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

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The former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has addressed concerns about Artificial Intelligence (AI) potentially displacing millions of jobs, emphasising the importance of skill acquisition in mastering modern tools as a solution.

Pantami expressed his views while receiving participants in the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship at his office. He underscored that mentorship programs focused on skill development can enhance career growth, improve problem-solving abilities, and expand professional networks.

“In the coming years, millions may face job loss as AI assumes various roles,” he noted.

“However, it’s crucial to understand that it will not be AI itself causing this job loss, but individuals adept at utilizing AI technologies. AI is ultimately a product of human ingenuity; it does not operate or evolve independently.”

While mindful of fear of technology often described as allayed Technophobia, Pantami highlighted that one of the defining characteristics of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is that expertise in technology does not necessitate formal education in computer science. “Similarly, you don’t need a degree in Mass Communication to become an award-winning journalist or an accomplished public relations professional. This revolution is centered around personal development and continuous learning.”

Pantami emphasized that mentorship can transform lives, even through brief interactions, and encouraged younger individuals to seek guidance from their elders.

“Mentorship bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills,” he said. “Education lays the groundwork, but applying theoretical knowledge requires hands-on experience.”

He explained that while university education provides essential theoretical frameworks, practical skills are often cultivated in the private sector. “I have consistently emphasized that practical skills—not just degrees—drive success.”

Continuing, Pantami stressed the importance of continuous training and personal development in today’s fast-paced environment. “You need essential skills, including social abilities rooted in empathy, emotional intelligence, and communication, as well as digital skills such as AI, programming, and critical thinking. Staying updated with industry trends and technologies is imperative.

“I commend all of you for pursuing the PRNigeria Young Communication Mentorship Programme following your university graduation. While degrees are valuable, skills are equally important. Pursue formal education, but prioritize practical experience and continuous learning for success.”

He reiterated that digital skills and understanding AI are crucial for remaining relevant, given the expected job displacement caused by these technologies. “There is a need for constant learning and retraining to stay competitive in the job market.”

Mr. Yushau Shuaib, Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, praised Pantami for accommodating the fellowship on short notice and for providing copies of his latest book, “Skills Rather than Just Degrees,” to the participants.

Shuaib noted that the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship was designed to broaden participants’ knowledge across various communication aspects. He explained that the fellowship focuses on modern communication methods, emerging technologies, and multimedia sessions.

“The fellowship explores strategic communication and social media engagement while incorporating AI and machine learning to enhance communication. Additionally, we include multimedia sessions to address the transition from print to audiovisual communication.”

He added that the fellowship which is hosted at PRNigeria Centres in Abuja, Ilorin and Kano provides a platform for participants to connect with industry professionals through organized sessions at media houses and PR departments, facilitating hands-on experience and practical learning opportunities.

The post Technophobia: Pantami Says Artificial Intelligence Won’t Replace Humans, But only Unskilled Workers appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – The Nigeria Airforce (NAF) and Meta have emerged winners of the ‘2023 Golden World Awards’ (GWA), instituted by the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) for outstanding PR campaigns.

Two PR agencies from Nigeria, the Image Merchants Promotion (IMPR) Limited (IMPR) and AT3 Resources have also been recognized by IPRA for championing the campaigns of NAF and Meta, the owner of Facebook.

The Nigeria Air Force bagged the award under ‘Crisis Management Category’ in partnership with IMPR for providing enablement for independent media reports and third-party news narratives on counter-insurgency operations.

The reports and alternative narratives on the success of counterterrorism, widely used in the media, boosted citizens’ confidence and the morale of the troops.

AT3 Resources, the strategic communications partner of Meta in West Africa, won the award under the ‘Technology Category’, with the multi-pronged communication campaign, “#NoFalseNewsZone” in Nigeria and Ghana respectively.

The campaign was aimed at helping people think critically about the messages they see online before forwarding them to others. It was an innovative, interesting, and engaging campaign to help people understand the consequences of false news and contribute to curbing its spread.

