Category: Tech

The future of Nigeria’s digital and scientific progress is being shaped by determined young women who are breaking stereotypes and proving that brilliance knows no gender. This vision came alive through the STEM Trailblazer Awards 2025, an initiative of the Rise Up and Sparkle Initiative (RUSI), which honored outstanding female graduates in ICT, STEM subjects, and overall academic achievement across Lagos, Ogun State, and Abuja.

This year, the awards focused on three key categories, ICT, STEM subjects, and overall academic excellence. By recognizing achievers in these fields, RUSI is not only rewarding excellence but also empowering future innovators who will contribute to Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

Award presentations took place at Grace High School, Gbagada, Inspira College, Lagos, Sagab College, Lagos, Deeper Life High School, Abuja, and Nesgel Schools, Ogun State, among others. Winners received awards, cash prizes, and gifts, tangible tokens of recognition, but more importantly, symbols of belief in their potential.

One of the recipients shared: “Winning this award gave me confidence to dream bigger. It’s a reminder that girls can succeed in science and technology if given the right support.”

The awards reflect the vision of RUSI’s founder, Mrs. Funmilola Omojola, FNCS, FIIM, a distinguished ICT expert and fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society. She affirmed: “By investing in girls today, we are laying the foundation for innovators who will lead tomorrow’s Nigeria into a new era of digital excellence.”

More than just recognition, the STEM Trailblazer Awards are about breaking cultural stereotypes, inspiring ambition, and building a network of role models for the next generation of girls. With complementary programs in digital skills, innovation challenges, and entrepreneurship, RUSI is working to ensure that young women have the tools, training, and confidence to thrive in a technology-driven future.

The Rise Up and Sparkle Initiative extends sincere appreciation to the sponsors and partners whose support made the STEM Trailblazer Awards 2025 possible. Their contributions helped provide not just prizes but opportunities that inspire confidence and nurture leadership in the next generation of female innovators.

By celebrating these young trailblazers, RUSI is making a clear statement: Nigeria’s innovation future is female, inclusive, and unstoppable.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to the full operationalisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), which designates telecommunications facilities as critical national assets deserving optimal protection.

This comes on the heels of a successful mediation led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in collaboration with the Commission, which resulted in the suspension of a planned strike by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA).

The strike, if carried out, would have disrupted the supply of diesel to telecommunications sites nationwide, severely affecting network operators’ ability to power their diesel-driven generators and maintain uninterrupted connectivity.

In the days leading up to the resolution, the ONSA, under the leadership of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, held strategic engagements with NOGASA’s leadership, with the Commission providing technical and regulatory guidance to highlight the potential implications of service disruptions on national security, the economy, and everyday life.

The discussions culminated in an agreement to call off the industrial action, averting what could have been a nationwide disruption of telecom services.

“Telecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of our connectivity and digital economy. Any disruption, whether through vandalism, accidental damage during construction work, theft of equipment, denial of access to maintenance teams, or interruptions in the supply of essential operational materials, has far-reaching implications for service delivery, economic stability, and national security,” the NSA said.

The Commission expressed appreciation to the ONSA for its leadership and dedication to protecting national assets and commended the maturity and understanding demonstrated by relevant stakeholders in recognising the national importance of telecommunications services.

Commenting on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, stated: “We will continue to enforce strict compliance by our licensees with technical standards for the deployment and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure, while working closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen awareness and cooperation on their protection.

“We also recognise mediation as an effective tool for building consensus among stakeholders. This resolution underscores the importance of dialogue in preventing avoidable service disruptions. Ultimately, we call on all Nigerians to regard telecom infrastructure as a shared national asset, one that underpins our ability to connect with loved ones, transact businesses, access healthcare, pursue education, and participate in the global digital economy.”

The Commission reaffirmed that it would continue to coordinate with security agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public to ensure that Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure remains protected, resilient, and reliable for all.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has rolled out stringent corporate governance rules that bar its top officials from joining telecom companies they once regulated for up to five years after leaving office.

