When I received copies of MNI versus MNIPR in NIPSS: Tackling Institutional Bullying and AI in Crisis Communication in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects, both authored by Yushau A. Shuaib, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), I expected two very different books. One appeared to be a memoir of institutional conflict; the other, an academic work on emerging technology and crisis communication.

Having read both, I discovered they are, in many respects, companion volumes. Together, they tell the story of how personal adversity can become intellectual opportunity, and how an interrupted academic journey can ultimately produce work of lasting national and international significance.

As Associate Editor of Spokespersons Digest—the publication behind the National Spokespersons Awards—I was naturally drawn to Chapter Eight of the memoir, “The NIPR Betrayal,” spanning pages 139 to 161. Having covered the activities of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for several years, I approached the chapter with professional curiosity. What I found was an emotionally compelling account that raises broader questions about institutional relationships, professional loyalty and the delicate balance between organisational discipline and support for members.

According to the memoir, shortly after his withdrawal from the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Shuaib was invited to appear before the Ethics Panel of the NIPR Council over actions arising from the dispute.

For someone whose professional life had been closely intertwined with the Institute for more than three decades, the experience was understandably painful.

Shuaib traces his relationship with the NIPR back to his undergraduate days at Bayero University, Kano, where he specialised in public relations and, in 1992, became the first recipient of the NIPR President’s Prize for the Best Graduating Public Relations Student. Three years later, he was honoured as the Kano/Jigawa Chapter’s Public Relations Person of the Year.

His career subsequently expanded beyond Nigeria through advanced studies, including a Master’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Westminster, London, professional research in online public relations, and affiliations with international organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA). Under his leadership, IMPR also earned multiple international recognitions, including SABRE Awards Africa and IPRA Golden World Awards.

Against this backdrop, one seemingly minor incident in the memoir becomes symbolically significant. The invitation from NIPR reportedly addressed him as “ANIPR” rather than “MNIPR,” the professional designation he had used for many years and which, according to him, had previously appeared in official correspondence from the Institute.

At first glance, it appears trivial. Yet anyone familiar with public relations understands that titles, professional designations and institutional language often carry symbolic meaning. They communicate recognition, identity and belonging.

Shuaib writes that after drawing the Registrar’s attention to the issue, another invitation was issued, this time omitting any professional designation altogether.

Whether intentional or not, the incident deepened his perception that his decades of contribution were no longer receiving institutional acknowledgement.

Equally striking is the memoir’s account of the National Spokespersons Awards.

The book explains that the initiative was conceived in 2019 during the tenure of Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo as President of the NIPR. Its inaugural edition was independently organised by IMPR in 2021 with the Institute’s endorsement before both organisations entered into a formal partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023.

The awards have since grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for recognising excellence in strategic communication, honouring spokespersons, public information managers, corporate affairs practitioners, military communicators and crisis communication professionals.

According to the memoir, however, the partnership was terminated before the expiration of the agreement by Dr. Ike Neliaku led NIPR.

What surprised me further was when the institute, following the termination, introduced another awards platform under a different name.

Reflecting on the episode, Shuaib writes: “Organisations can withdraw endorsements. Partnerships can be terminated. Titles can be withheld. But one’s name—carefully built over decades—must remain answerable first to conscience, history and truth.”

That statement captures the emotional centre of Chapter Eight.

If that chapter represents the wound, Chapter Nine—”A Blessed Disappointment”—represents the healing. In my view, it is the memoir’s most inspiring chapter.

Rather than dwelling on conflict, it chronicles how an interrupted academic journey became the catalyst for some of the author’s most significant professional achievements.

Shuaib begins by acknowledging the personal toll of the crisis.The combined effects of the NIPSS withdrawal, the NIPR investigation and the ensuing legal battles resulted in something he had never previously experienced—hypertension.

His opening reflection is both simple and profound: “As someone who had spent decades helping individuals and institutions navigate reputational crises, I suddenly found myself at the centre of one.”

Yet the chapter is far from a catalogue of grievances. Instead, it documents how adversity redirected his energy towards new opportunities.

One source of encouragement came from his family, whose support inspired him to take a restorative vacation in Canada. Equally moving were the visits and messages from graduates of the Young Communication Fellowship, many of whom travelled long distances simply to encourage their mentor.

These moments reinforced one of the book’s enduring messages: “True success is not measured by certificates, titles or institutional recognition. It is measured by the positive impact one leaves in the lives of others.”

The memoir also recounts how the NIPSS experience unexpectedly strengthened his vision for expanding the Young Communication Fellowship.

Inspired by the residential model at NIPSS, he developed plans for hostel facilities at the PRNigeria Centres in Kano and Ilorin. During a visit to the Kano Centre, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, President of MAAUN, asked whether similar facilities existed in Abuja.