READ ALSO: MSMEs Will Contribute $53b To Nigeria’s Economy If Digitised — NITDA Boss

Image Merchants Promotions Limited,
the publisher of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential has, over the years, bagged African SABRE Awards organized by PRovoke Media, in partnership with African Public Relations Association (APRA) as well as IPRA’s GWA. In 2020 it was declared as the Most Creative PR Agency, globally.

Similarly, AT3, over the span of five years, has embarked on numerous impactful brand and corporate campaigns and has collaborated with many industry stakeholders to achieve great results.

In 2022, the agency collaborated with Brand Africa to celebrate African brands in Nigeria. It won the prestigious Sabre Certificate of Excellence in 2022, the Marketing Edge Award for the Outstanding Young PR Agency of the Year in the same year, and the BrandCom Award for ‘Young Public Relations Agency of the Year’ in 2021.

Speaking on the award, the Managing Director of IMPR, Mr. Yushau Shuaib expressed delight that PR firms in Nigeria are now recognized in the global scene beyond the regional recognition.

“I am delighted that more Nigerian PR firms have grown beyond being local champions in regional PR Power List, by competing outside their cocoon with the very best in the PR world for deserving global recognitions.

“We should continue to strive in ensuring that PR campaigns demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism, creativity, integrity, impact and effectiveness.”

Meanwhile, IPRA’s Secretary General, Philip Sheppard announced a total of 70 winners for 2023 with a number of entries tackling emerging issues such as cryptocurrency, influencer management and virtual reality.

According to him, the GWA jury of experts met in person for the first time since the pandemic at an inspiring session in London’s Institute of Directors in assessing the entries. The jury comprised judges from Austria, Bulgaria, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, The Philippines, the USA and the United Kingdom.

“This year we had entries covering multiple subjects and there was a notable demonstration of creativity from all around the world,” explains Philip Sheppard.

“We learnt of stories such as prejudice in Peru, solitary bees in Croatia and tackling fake news in Ukraine.”

The prestigious Grand Prix was also chosen but the judges have been sworn to secrecy. Along with the Global Contribution Award for PR with an objective of meeting one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Grand Prix will be announced at the GWA Gala on 20 October in Barcelona.

IPRA, the International Public Relations Association, was established in 1955, and is the leading global network for PR professionals in their personal capacity. IPRA aims to advance trusted communication and the ethical practice of public relations. IPRA is the organiser of public relations’ annual global competition, the Golden World Awards for Excellence (GWA). IPRA’s services enable PR professionals.

The post IPRA Recognizes Nigeria’s IMPR, AT3 as NAF, Meta Win PR Golden World Awards 2023 appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST –  I was delighted when my big brother, Mallam Yushau Shuaib – a cerebral PR expert, writer and publisher of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential – visited my family recently in London and requested that I write a review on his new book “Pantami: Trials and Triumphs of a Digital Economy Maestro.”

While I viewed his request as a special honour, the short notice however gives me a little concern. But being my benefactor, mentor and truly caring brother of nearly two decades, I had no option but to accede to his request.

From the cover, one could read the short blurb on the book by Professor Adeola Akande, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC).

According to Akande, the book is: “Much more than just being a chronicle of the vicissitudes of a respected scholar of the digital experience and faith, it is a testament to a crucial period in the life of a country.”

The chair of the NCC Board of Commissioners’ blurb set the stage for what readers should expect inside the revelatory contents of Yushau’s blockbuster, non-literary piece.

Pantami: Trials and Triumphs of a Digital Economy Maestro has four chapters with each having at least three topics.

In the book’s Chapter One titled: Personal Opinion, the author provides his previously published articles on the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. The articles include: That Friendly Call from the Scholar; The Memorable Visit for Digital Innovation; Authority on Cybersecurity and Datafication and Encounter with a Digital Economy Maestro.

The second Chapter of Yushau’s book is titled Inter-Agency Engagements, with topics that actually address certain inter-agency rivalries.

They include Resisting Multiple Telecom Taxation, The NIN-SIM Linkage Palaver and The War on Stamp Duty.

