As part of efforts to reform the economy for sustained and inclusive growth, the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE has called for a collaborative partnership between NITDA and the MTN Foundation to promote digital literacy and capacity building in Nigeria.

Inuwa made this call during a courtesy visit by MTN Foundation delegation, led by Odunayo Sanya, at the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

The Director-General emphasised the importance of synergy in fostering digital literacy and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda of promoting industrialisation to create a dynamic and diverse economic landscape.

He noted that NITDA’s initiative, DL4ALL, aims to achieve 95% digital literacy across the country by the year 2027. “This aligns with the Agency’s strategic pillar of fostering digital literacy and cultivate talents,” he noted.

Inuwa also highlighted NITDA’s dedication to developing a digital literacy framework based on UNESCO and DigiCom standards, adding that the Agency is collaborating with stakeholders to create a three-phase curriculum for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, with a focus on prioritising skills over certifications.

The MTN Foundation shares similar goals and currently offers online programmes featuring over 4,000 courses, with 2,000 young Nigerians already registered.

Mr. Sanya commended NITDA’s initiatives and invited the Agency to unveil its academy platform on April 17th of this year.

Both organisations have agreed to establish a committee to efficiently achieve their shared objectives. This partnership is expected to drive digital literacy and capacity building in Nigeria, aligning with the country’s national development agenda.

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Five Nigerian researchers made a significant impact at the 17th International Conference on the Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2024) in Pretoria, South Africa.

The event, organized by the United Nations University and UNESCO, attracted more than 336 participants from 49 countries, underscoring the global importance of digital governance.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani was represented by Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Kashifu emphasized that the researchers’ participation aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to leverage technology for economic diversification and enhanced governance.

The DG highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s representation at the conference, noting that out of 157 submitted papers, only 85 were accepted, reflecting the competitive nature of the event.

Kashifu stated that the insights gained from the research could catalyse technological innovations crucial for economic diversification and governance improvement, furthering President Tinubu’s vision.

The Director-General reiterated NITDA’s commitment to continuously support research initiatives, ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of advancements in digital governance.

The research that was showcased spans various aspects of digital transformation, collectively aiming to enhance e-governance and stimulate economic growth through technological innovation.

Hassana Asuku’s presentation, “Bridging the Broadband Gap,” addresses the digital divide in rural areas by proposing a comprehensive strategy to improve broadband access. Her multidimensional approach seeks to enhance economic inclusion and civic engagement, aligning with the government’s push for digital growth.

Adeyinka Patrick Adewumi’s research on “Digital Competency in the Public Sector” highlights the challenges posed by low digital skills among civil servants. He proposes a model for targeted training and infrastructure upgrades to accelerate digital transformation.

Dr. Agbali Mohammed’s work on “Scalable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)” tackles institutional barriers to deploying effective DPI in Nigeria, aiming to enhance public-private partnerships and improve regulatory frameworks.

Dr. Tanimu Mukhtar Garba’s research on “Tax Compliance for SMEs” introduces the Taxpoynt platform, designed to simplify tax processes for small businesses. This advancement is crucial considering the significant role of SMEs in Nigeria’s economy.

Dr. Salihu Dasuki Ibrahim’s work on “Citizens’ Freedoms in E-Governance” explores how DPI can enhance citizen liberties, addressing obstacles such as inadequate ICT infrastructure and data privacy concerns.

The contributions of these researchers not only position Nigeria as a leading voice in the global conversation on digital governance but also reflect the nation’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable economic growth and improved governance.

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Nigeria is planning to host a workshop at the 17th Edition of the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV). This is to further support DPI’s effective design and implementation by the Federal Government.

Interested researchers from the wider academic networks are called to submit papers tailored to the workshop’s theme “Designing and Implementing Scalable and Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in African Context”.

The DPI-tailored paper should be submitted into the following tracks of the conference:
Track 1: Trust and Ethical Digital Governance for the World We Want.
Track 4: Digital Transformation and Innovation in the Public Sector.
Track 7: Future-ready Digital Workforce and Infrastructure Development.
Track 10: Public and Private Sector Governing Digital Economies; and
Track 11: Focus on the Global South Digital Transformation.

Sponsorship

The main author of the top three selected DPI-tailored papers will be sponsored to participate in the Special Workshop.
If your paper is accepted by ICEGOV, kindly notify NITDA by forwarding an acceptance notification by ICEGOV to llamid@nitda.gov.ng on or before 12 July 2024.