When Shuaib explained that such a project was beyond his financial capacity, Professor Gwarzo donated a large building in Lugbe, Abuja, to serve as a training and residential centre for the Fellowship.

It is an extraordinary example of how one setback unexpectedly created room for another opportunity.

Perhaps the chapter’s most compelling narrative, however, concerns the research project that eventually became “AI in Crisis Communication in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”

Originally approved as a research proposal during SEC 47 at NIPSS, the study was titled “Artificial Intelligence and Crisis Communication in Nigeria’s Public Sector: An Assessment.”

Following his withdrawal from the programme, the institutional framework supporting the research disappeared. Many scholars would understandably have abandoned the project.

Shuaib chose otherwise. Driven by professional conviction and encouraged by colleagues at the Centre for Crisis Communication, he completed the study independently within three months.

The findings proved remarkably relevant. The research identified what he describes as Nigeria’s “awareness-adoption gap.” While many communication professionals are increasingly familiar with artificial intelligence, institutional use remains largely limited to drafting documents, monitoring media content and generating reports.

More advanced applications—including predictive analytics, crisis forecasting, sentiment analysis and misinformation detection—remain significantly underutilised.

The study also highlights a “trust paradox.” Although AI improves speed and efficiency, communication professionals remain cautious about relying on it during crises because of concerns over deepfakes, misinformation, algorithmic bias and the irreplaceable role of human empathy and judgment.

Its central conclusion is both balanced and timely: artificial intelligence should enhance human decision-making, not replace it.

Beyond diagnosis, the research identifies structural barriers to AI adoption, including inadequate digital infrastructure, inconsistent electricity supply, limited broadband penetration, shortages of specialised expertise, weak institutional coordination and underdeveloped policy frameworks.

Importantly, the work did not remain confined to academia. It informed discussions at the Centre for Crisis Communication and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), contributing to the National Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Crisis Communication held at the National Defence College, Abuja, in November 2025.

One outcome of that symposium was the establishment of the Crisis Communication Hub (CCHub), a multi-stakeholder platform aimed at improving crisis management and combating misinformation in Nigeria.

The research subsequently evolved into the 200-page book “AI in Crisis Communication in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects,” endorsed by NITDA Director-General Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu and Professor Abiodun Adeniyi.

Its most remarkable achievement came when the book was shortlisted as a finalist for the 2026 International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Golden World Awards in Athens, Greece.

There is considerable irony in this outcome. A research project interrupted within one institution ultimately gained wider relevance beyond it.

Had it remained solely an academic exercise at NIPSS, it might have concluded as another research paper in an institutional archive.

Instead, it became a national symposium, a published book, a catalyst for policy conversations and an internationally recognised work.

That is perhaps the memoir’s greatest lesson. Institutions undoubtedly create opportunities. They nurture ideas, shape careers and provide platforms for scholarship. But ideas, once fully developed, often transcend the institutions that first gave them life.

The enduring strength of MNI versus MNIPR in NIPSS lies not in its recounting of institutional disagreements but in its demonstration that resilience can transform disappointment into lasting contribution.

The closing reflection captures this beautifully: “Institutions may grant opportunities, but they do not own ideas. Once knowledge becomes a mission, it acquires a life of its own. No withdrawal letter can take that away.”

That single sentence summarises not only Chapter Nine but also the relationship between the memoir and its companion volume on artificial intelligence.

Together, they tell the story of an interrupted journey that ultimately reached destinations far beyond where it first began.

Kabir Abdulsalam is Associate Editor of Spokespersons Digest He can be reached via kbabdulsalam03@gmail.com.

The post The Memoir on NIPSS, NIPR and an AI Study That Outlived Institutional Setbacks, By Kabir Abdulsalam appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Some journeys end abruptly. Some ambitions collapse under the weight of institutional power. And sometimes, a certificate is denied—but the idea behind it refuses to die. That is the quiet but powerful message at the heart of Yushau A. Shuaib’s memoir, MNI versus MNIPR in NIPSS: Tackling Institutional Bullying. While the book documents the author’s ordeal at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), its most compelling chapter—Chapter Nine, “A Blessed Disappointment”—offers a story far richer than conflict. It is the story of a research project that outlived its disruption and found a larger purpose beyond the institution that tried to contain it.

The chapter begins with a simple but profound question: Who truly owns an idea? In Shuaib’s case, the idea was a research study titled Artificial Intelligence and Crisis Communication in Nigeria’s Public Sector: An Assessment. Approved during Senior Executive Course 47, the project sought to examine how AI could strengthen crisis communication across Nigeria’s public institutions. It was ambitious, timely and rooted in the author’s decades-long experience in journalism, public relations and crisis communication.

Then came the interruption.

Following Shuaib’s withdrawal from NIPSS—an episode he describes as emblematic of institutional bullying—the academic scaffolding supporting the research collapsed. The certificate he had hoped to earn vanished. Access to institutional resources disappeared. What had begun as a formal academic project suddenly became a personal struggle.