Similarly, the Chapter Three on Managing External Factors, illustrated major battles or challenges Profesor Pantami had to contend with during his tenure in office as the Minister. The topics are ASUU Battle over IPPIS-UTAS Payment System; On FUTO Professorship and Witch-Hunting or Boko Haram Saga?

Operational Exigencies is the title of the Chapter Four of Yushau’s latest publication, and therein one will find the following articles: NigComsat and the Fear of Privatisation; The Galaxy and Visibility and Record of Accomplishments.

I notice that most of the topics revolve around mandates and activities of agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. Some of the agencies conspicuously mentioned in the book include the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone Limited, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), National Identity Management Commission, (NIMC), and the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST).

Some of the topics I found very interesting and intriguing are seemingly controversial. The author narrates how a very long ASUU strike was influenced over a disagreement on the payment system for Nigerian universities’ lecturers, among others.

In “Pantami: Trials and Triumphs of a Digital Economy Maestro,” the author chronicled the feats achieved by Pantami as Nigeria’s Communication and Digital Economy Minister since 2019, to include: the implementation of broadband connectivity across the country, reinvigorating Nigeria’s digital economy sub-sector, and the empowerment of citizens’ ICT skills.

Others are: the implementation of a Digital Identity Programme, implementation of a National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, digitalizing government functions and processes, as well as deployment of 4G across the country.

The controversy over the appointment of the Minister as Professor of Cybersecurity at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) and also, the debate on the Minister’s link to Boko Haram terrorism many years ago, were dispassionately analyzed by the author.

Yushau, equally, was very fair in his narrations, as he provided the genesis of the aforementioned thorny issues and how they all ended with the Minister’s triumph against his army of critics.

Using Pantami’s travails as a public office holder, the author observes (in his latest work) that the media are generally more inclined to celebrating conflict and crisis, even as they also, deliberately – and rather unfortunately – censor other crucial sides to stories that could temper the public drift towards hysteria.

As someone who marvels at Pantami’s erudition in both Islamic and Western education, I was appalled by the controversy that trailed his elevation to the rank of Professor by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO. As someone who detests being addressed as “Sheikh” to demonstrate his pedagogical humility, I expected the minister to, in the like manner, throw away the pulpy endocarp of the mango in order to get rid of the flies.

Indeed, I share the sentiment expressed by Yushau that Pantami, to some extent, triumphed over the endless trials, travails and tribulations that threatened his ministerial and professorial appointments.

As the fireworks intensified and the controversies raged such that the presidency was forced to take positions on some of the issues, one of the hidden facts, that is not stated in this book was that Mallam Yushau, a PR warlord, sat with his top commanders in his PR bunker in Wuye Abuja. He deployed his arsenals strategically and fired from the cylinders of traditional and new media with remarkable marksmanship. At the end of the day, the author’s PR warfare paid up. The rest are now history.

I think one day I will also write a book titled “An Encounter With A Spin-Master” in honour of Alhaji Yushau’s outstanding PR feats, just the way he authored “An Encounter With A Spymaster” in honor of Colonel Sambo Dasuki’s feats in espionage and military intelligence.

In conclusion, I recommend this latest edifying and intellectually stimulating book to PR practitioners, students, communication experts and players in digital innovation and ICT, among others. PR managers in particular will also find the book relevant in learning the ropes of solving dire image crisis.

Jaafar Jaafar,
Publisher, Daily Nigerian
Writes from London, United Kingdom

The post Reviewing a Book on Pantami’s Trials and Triumphs by Jaafar Jaafar appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – With the unbundling of Department of Mass Communication into a Faculty, the Nasarawa State Univerity will soon commence a degree programme in Public Relations.

A Senior Lecturer in the now Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Dr Anthony Ogande, made the disclosure when he paid a courtesy to Image Merchants Promotion Limited, the publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential and other media titles in Abuja.

Dr. Ogande said the purpose of the unbundling was to yeild to the yearnings of modern times, knowing full well that Mass Communication is an expansive field which needs to be broken down into smaller departments. 