The move, part of the 2025 Corporate Governance Framework, is designed to boost transparency, prevent conflicts of interest, and strengthen ethical standards in Nigeria’s fast-growing telecommunications industry — now valued at over $75.6 billion.

The New Rules at a Glance

Under the updated framework:

• NCC Chairman, Executive Vice-Chairman, and Board Commissioners — whether executive or non-executive — are barred from working with licensed telecom companies for five years after their tenure.

• Departmental Directors face a three-year cooling-off period before joining any NCC-regulated licensee.

• Telecom operators’ board chairmen or vice-chairmen cannot also serve as CEO/MD of the same company.

• Former board chairmen and non-executive directors must wait five years before taking executive roles in the same company or its affiliates.

• No more than two family members can serve on a licensee’s board at the same time.

The NCC says these measures will curb undue influence, reduce nepotism, and align Nigeria’s telecom sector with international best practices already seen in finance and energy industries.

Why the NCC is Tightening Governance

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, NCC Executive Vice-Chairman Dr Aminu Maida said corporate governance is “no longer a soft requirement — it is now a strategic imperative.”

“Our internal reviews show that companies with strong governance outperform peers in service delivery, financial stability, and compliance,” Maida noted.

With over 222 million active mobile subscriptions as of Q1 2025, Nigeria’s telecom industry underpins critical sectors like finance, healthcare, and education. But rising consumer demands, cybersecurity threats, and operational pressures have exposed governance gaps the NCC now aims to close.

Impact on the Telecom Industry

The rules apply to all licensed telecom operators paying Annual Operating Levies (AOL) under the AOL Regulations 2022. The NCC plans phased compliance and says the reforms were shaped through extensive stakeholder engagement.

Legal expert Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, drafter of Nigeria’s first telecom governance code in 2014, praised the update for addressing modern challenges such as AI adoption, cybersecurity, and ESG compliance.

Titus Osavwe, Coordinating Director at the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), called the framework “a key step in boosting investor confidence and accountability.”

Part of a Wider Reform Strategy

The governance overhaul follows other major NCC initiatives in 2025, including:

• 50% tariff adjustments to help operators manage rising costs.

• A directive requiring operators to announce major network outages and compensate subscribers.

• The release of Nigeria’s first Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA), which showed levy collections up by 22.9% after rule changes, despite a slight dip in compliance.

The NCC has warned that non-compliance with the new governance code will attract sanctions after a remediation period.

What It Means for Consumers

For the average subscriber, the NCC says the reforms should lead to better service quality, greater transparency, and a healthier, more competitive telecom market.

Whether the five-year ban and stricter board rules deliver these results will depend on consistent enforcement — but for now, the NCC’s push for smarter, ethics-driven regulation signals a stronger foundation for Nigeria’s digital future.

Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have entered into a landmark infrastructure sharing agreement aimed at accelerating high-speed internet rollout across Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The deal — still subject to regulatory approval — will see the two telecom giants share fibre networks and tower infrastructure, targeting underserved and rural areas where connectivity remains limited.

By pooling network assets, Airtel and Vodacom aim to cut operational costs, speed up service deployment, and deliver faster, more reliable internet to millions, helping to close Africa’s persistent digital divide.

Expanding Digital and Financial Access

Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub described the agreement as a “proactive step toward a sustainable and inclusive digital future for Africa.”

“As we fulfil our ambition to connect 260 million customers by 2030, the need for scalable and cost-efficient network solutions becomes increasingly significant,” Joosub said.

Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the collaboration aligns with Airtel’s mission to extend network reach “even in the remotest locations.”

“Partnering with Vodacom will enhance access to digital and financial opportunities for our customers, while meeting all regulatory requirements,” Taldar noted.

He added that even as competitors, African telecom operators are recognising the business necessity of collaboration to enable emerging digital technologies and meet the surging demand for data-driven services.