Many researchers would have abandoned the work. Nigerian institutions are littered with unfinished theses, abandoned dissertations and promising studies halted by bureaucracy, funding gaps or administrative hostility. But Shuaib’s project refused to die. As he writes, the research “outlived the controversy,” surviving not because of institutional support but because of its relevance to Nigeria’s crisis landscape.

That relevance is undeniable. Every major crisis in Nigeria now unfolds on two fronts: the crisis itself and the information war surrounding it. Terror attacks, disease outbreaks, floods, communal clashes—each is accompanied by a flood of misinformation, recycled videos, fabricated statements and manipulated casualty figures. In today’s Nigeria, misinformation is not a side effect of crisis; it is part of the crisis.

Shuaib’s study, anchored on Situational Crisis Communication Theory, Networked Crisis Communication Theory and Diffusion of Innovations Theory, explored how Artificial Intelligence could help institutions respond more effectively. Using a mixed‑methods approach, it surveyed communication professionals across security agencies, emergency management bodies and public institutions, while interviews with key stakeholders provided deeper insight into institutional readiness.

One of the study’s most striking findings is what Shuaib calls Nigeria’s awareness–adoption gap. Communication professionals increasingly understand AI. Many have attended workshops, experimented with generative tools and followed global trends. Yet institutional adoption remains shallow. AI is often used only for drafting statements or monitoring social media, while more advanced applications—predictive analytics, misinformation detection, intelligent crisis response—remain largely unexplored.

Nigeria has never lacked ideas. It has often lacked the institutional courage to implement them.

Ironically, the research that began inside NIPSS found its true life outside it. After the author’s withdrawal, the study continued to grow. Its findings were shared with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), sparking conversations on integrating AI into Nigeria’s crisis communication ecosystem. Those conversations contributed to the National Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Crisis Communication at the National Defence College, where government officials, security agencies, academics and technology experts examined the future of crisis communication in Nigeria.

The project eventually evolved into a 200‑page book, AI in Crisis Communication in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects, endorsed by leading figures in technology, strategic communication and academia. More remarkably, it earned international recognition, shortlisted for the Golden World Awards (GWA) of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) in Athens, Greece.

This achievement is significant not only for the author but for Nigeria. It demonstrates that research rooted in Nigerian realities can compete globally. A project that could have died in the shadow of institutional conflict instead became an internationally recognised contribution to crisis communication scholarship.

This irony is not lost on the reader: the institution that approved the research also interrupted it. Yet the interruption became the beginning of a wider journey—one that carried the work beyond the classroom into policy discussions, national engagement and global recognition.

Chapter Nine stands out because it reframes disappointment as possibility. It reminds us that institutions entrusted with nurturing leadership must be careful not to silence ideas capable of benefiting society. The real loss in such situations is not always borne by the individual; sometimes, it is borne by the nation.

In the end, A Blessed Disappointment is not merely a chapter title—it is a thesis. It argues that some ideas are too important to remain confined to the place where they began. They find their own audience, their own purpose and, sometimes, the recognition they always deserved.

Shuaib’s memoir is a testament to intellectual resilience. It shows that while institutions may interrupt a career, they cannot stop an idea whose time has come.

Shuaib S. Agaka
Tech journalist and digital policy analyst, Kano

The post Lessons from the NIPSS Memoir on AI Crisis Communication Study, By Shuaib S. Agaka appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reinforced its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda through strengthened collaboration with key strategic institutions, as it hosted the Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, alongside participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, 2026.

The visit, which builds on an earlier strategic study tour, provided a platform for in-depth engagement on the role of digital innovation in driving sustainable economic growth, with particular focus on the Orange Economy.

Representing the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo, highlighted the Agency’s commitment to fostering a vibrant digital ecosystem through inclusive policies, strategic partnerships, and capacity development initiatives.

“NITDA is committed to creating an enabling environment where innovation can thrive by bringing together government, private sector, academia, and creatives to drive Nigeria’s digital economy,” he stated.

Inuwa underscored the growing importance of the Orange Economy, describing it as a critical driver of innovation and economic value through intellectual property. He identified sectors such as digital content creation, film, animation, and digital art as key contributors to national development.

“The Orange Economy represents a powerful opportunity to transform our rich cultural heritage and creativity into sustainable economic growth,” he noted.

He further highlighted Nigeria’s unique advantage, particularly its youthful and creative population, while calling for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to fully harness the sector’s potential.

“With our youthful population and rich cultural assets, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a global leader in the Orange Economy if we deepen collaboration and investment across the ecosystem,” he added.

During the engagement, NITDA also presented its strategic initiatives aimed at supporting the digital and creative sectors, including digital infrastructure development, promotion of digital literacy, and implementation of policies that enable startups and innovators to scale.