“At the moment we are about to start with three departments namely Public Relations, Broadcasting and Journalism departments under the Faculty of Mass Communication and Media Studies in Nasarawa State University,” he said. 

READ ALSO: NITDA Collaborates NESG on Digital Inclusion, Develops Regulatory Intelligence Framework 

On what the recent development is meant to achieve, Ogande said: “The unbundling has answered a question that has been agitating the mind of a good number of us who are in the University. Mass Communication is a large field and by virtue of the unbundling it has been reduced to focused and specific fields that every person, every student coming in to study will now have a direction,” he added.

The scholar also noted that the unbundling will brighten the career chances of students especially in fields like public relations ad Journalism which are based on capacity and competence. 

“The unbundling comes with a lot of expectations and precisely the department of Public Relations the expectation is that the students will no longer be paper tigers, the students will now move out to know what is happening in the field, to utilise what is happening in the field and to add value to the larger society in terms of ensuring that Public Relations contributes its own quota to the economic growth of the nation,” he said.

The communication scholar who inspected PR facilities at Image Merchants Promotion, commended the management and staff for award-winning campaigns they had executed over the years.

“We are in IMPR, one of the most accomplished and successful PR in the country to seek partnership towards mentorship and internship placement for students once we commence the PR programme.”.

In his response, the Chief Executive Officer of IMPR, Yushau A. Shuaib said that the PR firm would be delighted to support the university in grooming young students and communicators in the field journalism and public relations.

Shuaib commended the National Universities Commission (NUC) for approved the curriculum for the unbundling of the Mass Communication Programme in Nigerian universities, which will result in the emergence of seven Degree-awarding programmes and the phasing out of the single BSc/BA Degree Programme in Mass Communication.

PRNigeria reports that NUC after consultations with academia and institutional stakeholders unbundled Mass Communication department by recommending Faculty of Communication and Media studies where students could undertake degree programmes Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Broadcasting, Film & Multi-Media Studies, Development Communication Studies, Information & Media Studies.

By PRNigeria

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TECHDIGEST – The University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) has unveiled a social media student volunteers who will support and promote the activities of the institution on digital media space.

The volunteer team was inaugurated during a One-day Sensitization Program on Digital Media with the theme; “The Digital Media Space in the 21st Century: Exploring Opportunities for Networking and Promotion of Organizational Goals” which took place at the university campus today in Abuja.

Part of the tasks expected to be carried out by the team included but not limited to promoting the programmes, activities and accomplishments of the university as well as propagating its cultural norms aimed at protecting its image in the public.

The university’s social media platforms, especially Facebook and Twitter handles – both of which have over 67,000 followers put together will be managed by the volunteers who are very articulate and vibrant tech savvy youths.

According to the management, these tasks can be achieved by the team through establishing an/or maintaining active social media accounts, researching and creating creative content for different social media channels and identifying opportunities to establish relationships with local community groups.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah said that social media has come to stay as digitalization is affecting every aspect of life and thus cannot be avoided.

The University Registrar, Malam Yahaya Ibrahim Mohammed presenting an Award to PRNigeria Publisher, Malam Yushau A. Shuaib

Represented by the Dean of School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Ukertor Gabriel Moti, Prof Na’Allah added that social media is vital to the academia for being an additional veritable tool for learning and teaching processes.

Speaking on “Exploring Opportunities in the Digital Media Space,” the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, highlighted vast potentials and opportunities of digital media space for academic activities and skill acquisitions

Represented by an officer of the agency, Ms Bashira Hassan, the DG said that social media can be used in achieving the organizational goals through promoting and networking with customers and other stakeholders of businesses.

He further enjoined the students to leverage on the opportunities brought by digital space in deepening their education and other facilities provided by NITDA including Coursera- an online/virtual teaching platform.

The guest speaker at the occasion, Mallam Yushau A. Shuaib of PRNigeria urged the university students on proper usage of social media in building professional careers and promoting businesses. He also listed the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

Shuaib identified three levels of Communications, including asymmetrical communications, symmetrical communications and interactive. He harped on digital skills and encouraged students to key into the trend of using social media for noble causes and legitimate businesses.

