President Bola Tinubu has approved a data tracking initiative aimed at improving learning and skill development, increasing enrolment, and ensuring the academic security of the nation’s children.

According to a statement by the Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the data tracking system will provide a centralised platform for monitoring student progress, identifying trends, and informing policy interventions.

Currently, there is a paucity of coordinated, verifiable, and authentic data on all aspects of the education sector in Nigeria, which is critical for planning.

According to the government, this initiative will enable educators and policymakers to make data-driven decisions, detect early warning signs of learning difficulties, and target support where it is needed most.

“This new data tracking architecture will enable the government to track the progress of students, thus having a clear data-driven mechanism for interventions, especially concerning out-of-school children, girls, and those with specific learning disabilities, among others,” it stated.

The presidency also disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education was already implementing the government’s policy through the activities of four of its agencies, adding that the systemwide policy would further enhance the education and training of the nation’s out-of-school children.

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new and returning Chief Executives to fresh terms in office across multiple agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

The Nigerian President also returned Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi as NITDA’s Director General. This was noted in a press statement signed by the President’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.

See full list below.

(1) EVC / CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) — Aminu Maida

(2) MD / CEO, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) — Nkechi Egerton-Idehen

(3) DG / CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) — Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

(4) National Commissioner / CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) — Dr. Vincent Olatunji

(5) Postmaster General / CEO, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) — Tola Odeyemi

Furthermore, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s determination to maximally leverage on Nigeria’s proven technological and digital economic prowess to reposition the nation’s economy toward greater financial inclusion, the President has approved the appointment of a new Special Adviser to the President. Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy — Idris Alubankudi

By this directive of the President, the above-mentioned appointments take immediate effect.

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During the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Bola Tinubu, in collaboration with the World Bank and Microsoft, introduced the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) aimed at empowering Nigerian youth.

Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesperson, emphasized that this initiative signifies a bold move by the federal government to bolster Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

Representing President Tinubu at the event was Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.NATEP’s primary objective is to establish Nigeria as a prominent hub for talent outsourcing in Africa, taking inspiration from successful models in India, Bangladesh, Mexico, and the Philippines.

The program was unveiled at Microsoft’s New York office, attracting dignitaries from multilateral institutions and global tech giants.Prominent attendees included Saadia Zahidi from the World Economic Forum, John G. Coumantaros, Chairman of the US-Nigeria Business Council, and Dr. Floriezelle Liser, President and Chief Executive of the Corporate Council on Africa.

Additionally, experts from organizations like Outsource Global, NITDA, Google, Amazon AWS, and Microsoft were present, both in-person and online.Dr. Uzoka-Anite highlighted NATEP’s significance as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that will position Nigeria as a global leader in service exports, talent sourcing, and talent exports.

The program will address the unique needs and challenges of the talent and service export industry, emphasizing competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable growth through service trade.

Furthermore, NATEP aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda for job creation, aiming to generate one million in-demand jobs across Nigeria over a five-year period.

The initiative holds the potential to create jobs, attract foreign exchange through remittances, and contribute substantial tax revenue to state governments.

Saadia Zahidi from the World Economic Forum expressed her support for NATEP, emphasizing its importance in addressing skills and job-related issues.

The WEF expressed readiness to collaborate with Nigeria on this transformative initiative.Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, pledged his ministry’s collaboration and support to ensure NATEP achieves its objectives.

He stressed the critical role of talent in the global economy and the need to attract and retain top talents.Speakers at the event lauded NATEP as a pivotal national initiative that could significantly impact Nigeria’s economic prospects, akin to India’s success in attracting talent exports worth over $300 billion annually.

A panel discussion moderated by the National Coordinator of NATEP, featuring panelists Amal Hassan, Ola Williams, and Adaora Ikenze, garnered positive feedback and commitment from participants to support the NATEP initiative.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the NATEP logo, symbolizing Nigeria’s readiness to become a global hub for talent exports.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sacked the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Bashir Gwandu.

The President announced the termination of his appointment in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday.

While not giving reason for the decision, the President appointed Khalil Suleiman Halilu as the new head of the agency.

“By this appointment, Khalil Suleiman Halilu will serve for an initial term of five years in accordance with the relevant sections of the NASENI Act, 2014.