Addressing challenges facing the sector, Inuwa pointed to issues such as limited access to funding, infrastructure gaps, weak intellectual property protection, and ecosystem fragmentation, while emphasising the need for coordinated action.

“Addressing challenges such as funding gaps, infrastructure deficits, and intellectual property protection is critical to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s creative economy,” he said.

The Agency reiterated its target of achieving 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027, noting that ongoing programmes are equipping millions of Nigerians with essential digital skills, including those in underserved and informal sectors.

In his remark, Professor Omotayo described the visit as an important opportunity to deepen understanding of how digital technologies are reshaping economic sectors, particularly the creative industry. He noted that the insights gathered would contribute significantly to policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economic framework.

Participants of the SEC 48 programme engaged actively during the session, raising questions on capacity development, access to tools, and frameworks for protecting digital content. NITDA highlighted its ongoing collaborations with industry stakeholders to provide training, innovation hubs, and access to digital tools for young Nigerians.

The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment from both NITDA and NIPSS to strengthen collaboration in research, policy development, and capacity building, aimed at positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive force in the digital and creative economy.

The post NITDA Strengthens Collaboration with NIPSS to Drive Digital Innovation, Orange Economy Growth appeared first on Tech Digest News.

It was an eye-opener, full of prescient warnings about the hidden costs of living in a world where our lives are increasingly mediated by technology. Ironically, neither of us imagined that the warnings in that book would soon play out so personally, and so dramatically.

Mr. Shuaib, a respected public relations expert and founder of PRNigeria, was a participant in the Senior Executive Course 47 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). On May 2, 2025, he was abruptly suspended from the course.

His offense? Publishing articles that highlighted and supported President Bola Tinubu’s Digital and Blue Economy reforms. One article, “Understanding the ‘Blue’ in the Blue Economy,” praised the government’s innovative strides in marine resource development.

Another, “NIPSS Goes Digital,” celebrated the institute’s transition to a paperless administrative system—part of Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda. While he did not write or edit the latter, it appeared on his media platform.

In response to his suspension, Mr. Shuaib petitioned the President, citing harassment, cyberbullying, and professional ostracism. He argued that the action was punitive and lacked due process.

NIPSS, however, insisted he breached institutional policy by publishing materials related to the institute without clearance—a rule they claim he had previously been warned about.

But what escalated the matter beyond internal disciplinary lines was a chilling twist: PRNigeria’s editorial email account was allegedly compromised. Confidential communications between journalists and their sources, private story drafts, and editorial exchanges were reportedly accessed without consent.

The intrusion, attributed to officials of the same institute that suspended Mr. Shuaib, raised serious ethical and legal concerns. This was no ordinary data breach. It was a direct violation of professional boundaries, journalistic independence, and Nigeria’s own Cybercrime Act.

It represented something more insidious than just a lapse in judgment—it was, in many ways, a digital form of trespass. The incident sent ripples through media and security circles.

If an elite policy institute, tasked with grooming Nigeria’s future strategic leaders, could be implicated in such an act, what message does that send about our national commitment to digital ethics and rule of law?

It is precisely the kind of scenario “Born Digital” warns about—a world where our private digital footprints are vulnerable not just to hackers or corporations, but to institutions that should be protecting those rights.

In one haunting passage, the authors write: “Young people who are living their lives mediated by digital technologies will pay a higher price, sometimes down the road, for the way privacy is handled in this converged, hybrid environment…

“Most young people are extremely likely to leave something behind in cyberspace that will become a lot like a tattoo, something connected to them that they cannot get rid of later in life.”

That line has stayed with me. Because it is no longer just about young people. It is about all of us. Our identities, habits, preferences, locations, communications, and relationships—all are being recorded, stored, and sometimes exploited through what are now known as digital dossiers.

These dossiers are detailed archives of our lives, compiled by apps, platforms, websites, and even institutions. They are created often without our consent or awareness. While they promise convenience and personalized experiences, they also come with profound risks.

Privacy has become a currency we are forced to spend for access. And increasingly, it is a luxury only few can afford. The NIPSS breach is a wake-up call. It reveals the fragile boundaries between transparency and intrusion, between policy enforcement and personal violation.

It is a reminder that digital transformation must be matched by ethical responsibility and legal accountability. As a journalist, I have often lived under the illusion of digital safety.

But as a parent, I now worry for my young daughter and the millions like her growing up in a world where your data is your shadow—and sometimes, your shackle. We must do more. We must demand stronger data protection laws, foster a culture of privacy awareness, and hold institutions—no matter how revered—to account.

Our digital world should not come at the cost of our humanity, our dignity, or our freedom. The threats are real. The consequences are near. And the time to act is now.

The post NIPSS, PRNigeria and the Alarming Breach of Digital Ethics – By Usman Muhammad Salihu appeared first on Tech Digest News.