He said with digital skills, students can earn money and support themselves while still in school and even after school, when most graduates are faced with the problem of unemployment.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Head, Information and Relations Unit of the University, Dr. Habib Yakoob, highlighted the key objectives of the program as “to sensitize students, staff, and university community to the best way to use the social/digital media especially in promoting university’s organizational goals, as well as how they can deploy the platforms to network and explore the opportunities in the vast world of communication.”

He commended the efforts of NITDA for their relentless support to their cause which are critical in the successes being recorded by the institution.

“We are, particularly, excited and proud to have a savvy chief executive officer whom we have dubbed the digital vice-chancellor for moving the university on the path of digitalisation and allowing us to explore all the opportunities that have been made possible through his very transformational leadership.

“We are confident that we shall have more opportunities in the goodwill that will be provided by stakeholders who are here today.” Habib added.

By PRNigeria

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TECHDIGEST – The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Chapter, Mr Sam Udekwe, has commended the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for always prioritising the growth and development of journalists especially in the area of amassing digital skills for smooth operation.

Udekwe, who spoke at the end of Digital Journalism and Fact-checking Workshop held in Enugu said NITDA under the Kashifu Inuwa-led management has made journalism the priority of its capacity building initiatives.

He commended Inuwa for periodically helping NUJ leaders to develop the capacity of journalists across the country.
He also commended the Chris Isiguzo-led national leadership of NUJ and the Yushau Shuaib-led Image Merchants Promotion Limited, Publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, for collaborating with NITDA to bring the workshop to Enugu.

READ ALSO: At NITDA’s Digital Journalism Workshop, NUJ Advocates ‘Bill of Rights’ for Media

Also speaking, chairman of the Enugu correspondent chapel, Mr Lawrence Njoku, commended the NUJ national leadership and IMPR for the initiative, pledging that the participants will make the best use of what they learnt in the course of the training.
Speaking on behalf of female participants, Ngozi Mbah of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) said she and other beneficiaries were leaving the venue enriched with the latest digital tools they were exposed to.
In her remarks, the spokesperson of NITDA, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, who represented the DG, said her agency would sustain the capacity building programme on latest digital tools and skills for mass communication.

She therefore urged the journalists to make the best use of the skills they learnt which were meant to ease their job and also share the knowledge with colleagues who could not attend the session.

The post NUJ Commends NITDA for Digital Journalism Trainings at State Level appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Pantami, has commended Hashim Suleiman, the author of a new book on contemporary issues in Nigeria.

The Minister made the commendation at the unveiling of the book titled “Big Opinion” in Abuja.

Pantami, who was represented by Dr. Idris Yelwa, a Director at the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, pointed out that books play a key role in fostering leadership, creativity and innovation.

The Minister, who recently had a book titled “Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami: Advancing Nigeria’s Drive Towards a Digital Economy” named after him by Obiora Nzekwu said the latest book is also timely.

“The process of writing books involves research, critical thinking and experimentation which help to build the capacity of the author for innovative thing and creativity, among others.

READ ALSO: Digital Nigeria: Kashifu Inuwa Tasks Tech Innovators On Problem Solving

“Similarly, readers are able to learn a lot from the wealth of experience of the authors.  It is often said that experience is the best teacher, through books we can gain insights into the experience of the authors and those that they have written about.”

He therefore described the ‘Big Opinions’ author as a gifted intellectual, with undying passion for research and opinion writing.

Reviewing the book, the Publisher of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, Mal. Yushau Shuaib, applauded the author’s ability to fairly analyse contemporary national issues, while also proffering solutions to the country’s woes.

“The author is a fearless public commentator, whose analyses on trending national issues are top notch,” he said.

In his remarks, an elated Suleiman paid tributes to his parents for nurturing and guiding him throughout his life.

He said that he is a believer in freedom of expression as far as it is for the betterment of the society.

