strategies to achieve remarkable growth. Companies like Slack, Dropbox, and Zoom have harnessed the power of their products to build massive user bases with minimal reliance on traditional marketing. Slack’s user-friendly interface and seamless integrations made it a favourite among teams, leading to widespread adoption through word-of-mouth. Similarly, Dropbox’s freemium model allowed users to experience the benefits of cloud storage before upgrading to premium plans.

Challenges and considerations

While PLG offers numerous advantages, it also presents challenges. Startups must ensure that their product delivers real value and can stand on its own without heavy sales intervention. This requires a deep understanding of user needs and continuous investment in product development. Additionally, measuring the success of PLG initiatives can be complex, as it involves tracking user behavior and engagement metrics.

Finally, the rise of product-led growth marks a new era for tech startups, offering a scalable and cost-effective approach to growth. By focusing on delivering exceptional user experiences and leveraging data-driven insights, startups can build products that not only attract and retain users but also drive organic growth through advocacy and network effects. As the tech industry continues to evolve, PLG is set to become a cornerstone strategy for startups looking to make a lasting impact. Embracing this approach can help startups navigate the competitive landscape and achieve sustainable success in the digital age.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned Nigerians about new banking malware that targets users worldwide through advanced phishing campaigns.  

In a statement released on Monday, NITDA’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team described the malware, known as Grandoreiro, as a significant threat. 

It uses sophisticated techniques, including screen overlay attacks and remote device control, to steal sensitive information such as banking credentials and personal data.  

The agency explained that the malware is primarily distributed through phishing emails and fraudulent websites that trick users into downloading malicious software disguised as legitimate updates or documents. 

Once installed, it bypasses security measures, giving attackers unauthorized access to victims’ devices.  

NITDA cautioned that the malware could lead to financial losses and identity theft. 

To prevent such outcomes, the agency advised Nigerians to avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown emails.  

Additionally, the public is urged to download software only from trusted sources. 

This precaution can reduce the risk of accidentally installing harmful programs disguised as legitimate files.  

The agency also emphasized the importance of enabling multifactor authentication for online banking and financial accounts. 

This measure provides an added layer of security to protect sensitive information.  

Keeping antivirus software updated is another critical step recommended by NITDA. 

The agency also advised against using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, as these networks are often vulnerable to cyberattacks.  

Lastly, NITDA urged Nigerians to regularly monitor their bank accounts for unauthorized activities, which can help detect and promptly address suspicious transactions.  

“Cyber threats like Grandoreiro are evolving, and users need to stay vigilant and adopt robust security practices to protect their information,” NITDA said in its statement.  

The agency called on the public to adhere to these security measures to safeguard their financial and personal data.

By Haruna Chiroma

The tax reform bill is currently stirring controversy. It poses a severe threat to the growth of information and communication technology (ICT) in Nigeria, as it proposes to terminate funding for the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) by 2027. When I first read this shocking news in the newspapers, I was compelled to investigate further. A section of the bill explicitly states, “National Information Technology Development Fund: 20% in 2025 and 2026 years of assessment, and 0% in 2027 and thereafter.” This provision indicates a progressive reduction of NITDA’s funding until complete withdrawal by 2027. At a time when nations worldwide are significantly increasing their investments in technology to drive innovation and economic growth, Nigeria’s decision to defund its premier ICT development agency is deeply concerning.

Globally, governments play a pivotal role in funding and coordinating computing technological advancements through agencies like NITDA. Leading examples include the U.S., where El Capitan, the most powerful supercomputer with over 11 million processors, is hosted at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with government funding. Similarly, Japan’s Fugaku supercomputer, Italy’s Leonardo supercomputer at the Interuniversity Consortium for Automatic Computing of North-East Italy, and China’s Sunway Taihulight supercomputer at the National Supercomputing Center are all funded and maintained in millions of dollars by their respective governments. These centres drive artificial intelligence (AI), climate research, and national security breakthroughs.

Nigeria’s move to stop NITDA’s funding undermines its ability to establish comparable infrastructure, potentially sidelining the nation in the global race for technological leadership, especially in this era of AI boom. NITDA needs a significant increase in government funding, not a reduction or cessation of funding. This support is essential for transitioning from its current focus on providing basic systems with internet connectivity to delivering advanced computing infrastructure. 