“Mr. Halilu, 32, is expected to bring his significant experience as an innovator and technology expert to bear in this important new national assignment.

“The tenure of Dr. Bashir Gwandu as EVC/CEO of NASENI is hereby terminated.

“By the directive of the President, this appointment takes immediate effect,” the statement read in part.

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By Abbas Badmus

TECHDIGEST – The new Acting Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr Bisoye Coker-Odusote, resumed office on Thursday.

She was welcomed to the premises of the NIMC headquarters in Abuja by a cross-section of staff members led by the outgoing DG, Engr Aliyu Abubakar Aziz.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Tuesday directed Engr. Aziz to proceed on a 90-day pre-retirement leave with effect from Thursday.

According to a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the former NIMC boss is due to retire from service on November 24, 2023.

The President therefore appointed Engr. Coker-Odusote to serve as the Acting Director-General/CEO of the agency for a 90-day period, with effect from Thursday after which a full term of four years will begin as the substantive NIMC boss on November 24, 2023.

Tech Digest reports that Coker-Odusote’s appointment comes at a crucial time when NIMC is playing an increasingly vital role in the nation’s digital transformation. As the custodian of citizens’ biometric data and the issuer of the National Identification Number (NIN), the NIMC’s role has expanded to encompass various government initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery, security, and identity verification.

Prior to his appointment, Coker-Odusote held positions in both the public and private sectors, demonstrating her capacity to bridge the gap between technology and governance. Her leadership is expected to steer NIMC towards greater efficiency, innovation, and alignment with global identity management best practices.

Engr Coker-Odusote, who according to sources close to her will turn 38 in October, is a long-term associate of the President, serving as his Special Adviser on Technology when he was Lagos state governor.

The new NIMC boss has over 15-year experience in IT and engineering. She was the Head of IT and Communications at Bate Liwin, a world renowned engineering, procurement and construction firm.

She was also the National Database Project Director for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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TECHDIGEST – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, to proceed on a 90-day pre-retirement leave with effect from Thursday August 24, 2023.

According to a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the NIMC boss is due to retire from service on November 24, 2023.

The President therefore appointed Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote to serve as the Acting Director-General/CEO of the agency for a 90-day period, with effect from August 24, 2023, after which a full term of four years will begin as the substantive NIMC boss on November 24, 2023.

Engr Coker-Odusote is a long-term associate of the President, serving as his Special Adviser on Technology when he was Lagos state governor.

The new NIMC boss has over 15-year experience in IT and engineering. She was the Head of IT and Communications at Bate Liwin, a world renowned engineering, procurement and construction firm.

She was also the National Database Project Director for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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TECHDIGEST – President Bola Tinubu has praised the efforts of Nigerian youth and reiterated his commitment to creating one million job opportunities within the digital economy. In a statement released by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, on the occasion of the 2023 International Youth Day, Tinubu emphasized his administration’s dedication to providing meaningful prospects for young Nigerians.

From fostering employment and educational growth to promoting digital innovation, financial technology, and youth engagement in governance, President Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of youth empowerment across various sectors.

He envisions an environment where Nigerian youth can flourish and contribute significantly to the nation’s progress and advancement.

President Tinubu recognized the remarkable impact of numerous young Nigerians in technology-related domains worldwide and remains steadfast in fulfilling his campaign promise to generate one million new jobs within the digital economy.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Aims to Surpass India’s $150 billion Annual Outsourcing Earnings – NITDA Boss 

He stands by the principle of reciprocity, believing that those given much have a responsibility to give back.Aligned with the theme of this year’s event, ‘Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,’ President Tinubu encouraged young Nigerians to take the lead in achieving sustainable development, a cornerstone of his agenda.

This entails expanding opportunities for green jobs and advocating for renewable energy solutions to form an integral part of Nigeria’s current and future energy landscape.

As part of his dedication to fostering dialogue and engagement, President Tinubu assured the younger generation that his administration is committed to actively listening to their feedback and integrating their forward-looking insights.

He highlighted tangible examples of his administration’s responsiveness, such as the enactment of The Student Loan Act and the provision of buses to Student Bodies in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the nation.

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