Shuaib said the book which is a collection of the author’s published articles in the media covers major contemporary political issues in Nigeria.

“From my assessment, I can say that the 99 articles in the Book covers politics at state, national and global levels.

“While some of Hashim’s arguments are straightforward, others are controversial and contentious.

“The author also succeeded in defending some individuals and groups against attacks by critics as he captures intrigues and controversies surrounding the issues at stake.”

Shuaib therefore recommended the book to students, political scientists and researchers, who wish to broaden their horizons on topical socio-political and economic issues affecting the country.

At the unveiling of the book which coincided with the author’s 40th Birthday Anniversary, his parents, business people, politicians and friends graced the occasion.

His father, Pharmacist Hashim Ubale Yusufu, described the author as very brilliant who was focused, independent minded and very caring.

“Suleman is a son that we are very very proud of for being a great ambassador of the family,” Pharmacist Hashim said.

The post Pantami Hails Author of “Big Opinions” for Documenting Contemporary Issues in Nigeria appeared first on Tech Digest News.

By Yushau A. Shuaib

TECHDIGEST – I arrived at GITEX 2022 in Dubai with the hope of waylaying Professor Ali Ibrahim Pantami for an exclusive interview on politics, alongside the challenges, excitements, disappointments, and accomplishments of his ever-inspiring exploits in public office, particularly since his appointment as the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy.

Pantami remains one of the few cabinet members in President Buhari’s administration who are highly pragmatic, charismatic, and results-oriented. He boldly builds partners with sincere allies, surmounts hurdles and never shies away from the good fight towards accomplishing what has been described as unprecedented feats in his Ministry. He is truly Nigerias Digital Economy maestro.

The results are certainly obvious for many to see: Apart from the digital economy sector now playing a pivotal role in lifting the Nigerian economy out of recession, it is continuously recording the highest growth rate in the countrys public sector.

Just as parastatals under his Ministry are remitting trillions of naira into the coffers of the Federal Government, a lot more in taxes and duties are also being paid by ICT companies and other sectoral players into the national treasury. Its a case of the golden goose that is being properly tended to and which continues to lay the golden eggs that expand the national fortunes, especially in a period of global fiscal crisis.

READ ALSO: At 50, Pantami is Worth Celebrating – Solomon

I was interested in asking him about the spirit behind the significant number of policies developed and the hundreds of projects executed by his Ministry towards providing an enabling environment for the sustainable growth of the communications and digital economy sector.

Rather than being granted what I had expected to be a straightforward interview, the Minister rather got me into covering the week-long activities of the Nigerian delegation at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which he led. This was the 2022 edition of the annual Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX Global), from the 10th of October 2022 in Dubai.

The delegation led by Professor Pantami was a powerful one, having officials from Nigerias public and private sectors, including regulators, academics, media practitioners, change makers, and young entrepreneurs. Nigeria has been attending GITEX because of its enormous benefits, especially in attracting foreign direct investment to the country.

Some of the distinguished personalities on the entourage were the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta; the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa; the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr Aliyu Aziz; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Professor Muhammed Bello Abubakar and Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Barrister Maimuna Yaya Abubakar.

As the Minister went about attending a series of summits, meetings and exhibitions, I had the opportunity of being able to engage him intermittently, and I learnt a lot both from him and in my coverage of some of these events.

While inaugurating the Nigerian exhibition pavilion, Pantami informed the audience of how, in the last three years, the Federal Government had launched several programmes, policies and projects, which have been yielding results in great leaps and bounds that have contributed to the flourishing of the countrys digital economy sub-sector.

Immediately after the inauguration and tours of numerous stands, the Minister led the team to the Startups exhibitions, where at least nine Nigerian young technology innovators had spots in the semi-final of the GITEX tech-invention competition, known as the Supernova Challenge Pitch Competition, organised by North Star Dubai.

The Challenge is the biggest pitching competition in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, where startups have the opportunity to become the next unicorns, with up to $200,000 in cash prizes up for grabs.