A Nigerian public relations professional, Yushau A. Shuaib, has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over what he describes as “unjust, humiliating, and deeply distressing” treatment at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, where he was suspended from the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47 allegedly over harmless articles supporting the President’s Digital and Blue Economy agenda.

In a detailed petition titled “Unjust Treatment at NIPSS Over Articles Supporting Digital and Blue Economy Reforms,” Shuaib, founder of PRNigeria and a Golden World Award recipient of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), accused the institute of harassment, cyberbullying, and professional ostracisation, despite his full compliance with institutional guidelines and ethical publishing practices.

Shuaib revealed that following his suspension on May 2, 2025, he was asked to vacate the NIPSS premises immediately. The abrupt action shocked his family and colleagues, who were left to speculate on the rationale, especially since all other participants remained in the programme.

“This petition sets the record straight and seeks to prevent false insinuations that could damage my reputation,” he stated.

Shuaib recounted that on October 28, 2024—shortly after receiving an international award in Belgrade—he was nominated by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to participate in the prestigious SEC 47 course. He disengaged from his company, Image Merchants Promotion Ltd, and joined the course in good faith.

However, on March 21, 2025, PRNigeria published a story titled “NIPSS Goes Digital,” which Shuaib neither authored nor edited. The article commended the institute’s transition to a paperless system and highlighted its alignment with the Tinubu’s digital transformation agenda. Despite this positive coverage, Shuaib was issued a query by Barrister Nima Salman Mann, the Acting Director of Studies, and was subsequently pressured by Rear Admiral A.A. Mustapha a Directing Staff to discard his initial written defence and submit a revised version dictated by them.

On April 7, 2025, Shuaib was summoned before a disciplinary panel but was denied the opportunity to speak or present his case. The panel relied exclusively on the rewritten response imposed by Rear Admiral Mustapha, rather than the original defence he had prepared.

He was then issued a perplexing final warning letter—his first and only formal warning since the commencement of the programme.

Other participants also reportedly faced disproportionate sanctions. One was queried for commending initiatives of Governor Caleb Mutfwang during a vote of thanks at Governmen House Jos, another for arriving late after a family emergency, and a third for representing NIPSS positively in an external engagement.

On April 28, Shuaib received another query—less than two months after the first. This time, the NIPSS cited a restricted internal PRNigeria editorial email dated April 25, 2025, titled “Understanding the ‘Blue’ in the Blue Economy: A PR Perspective.” The unauthorised interception of this internal correspondence constituted a serious breach of digital privacy and can rightly be described as cyberbullying and cybercrime.

“The article, which I authored and later published in the media, provided insights into the government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda from a Public Relations standpoint and did not refer to NIPSS whatsoever. Shockingly, the institute had accessed the email before it reached its intended editorial recipient—a clear act of unwarranted surveillance and professional misconduct.

“This act was not just a violation of privacy—it amounted to cyberbullying and professional misconduct,” he stated.

The mental strain from the ordeal reportedly led to a hypertension diagnosis at the NIPSS clinic. According to Shuaib, an official directive later barred other participants from interacting with him, leaving him completely isolated.

In addition to his suspension and exclusion from all official communication platforms, Shuaib was denied participation in the SEC 47 international study tours, despite having paid the full ₦18.2 million fee. All other participants were granted travel privileges and Estacodes for official tours across Africa and other continents.

Shuaib told an internal investigative committee—convened after his suspension—that while NIPSS’s Terms of Undertaking emphasise confidentiality, they do not define what qualifies as public, restricted, or classified information, as the institute does not have a communication policy to guide social or media engagement of the participants.

“All my articles were based on publicly available national discourse and never revealed internal NIPSS content,” he insisted. Following two appearances before the committee, he said he received no further communication.

In his concluding appeal to President Tinubu, Shuaib urged an independent investigation into the disciplinary process and cyber-privacy violations and a review of his suspension and exclusion.

He urged the establishment of a clear communication policy for participants at NIPSS.

He also criticised what he described as the excessive militarisation of the academic environment at NIPSS—an approach he says deviates from global best practices at institutions like Brookings (USA), Chatham House (UK), SWP (Germany), and RSIS (Singapore), where constructive dissent and academic freedom are valued.

“All I seek is the opportunity to complete the course, reclaim my dignity, and continue contributing meaningfully to the development of our great nation,” he concluded.

As at press time, NIPSS management has not publicly responded to the allegations.

The post SHOCKING: NIPSS Suspends Participant Over Articles Backing Digital, Blue Economy Reforms Despite ₦18m Fee appeared first on Tech Digest News.

 By AbdulRahman AbdulRaheem, Managing Editor, PRNigeria

We have read, with keen interest and deep concern, the rejoinder issued by Professor Sola Adeyanju, Head of Public Affairs at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), in response to widespread media reports on the unjust suspension of Mr. Yushau A. Shuaib—renowned communication strategist, founder of PRNigeria, and a participant of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47.