Special Dates

Paper Submission Deadline: 21 April 2024
ICEGOV Acceptance Notification: 10 July 2024
Winners’ Announcement Date: 15 July 2024

Background on ICEGOV

ICEGOV is an annual gathering of academia, governments, international organisations, civil society, and industry to share the latest insights and experiences in the theory and practice of Digital Governance. The United Nations University (UNU-EGOV) organises the international conference in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The ICEGOV2024 will take place in Pretoria, South Africa from the 1st to the 4th of October 2024 at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg with a main theme of “Trust and Ethical Digital Governance for the World We Want”.

Objectives

Specifically, the objective is to:

1. Deepen Nigeria’s position in global research in key technology areas (the top 25 percentile) as proposed in the FMCIDE strategic plan;
2. Provide wider local and global perspectives to critical concepts of implementing and accelerating digital governance;
3. Strengthen Nigerian research leadership in digital governance in the Global South; and
4. Enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global digital community.

Why is Nigeria Participating?

ICEGOV2024 presents a great platform for Nigeria to further strengthen its evidence of digital governance position by presenting well-researched and world-class papers from academia, industry and the government.

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TECH DIGEST- In commemoration of the second anniversary of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, the United Nations body has issued a compelling call for governments worldwide to expedite the incorporation of this ethical standard. This appeal was emphasized during a high-profile media briefing held this week, shedding light on both the advancements achieved and the looming challenges that demand global attention.

While AI technologies offer manifold benefits across various sectors, the absence of robust ethical frameworks poses a significant threat. Unchecked, these technologies risk perpetuating real-world biases and discrimination, potentially undermining fundamental human rights and freedoms. To safeguard against such risks, governments are urged to establish optimal frameworks, institutions, and skill sets.

The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted in November 2021, marked a groundbreaking consensus among all Member States. This international agreement marked a pivotal moment, providing a definitive guide on how AI should be designed and utilized to positively impact individuals while respecting their human rights.

Over the past two years, UNESCO has played a pivotal role in championing the widespread implementation of AI ethics, achieving noteworthy progress across all global regions. In a press briefing, a distinguished panel of experts will outline the recent strides made, emphasizing the critical need for governments to expedite AI regulation. The experts will further underscore the imperative to intensify efforts in mitigating the potential risks posed by AI. Journalists are invited to gain insights into this crucial discussion, shedding light on the ongoing global efforts to shape the ethical landscape of artificial intelligence.

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TECHDIGEST – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in partnership with Huawei, has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing learning in Nigeria through the use of technology.

Huawei said it is also making similar efforts in other developing countries, including Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, and Pakistan.

The company made this known during the Digital Talent Summit co-hosted by Huawei and the Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) as part of the company’s lead-up to the Mobile World Congress 2023 held in Barcelona, Spain.

According to Huawei’s Vice President of Corporate Communications, Vicky Zhang, the company is proud to be joining forces with UNESCO top better deliver enhanced learning experiences in developing countries through the use of technology.

READ ALSO: Elon Musk regains ‘World’s Richest Person’ title 

“Getting the right education is often the key to success in life. As a major player in the technology sector, Huawei feels it is responsible for providing technical skills in all parts of the world, trying our best to include as many people as possible,” she said.

Zhang disclosed that Huawei started the Seeds for the Future program, a sub-project of the National ICT Talent Development, in 2018 by signing an MOU between the company and the government of Nigeria. She revealed that ten talented Nigerian students are selected each year for two weeks of ICT development and Chinese culture training.

She added that the program is expected to yield significant social impact and contribution that will inspire and help students find new solutions for the future ICT development of Nigeria and help the country develop rapidly.
Speaking during the summit, the Director of UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), David Atchoarena, commended Huawei for its commitment and contribution towards enhancing educators’ use of technology in developing countries.

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TECHDIGEST – Science Tech Park has been one of the several projects the Federal ministry of Science and Technology has been championing in Nigeria since 2006. Although the implementation process started in 2007 after a baseline study was conducted across the country, a fully fledged Science Tech Park has yet to berth fully.

The baseline study was conducted to determine the science, engineering, technology and innovation landscape of the country, after which six science parks, one in each geo-political zone was proposed.

However, in 2009, the idea of establishing six Science Parks was changed and the focus shifted to establishing a model Science and Technology Park at Science and Technology Complex, SHETSCO, SHEDA, Abuja. About 79.5 hectres of land was provided for the project.

The model Science and Technology Park is to be replicated by State Governments, universities, the private sector and other interested organizations in the country.