The Minister interacted and took pictures with promoters of the startups. He also had words of encouragement for the Nigerian semi-finalists, including Identity Pass, 9JaCodeKids Academy, Floews, Medtech, Paddycover, Pricepally, LiveBic, Technyon Technologies, and Wellness Health Technologies.

On the second day, at the Nigerian Pavilion, the Minister received visitors and also held a series of meetings with representatives of governments and big corporations seeking partnerships with Nigeria in the areas of digital identity, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, among others.

Pantami held bilateral conversations and meetings with the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Omar Sultan Alolama and the Minister of IT and Telecommunications of Pakistan, Mr. Syed Amin Ul Haque, among other top global public figures.

The Minister also met with officials of the Dubai World Trade Center to explore areas of collaboration, as Nigeria is the largest Africa digital economy. A Senior Vice President, MEA of Oracle, Antonio Mesa consulted with Pantami towards the deepening of collaboration with Nigeria on the growth of the digital economy, through universal licences and corporate social responsibility. A strategic meeting was equally held with Vice-President of Amazon, Isabella Groegor-Cechowicz on a similar level of partnership. A dollar vault of investment opportunities was opened for the start-up community, as the Nigerian team engaged with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

One of the greatest attainments of Nigeria at GITEX 2022 came in the form of the opening up of massive opportunities as the Minister signed, on behalf of the Federal Government, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the global tech giant, Microsoft Corporation. This is for the training of five million Nigerians on high-demand technological skills that are needed for consolidating the capacities of citizens as native players in the burgeoning digital ecosystem and economy.

The Microsoft representative, Mr Deen Yusuf, said the gesture is bound to enlarge knowledge bases, and capabilities, and create massive spinoff potentials that will enhance careers, livelihoods and the national fiscal well-being.

While commending Microsoft for the prospects afforded Nigeria by this gesture, Pantami said Nigeria would continue to provide an enabling environment and ensure that regulatory instruments are developmental and flexible for Microsoft and other businesses to flourish.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hazmat met with the Minister and discussed how Lagos could benefit from the Microsoft offer. Lagos is the only state from Nigeria that sponsored startups to #GITEX2022.

It is necessary to state that out of over 800 applications received for the Supernova pitch competition from 37 countries across 13 categories, nine Nigeria startups emerged among the 140 semi-finalists. The 26 startups that made it to the finals of the Supernova competition also had two Nigerian startups. Eventually, a Nigerian startup, ShapShap emerged as Global Best in the Mobility and Smart Cities category, winning a cash prize of $8,000.

The Minister was elated by the success stories of Nigerian participation at this years event. Apart from the award to the winning startup, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was equally honoured with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)s Most Valued Partnership Award in recognition of the agencys extraordinary dedication and service at the startup and tech event.

Similarly, at the end of a discussion on Digital Inclusion: Aligning Regulators and Network Providers to Bridge Digital Divide, Professor Pantami was presented with the prestigious Dubai World Trade Centres Leadership and Commitment Award 2022, in recognition of his commitment towards advancing the digital economy at both the ATU and ITU this year. He was the only person honoured with this highly prestigious award this year.

Speaking at the Summit, the Minister said Nigeria has a lot of policies to close the digital divide and promised that the government would soon pass the Start-up bill into law for enlarging the vibrancy of the sector.

Less than a week after his assurance to the global community at GITEX 2022, on the eve of Professor Pantamis 50th birthday, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Startup bill into law.

Not only was this carried out as a tribute to the very significant achievements of Pantami on clocking 50 years, more so the President Buhari praised him saying that: The appointment of Pantami was one of the best choices I have made because he has added tremendous value to good governance.

Buhari went further in his testament on an invaluable pioneer that, Pantamis depth of knowledge of complex issues is amazing and remarkable, and his loyalty and dedication to duty is worthy of emulation.

Just as President stated, I also join numerous well-wishers in praying that may Almighty Allah continue to guide, protect and bless our very honourable and worthy Minister, Professor Isa Ali Pantami with good health and wisdom in the service of the country and humanity.

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of An Encounter with the Spymaster

www.YAShuaib.com

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