This statement is not a defense of my boss. Rather, it is a necessary and informed response, especially as PRNigeria’s digital infrastructure—specifically its editorial email—was unlawfully accessed by NIPSS. More importantly, the news article that prompted the first query against Mr. Shuaib, titled “NIPSS Goes Digital”, was written under my editorial authority. I, not Mr. Shuaib, bear full editorial responsibility, and I am not affiliated with NIPSS.

Yet, in its rejoinder, NIPSS conspicuously ignores the gravest issue: the unauthorised interception of our official editorial email—containing confidential correspondence, story leads, and sensitive information. This intrusion amounts to a violation of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which criminalises unlawful access to digital communication.

Following the incident, PRNigeria’s broader infrastructure—including those of Economic Confidential and Tech Digest—has suffered repeated attempted breaches. We are currently working with cybersecurity experts and legal counsel to investigate the scope and timeline of these violations, and we will pursue legal redress where necessary.

NIPSS must answer a direct question: Did the Institute, or anyone acting on its instruction, access PRNigeria’s editorial email without legal authorisation? If so, under what justification and legal framework? In a democratic society, such questions cannot be brushed aside as mere internal disciplinary affairs.

It is also baffling that Mr. Shuaib was punished for an editorial decision in a newsroom he formally handed over before commencing the NIPSS course. A copy of that handover letter was officially submitted to NIPSS management. Punishing a participant for content he neither wrote nor cleared—after he had relinquished control—raises serious questions about motive and fairness.

Moreover, Mr. Shuaib’s second article, “Understanding the ‘Blue’ in the Blue Economy”, did not mention NIPSS at all. It was a thought leadership piece, rooted in public knowledge, that merely aligned with national policy themes under President Tinubu. That this was twisted into a disciplinary offence speaks volumes.

Let us be clear: Mr. Shuaib is not an agitator. His record in promoting peaceful coexistence, strategic communication, and public accountability spans decades. His awards from both national and international bodies attest to this. To suggest, as the rejoinder does, that he has undermined NIPR or used his platform for blackmail is not only false but defamatory.

In fact, the lack of procedural transparency in NIPSS’s actions is staggering. The official suspension letter failed to mention any duration, yet the rejoinder now retroactively imposes a six-week term. What kind of disciplinary process withholds such vital information from the subject while revealing it publicly afterward?

Mr. Shuaib paid ₦18.2 million for a programme that includes study tours and intellectual engagement. Yet, he was suspended, excluded from study tours, barred from internal communication channels, and effectively ostracised—without a formal hearing or final verdict.

Let us ask: What sort of think tank treats its intellectuals like insubordinate schoolboys? What world-class strategic institute disciplines participants for exercising editorial independence or engaging in national discourse? At Harvard’s Kennedy School, Chatham House in the UK, or Singapore’s Civil Service College, such views are celebrated, not silenced.

NIPSS’s treatment of Mr. Shuaib undermines everything the Institute claims to stand for: critical thinking, policy innovation, and ethical leadership. Instead, it sends a chilling message—conform or be punished.

This issue goes beyond the victimisation of one individual; it speaks to the kind of leadership and governance culture we are normalising. In the petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, two key personalities were referenced—Barrister Nima Salman Mann, Acting Director of Studies, and Rear Admiral A.A. Mustapha, a Directing Staff. The question remains: were these officials acting under the directive of the Director General of NIPSS, or on their own accord? Clarifying this would help identify who should be held accountable for this deeply embarrassing episode—not just for Mr. Shuaib, the victim but for the Institute itself.

Even more troubling is the NIPSS spokesperson’s attempt to rationalise why a positive media report on the government’s economic reforms warranted disciplinary action under vague and non-existent regulations. If an institution entrusted with shaping national policy cannot accommodate complimentary narratives about the administration it serves, how will it respond to constructive dissent or uphold professional independence?

Must everything be militarised? Are participants to be treated as schoolchildren—subjected to bullying and suppression—rather than as experienced professionals deserving of respect and intellectual freedom?

Therefore, we respectfully call on NIPSS to address and clarify the issue of digital surveillance and unauthorised email access; to engage PRNigeria through appropriate editorial channels rather than targeting its founder; to reaffirm its commitment to transparency, intellectual freedom, and justice; and to acknowledge and rectify the procedural irregularities that marred its disciplinary process.

In moments like this, institutions are judged not by the power they wield but by the values they uphold. NIPSS has a choice—to retreat into arrogance or to lead with accountability.

The world is watching. So are we.

AbdulRahman AbdulRaheem

Managing Editor, PRNigeria

The post NIPSS’s Rejoinder: Silence on Cybercrime, Loud on Bullying appeared first on Tech Digest News.

A recent report revealed that the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has launched a new paperless E-Classroom platform aimed at enhancing digital learning and collaboration. This marks a major stride in its ongoing digital transformation agenda.