READ ALSO: NITDA Bill 2021 ‘ll Help Nigeria Harness Benefits of Global Digital Economy – Editor

Even with this, the dream has remained a mirage, thirteen years after. And now, Federal government has yet again, commenced the implementation of the Master Plan for the establishment of the SHESTCO Science and Technology Park at SHEDA, Abuja.

Federal government is giving the impression it is ready, saying it has used all these years to do sensitization and create necessary awareness that will make every Nigerian key into the project immediately it is finished.

At least, the minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Sen. Adeleke Mamora, confirmed this to Brandxposure.ng in Abuja recently. He said the Ministry has used all these years to embark on national and international workshops and other advocacy programmes to sensitize stakeholders, create necessary awareness and enlighten the public on the need for the parks. He listed the stakeholders who needed proper understanding of the Nigerian Science and Technology Park initiative to include Universities and Research Institutes across the country.

According to him, a Science Park has many advantages on the economy, because it Stimulates and effectively manages the flow of knowledge and technology amongst universities, R&D institutions, companies and markets; facilitate the creation and growth of innovation-based companies through incubation and spin-off processes; and provision of other value-added services together with high quality space and facilities.

Minister noted that his Ministry is already partnering with institutions and development partners locally and internationally to assist in the implementation of the SHESTCO Science and Technology Park. The organizations include; the World Technopolis Association, UNESCO, Science Parks and Government of Poland, China Great wall Industry, United Kingdom Science Park Association (UKSPA) among others.

So far the initiative has produced a feasibility report and business plan by UNESCO as well as Master Plan for the project. The park, when completed, would enable Nigeria launch into full industrialization.

The Ministry is collaborating with some Agencies and Universities such as the Project Development Institute (PRODA), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) which already has a functional Science Park and some State Governments that have indicated interest in establishing their own Science Parks in a manner that will be mutually beneficial.

Developing Nations such as China, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia etc, realized how the development and effective management of Science Parks could transform an economy, decided to develop one with spin-off companies running into hundreds and employing thousands of their citizens,

Director General of SHETSCO, Prof. Peter Onyenekwe described the science tech park as the Silicon Valley project, and said with it, the ministry has shown it recognizes the importance of increasing and strengthening the linkage between Nigeria’s government, knowledge/research centres and industry.

He said the complex hopes for the S&T park to create a focal point for building critical mass for infrastructure and expertise that would catalyze and fast-track the commercialization of existing and emerging technologies and research output; foster a robust system of innovation through effective interaction among government, knowledge centre and industry in a corridor of technology that stretches from SHEDA to all part of the country.

‘‘The increased interest in the development of science and technology Parks globally is related to the need to foster a viable innovation led sector as well as the need for a robust research and development base, using indigenous human capital and associated commercialization of technology to accelerate economic development,’’ he noted.

Source : Vanguard

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TECHDIGEST – Two Nigerian teachers named in the top 50 shortlist for us $1 million global teacher prize 2021 and three Nigerian students named in the top 50 shortlist for $100,000 chegg.org global student prize.

Olusegun Adeniyi, who teaches art at Caleb British International School, Lagos, Nig​​eria, and Adeola Adefemi, who teaches English language at Oke-Odo Senior High School, Lagos, Nigeria, have been included in the top 50 shortlist for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2021 in partnership with UNESCO.

Meanwhile, Oluwadamilola Akintewe, a 22-year-old student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo, Nigeria; Blessing Akpan, a 23-year-old student at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigera; and Esther Ajari, a 22-year-old student at the University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo, Nigeria, have been included in the top 50 shortlist for its new sister award, the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2021.

Olusegun and Adeola, shortlisted for the Global Teacher Prize 2021, were selected from over 8,000 nominations and applications from 121 countries around the world.

Blessing and Esther, shortlisted for the Global Student Prize 2021, were selected from over 3,500 nominations and applications from 94 countries around the world.

Now in its seventh year, the US$1 million Global Teacher Prize is the largest prize of its kind, while the Global Student Prize, which is in its inaugural year, will see the winning student receive $100,000.

The Global Teacher Prize was set up to recognise one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.

By unearthing thousands of stories of heroes that have transformed young people’s lives, the prize hopes to bring to life the exceptional work of millions of teachers all over the world.

The Varkey Foundation launched the Chegg.org Global Student Prize earlier this year to create a powerful new platform to highlight the efforts of extraordinary students throughout the world that are making a real impact on learning, the lives of their peers and on society beyond.

The prize is open to all students who are at least 16 years old and enrolled in an academic institution or training and skills programme. Part time students as well as students enrolled in online courses are also eligible for the prize.