The NITDA has been instrumental in providing IT infrastructure to tertiary institutions and centres across Nigeria, aiming to enhance hands-on experience with technology. While this initiative has made IT resources more accessible, its impact has been limited due to the basic nature of the infrastructure provided. NITDA often delivers facilities such as buildings with basic computing devices and internet connectivity.

Although helpful, this approach falls short of addressing the advanced needs of tertiary institutions, which should be hubs for high-impact research, innovation, and technological development. The computers provided in institutions should have at least one server with 4 GPUs, multi-GPU systems, Dual GPU Xeon W-2400, and advanced workstations capable of running 70 billion parameter models. Such limited interventions fail to prepare Nigeria to lead Africa in technological advancements and global IT competitiveness.

Tertiary institutions are critical for pioneering research and fostering innovations that drive national development. However, the resources provided by NITDA rarely go beyond basic systems, leaving institutions ill-equipped to conduct groundbreaking research or develop cutting-edge technologies. High-impact research requires advanced state-of-the-art computing infrastructure, advanced software tools, and specialized facilities, all of which are currently lacking. As the “Giant of Africa,” Nigeria should empower its higher education system with resources to catalyze technological breakthroughs, enabling the country to lead in global innovation. Unfortunately, the limited scope of NITDA’s current offerings restricts this potential.

Rather than addressing these shortcomings, the proposed tax reform bill aims to phase out budget allocations for NITDA by 2027. This move is a significant setback for a developing nation that aspires to secure a place on the global technology map. Eliminating funding for NITDA would exacerbate the already inadequate IT infrastructure in tertiary institutions, undermining efforts to equip students with the skills needed for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It would also signal a lack of commitment to nurturing a robust ecosystem for research and innovation, essential for long-term economic growth.

Increasing funding for NITDA is crucial to ensure it can provide an infrastructure capable of supporting advanced research and development. By investing in high-performance computing clusters, research laboratories, and innovation hubs, NITDA could transform tertiary institutions into true centres of excellence. Such investments would enhance education quality, foster industry partnerships, and attract global attention to Nigeria’s technological capabilities. These steps are necessary to empower students and researchers to develop solutions that address local and global challenges.

The NITDA should refocus its efforts from constructing buildings to investing solely in advanced IT infrastructure and power solutions. Beneficiary institutions can provide the necessary physical space, allowing NITDA to channel its budget toward cutting-edge computing systems and robust power setups essential for research and development. This shift would maximize resources and provide institutions with tools to foster innovation, invention, and impactful research and development.

NITDA’s approach should prioritize building supercomputers with at least 400,000 processors (mostly accelerators) capable of handling complex computations and simulations required for high-impact research. Additionally, data centre storage units with capacities in petabytes should be established to support the growing demand for data-driven research and AI training models.

Cybersecurity infrastructure must be provided in the relevant institutions equipped to monitor Nigeria’s cyberspace, conduct advanced forensic investigations, innovate, research, and defend against cyber threats. This holistic approach would create a technological ecosystem capable of addressing the needs of both academia and the nation, bridging the gap between research, innovation, and real-world applications.

Rather than building and distributing basic computing devices across institutions, which provide limited value, NITDA should aim to establish at least one high-performance computing and cybersecurity centre in Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions. Establishing high-performance computing centres in each region is a strategic move that could transform the nation’s technological and research landscape. These centres would serve as centralized hubs for cutting-edge computation, enabling tertiary institutions and regional research bodies to access advanced resources essential for high-impact research, innovation, invention and technology development.

These centres would empower researchers and students to engage in frontier areas such as AI, climate modelling, biotechnology, and space exploration by providing access to supercomputers with thousands of processors, vast petabyte-scale data storage facilities, and state-of-the-art cybersecurity infrastructure.

To ensure sustainability and efficiency, these HPC centres should be supported by reliable power infrastructure, skilled personnel, and strategic funding models. Power-intensive facilities like these require an uninterrupted energy supply, which could be addressed through investments in renewable energy solutions such as solar farms or microgrids.

Haruna Chiroma, a University Professor of Artificial Intelligence, wrote from the University of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, via freedonchi@yahoo.com.