According to Tech Digest, the launch followed the submission of a landmark report on Nigeria’s digital economy by participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 46 to President Bola Tinubu. Among the key recommendations were fast-tracking the Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, mandating the digital migration of all MDAs to the OneGov.ng portal, supporting youth-centered initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) scheme, and embracing the Quintuple-Helix Model for innovation and job creation.

President Tinubu commended NIPSS for its efforts and directed immediate action on the recommendations. NIPSS Director-General, Professor Ayo Omotayo, emphasized the need to address infrastructure deficits, skill gaps, and regulatory hurdles in order to fully unlock Nigeria’s digital potential. This initiative reaffirms NIPSS’s pivotal role in promoting tech-driven governance and shaping Nigeria’s digital future.

It is encouraging to see more institutions of learning embracing technology to drive education—an overdue but welcome development.

E-Classroom platforms streamline learning by eliminating paper-based inefficiencies and fostering seamless collaboration between policymakers and scholars. Until recently, such platforms were mostly limited to private universities. The web-based system now being adopted by NIPSS enhances online learning, simplifies communication, and enables dynamic interaction between instructors and participants. By digitizing course materials and academic processes, it not only reduces dependence on physical paperwork but also improves accessibility and efficiency.

Though they come in various forms and brands, E-Classroom platforms share a common strength: delivering a seamless learning experience. Users can access materials remotely, submit assignments electronically, and participate in discussions beyond the limitations of traditional classrooms. This digital shift aligns with global best practices in executive education, promoting a more interactive and engaging environment.

A standout feature of E-Classroom is its real-time communication capability. With tools such as instant messaging, video conferencing, and discussion forums, participants can share ideas effortlessly, keeping policy debates vibrant and productive. Additionally, integrated document-sharing and collaborative editing features allow multiple users to contribute to policy papers and research projects, improving teamwork and efficiency.

As Nigeria embraces the digital economy, integrating technology into learning and research is essential for institutional efficiency and international competitiveness. The digital transformation of any forward-looking organization proves that—with the right commitment—even traditionally paper-reliant institutions can modernize and boost their operational performance. For NIPSS and similar bodies, digital adoption in policy research and strategic studies makes learning more interactive, accessible, and impactful.

Public tertiary institutions across Nigeria stand to benefit immensely from adopting similar digital initiatives, particularly as many still rely on outdated manual processes for teaching, research, and administration. This outdated approach hampers their ability to keep pace with global academic trends. Embracing digital platforms would not only expand access to educational resources but also streamline administrative duties and create a more stimulating academic environment. Tertiary institutions must take a cue from NIPSS and embrace tech-driven education to better prepare their students and researchers for the global stage.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has been instrumental in promoting digital adoption through funding, digital literacy programs, and infrastructure support. Yet, many universities have yet to fully integrate these resources into their academic ecosystems.

The success of the E-Classroom should serve as a compelling model, encouraging other institutions to leverage NITDA’s support and fast-track their transition to digital learning environments.

Beyond E-Classroom platforms, institutions must also consider the broader scope of digital transformation—including digitized research systems, collaborative tools, and access to international academic resources.

A fully digital academic ecosystem would significantly improve research quality, support global academic partnerships, and foster an environment more conducive to innovation and excellence.

Digital adoption also serves as a bridge between traditional and modern education, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills required in today’s digital workforce.

While the launch of NIPSS’s paperless E-Classroom is commendable, it must be complemented by a fully digitalized library—if it’s not already in place. A modern educational environment extends beyond virtual classrooms to include comprehensive access to e-books, academic journals, research databases, and other digital resources.

Institutions still relying solely on outdated wooden shelves filled with aging books are clinging to the past. In contrast, a 21st-century library is equipped with cutting-edge technology that offers instant access to global knowledge—enabling policy researchers and learners to stay informed and competitive.

A robust digital library is crucial for institutions involved in policy and strategic studies. Access to real-time data, government policy documents, and global academic publications enhances research capabilities and supports the development of well-informed, evidence-based strategies.

Top-tier institutions around the world have already embraced digital libraries, which significantly improve the speed, quality, and reach of academic research.

The launch of the NIPSS E-Classroom is a landmark moment in Nigeria’s digital education journey. It aligns with the federal government’s broader push for technology-driven governance and education. President Tinubu’s directive underscores his administration’s commitment to digital integration across public institutions, aiming to keep Nigeria competitive in the rapidly evolving global digital landscape.

By expanding digital access, modernizing academic infrastructure, and integrating cutting-edge tools, Nigeria can build a knowledge-driven economy that empowers both students and professionals.

However, for these digital reforms to be truly impactful, collaboration is crucial. The government, policymakers, and institutional leaders must work hand in hand to ensure full implementation—making digital education and research the norm rather than the exception. By doing so, Nigeria can position itself as a continental leader in digital governance, education, and innovation.