Together, the Global Teacher Prize and the Global Student Prize will tell inspirational stories from both sides of education.

The prizes will shine a spotlight on the great work teachers do in preparing young people for the future and the amazing promise the brightest students are showing in their learning and far beyond.

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TECHDIGEST –  The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, is set to train over 6000 Nigerians through its Digital States Initiative in 11 states across the country in commemoration of International Literacy Day.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami while delivering his keynote address at the virtual opening ceremony of Digital States Initiative to celebrate International Literacy Day with the theme “Literacy for a Digital Nigeria”, stated that the programme is aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with the necessary digital literacy skills that can facilitate Nigeria’s transition to a digital economy.

Professor Pantami quoted United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) definition of literacy in 2005 as ‘the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute using printed materials associated with varying context’. He added that Literacy involves a continuum of learning and enabling individuals achieve his or her goals.

He said, “Digital literacy on the other hand refers to those things we need to read, learn and work in a society where communication and access to information is predominantly through digital technologies and innovations like the internet platforms, social media and mobile devices”.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bitrus Nabasu, noted that the programme seeks to invest in human capital development in preparation for the impact of digitisation and digitalisation of Nigeria.

Pantami noted that the international literacy day which is September 8th of every year is to raise awareness and concern for literacy problems that exist within our local communities and globally.

He cited the proclamation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1966 which was to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human right.

While making his remarks, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, explained that digital literacy is a key pillar in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), adding that “we have an ambitious target for 95 percent literacy in Nigeria by 2030”.

He stated that at NITDA, it was cascaded down to the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024) and also the draft National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Policy. This he said will help in building human capacity of Nigerians.

“To succeed as a country in our journey to digital economy we need to invest hugely in building the digital capacity of our citizens.”
Inuwa added that, building the capacity of the citizen is being taken from two angles; starting from basic which implies that every Nigerian should have the basic skills to use digital tools and benefit from services it offers. And the other angle he said is building competencies within the country so that digital services can be built for the nation’s economic benefits.

We also stated, “We can address the African Free Trade Zone to expand our services to other african countries and globally. It is the reason why the NITDA is very focused on Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship that can help citizen build Innovation Driven Enterprise (IDE)”.

Meanwhile, the Country Director of Microsoft in Nigeria, Mrs Ola Williams, commended the Ministry and NITDA for the initiative and assured the Agency that her organisation is focused on enabling digital skills.

Also, the County Director of Oracle, Mr Segun Ajayi said the organizations is dedicated to making Nigeria the hub of digital economy and also empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through innovation.

Participants from across the country took turns to appreciate the Ministry, and NITDA for giving them such great opportunity that will prepare them for the future.

The 11 states where the training will be taking place are: Katsina, Ekiti, Oyo, Kaduna, Borno, Bauchi, Imo, Bayelsa, Niger, Nasarawa, and Abia States.

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TECH DIGEST – The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is exploring partnership with Nigeria to promote digital economy in Africa’s largest economy and most populated with over 200 million people.

The Permanent delegate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to UNESCO, Her Excellency, Ms Hajo Sani this Monday in Abuja discussed collaboration with Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami to further drive the renewed IT-focused agenda of UNESCO, particularly in the area of digital economy.

Ms Sani, while on an official visit to the ministry, outlined applicable areas for partnership including creating knowledge societies, infrastructural investments, world summit on information society, inter-governmental partnerships and programmes, the internet universality indicators, among others.

She solicited the minister’s support in ensuring that strategic engagements between UNESCO and the ministry are deliberate and impactful.

She further urged the minister to facilitate the active involvement of UNESCO in Nigeria digital economy sector for the benefit of the country.

Pantami while felicitating with her on her appointment noted that the programmes and initiatives of UNESCO are in alignment with that of the sector and in line with global best practices.

The minister emphasised that ICT is the key enabler of every sector of the economy globally.

“If you explore the key of digital technology properly, you will open a lot of opportunities in education, science, agriculture, health and other sectors. The digital economy is not just a stand-alone sector, but the key enabler to limitless opportunities in every sector. It is commendable that UNESCO has identified and recognised the relevance of leveraging on digital technologies for development,” said Pantami.

He said most of the policies established under the present administration to drive the digital economy have a direct impact on UNESCO’s key objectives. They include the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria (NDEPS), the Nigerian National Broadband Plan, the National Policy on Virtual Engagements in Federal Public Institutions, the National Policy on Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Core Skills for Nigerians, The National Policy for the Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector, the Revised National Digital Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration, the National Digital Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Startup Policy, among others.

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