Shuaib S. Agaka is a tech journalist writing from Kofar Dukawuya, Kano City.

The post On NIPSS’ Paperless E-Classroom and the Rise of Tech-Driven Learning, By Shuaib S. Agaka appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Weeks after presenting its comprehensive report on Nigeria’s digital economy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has unveiled a cutting-edge paperless web-based E-Classroom platform. This innovative tool is designed to enhance online learning, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among participants and instructors.

The platform, which is already being utilized by participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47, streamlines file sharing, real-time communication, and assignment tracking. It fosters seamless collaboration by enabling instant interactions between instructors and participants while centralizing access to all course materials and assignments. This initiative underscores NIPSS’s commitment to integrating technology into its academic and research activities, marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey.

The Tech Digest reports that the launch of the E-Classroom follows the submission of a detailed report on Nigeria’s digital economy by participants of SEC 46 to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The report outlined an eight-point action plan to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation. Key recommendations included: Expediting the enactment of the Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2024to provide a robust legal framework for digital innovation; Mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to migrate to the OneGov.ng portal for seamless digital governance; Adopting a ‘Quintuple-Helix Model’ to drive the digital economy, youth empowerment, and sustainable job creation and Providing long-term funding for the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) scheme** to build a skilled workforce.

In response, President Tinubu directed the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to collaborate with NIPSS and present the recommendations to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Head of the Civil Service for immediate implementation.

“As Nigeria’s foremost policy think tank, you have identified critical overlaps in government agencies, and we will address these issues,” President Tinubu stated.

“Your work is invaluable to our nation, and I commend the participants for their dedication. We will continue to work closely with NIPSS to ensure Nigeria’s prosperity.”

Prof. Ayo Omotayo, Director-General of NIPSS, highlighted the institute’s extensive research efforts, which included domestic and international study tours to assess global best practices in digital transformation.

“In this era of rapid technological advancement, Nigeria must harness its youthful population to build a thriving digital ecosystem,” Omotayo said. “From Fintech and Agri-Tech to E-Commerce and Artificial Intelligence, the opportunities are immense. However, systemic challenges such as infrastructural deficits, inadequate digital skills, and regulatory bottlenecks must be addressed to fully realize this potential.”

He emphasized the need for targeted policies to create an enabling environment for startups, improve access to finance, and expand broadband penetration. “With the government’s support, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its digital economy, creating millions of sustainable jobs for our youth,” he added.

The launch of the E-Classroom platform and the submission of the digital economy report signal a new era of technology-driven governance and education in Nigeria. As the government considers the recommendations, experts stress that effective policy implementation will be crucial to unlocking the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s digital landscape. This initiative positions NIPSS as a key player in shaping the nation’s digital future.

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In line with the Agency’s roadmap of forging strategic partnerships and collaboration to advance the Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) Kashifu Inuwa CCIE has reiterated the need for collaboration that would bring about the best solutions from ideas, experiences, insights, and shared knowledge needed for the country’s development.

The Director General stated this while playing host to the participants of the 2024 Senior Executive Course 46 who were on a strategic tour to understudy the Agency’s operations on the advancement of Digital Economy in line with the present administration’s Agenda.

The team was led by Brigadier General, Abdulrahman Idris.
Inuwa noted that no organisation can achieve its goals and objectives in isolation, adding that, “We need to collaborate with other institutions to learn and share ideas that will impact on the lives of citizens, improving the living standards of individuals across the country.”

He highlighted that collaboration between NITDA and NIPSS will highlight the importance of leveraging technology and digital innovation to drive economic growth and create more job opportunities for citizens, attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

He said, “At NITDA, we started by re-imagining and reinventing our social contract with Nigerians and the ecosystem, which led to the change of the Agency’s mission and vision to improve service delivery and the swift growth of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. We need to ensure that our core values reflect our willingness to discharge our duties and we exist to serve Nigerians.”

Providing insights into NITDA’s strategic direction, Inuwa mentioned the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2024-2027) 2.0, structured around eight pillars which include Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating Talents, Building a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Frameworks, Promoting Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Enhancing Cybersecurity and Digital Trust, Nurturing an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations, and Cultivating a Vibrant Organisational Culture with an Agile Workforce.

Earlier in his remarks, Brigadier General Idris stated that NIPSS was established by Decree number 20 of 1979, now Cap N-51 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. He said the Institute was conceived as a high-level institution with the primary objectives of serving as the nation’s foremost policy think-tank to develop a crop of top-class technocrats of high intellectual capacity, who will conceptualise and anchor the implementation of innovative and dynamic policy initiatives and strategies that are critical for national development.

Idris added that the institution since inception has graduated 45 courses which are supporting government institutions in the implementation of policies for national development.

He said, “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked the institutions with the mandate to address some issues of national interest around the digital economy sector and NITDA is one of the critical stakeholders in the sector and this has informed our visit’’.

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