Enabling 4G, 5G and Future Technologies

According to Taldar, accelerating fibre deployment is critical for enabling 4G and 5G technologies across the continent. The partnership is expected to:

• Improve network performance and coverage

• Support mobile, fixed-line, and financial services

• Reduce duplication of infrastructure investments

• Speed up time-to-market for new digital solutions

Both companies see the deal as a catalyst for long-term digital transformation, helping to reach millions more Africans with affordable, high-speed connectivity.

Part of a Growing Telecom Collaboration Trend

This development mirrors a similar Airtel Africa–MTN Group agreement earlier this year, which also focused on infrastructure sharing in Nigeria and Uganda.

In Nigeria, 9mobile also recently signed an infrastructure partnership with MTN to leverage existing network assets and reduce capital expenditure.

Industry analysts say the trend signals a strategic shift among African telecom operators toward collaboration over competition in building critical infrastructure — lowering costs, speeding rollout, and meeting the surging demand for data services.

In the 1990’s, a bold new player entered Nigeria’s emerging telecommunications market. The sector was still in its early days — calls were expensive, connections were unreliable, and “value-added services” were hardly part of the conversation.

That player was Alpha Technologies Ltd.

From day one, Alpha was driven by a powerful vision: to make business communication smarter, faster, and more impactful. That vision has shaped how brands in Nigeria connect with their audiences for over three decades.

Pioneering the Future of Communication in Nigeria

In 2003, Alpha Technologies took a strategic leap — repositioning itself to pioneer enhanced value-added services, especially in the emerging field of special numbering solutions.

By 2005, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granted Alpha a license to deliver these services nationwide, making it Nigeria’s first cross-telecommunications network service provider.

The impact for businesses was game-changing:

• No more being tied to a single network

• Seamless reach across all customer bases

• Smarter, cost-efficient communication strategies

Leadership That Inspires Innovation

At the helm of Alpha Technologies is Margie Peters, Managing Director and strategic visionary. Her leadership has transformed Alpha into not just a telecom service provider but a strategic growth partner for Nigerian businesses.

Peters believes that technology is only as powerful as the value it delivers to the customer — a philosophy that underpins every solution Alpha creates. Her focus is on client-aligned innovation, ensuring that every tool and service directly supports a brand’s business objectives.

Helping Brands Communicate Smarter

Alpha Technologies empowers businesses to:

• Communicate smarter – Every call, message, and interaction is optimised for impact.

• Boost visibility – Making brands more memorable and accessible.

• Drive sales growth – Turning conversations into revenue opportunities.

• Cut costs – Eliminating inefficiencies in communications.

For Alpha, it’s never just about the technology — it’s about telling a brand’s story effectively, across every channel and to every audience.

The Alpha Advantage in Action

Whether it’s:

• A retail chain launching a nationwide promotion

• A bank connecting with millions of customers across multiple networks

• A start-up scaling without massive infrastructure costs

Alpha delivers the infrastructure and expertise to make it happen — anywhere, anytime, on any network.

From Calls to Connections, and Connections to Growth

Thirty-plus years on, Alpha Technologies has proven that telecom innovation is about more than speed or clarity — it’s about creating connections that grow businesses.

As Nigeria’s telecommunications sector continues to evolve, Alpha remains ready for the next era, ensuring every brand can:

• Communicate better

• Grow faster

• Compete stronger

Because in today’s marketplace, the brands that win are the ones that connect — and Alpha Technologies ensures they connect smarter.

DO7 Technology Solutions, a leading technology company pioneering digital transformation for African businesses, has emerged winner of the “Innovative Fintech & Enterprise Cloud Innovation of the Year” at the 2025 Titans of Tech Awards and Game Changers Gala Night.

Following a rigorous evaluation by the Titans Intelligence Unit, the award recognizes DO7 Technology Solutions for its exceptional contribution to the Fintech ecosystem and its innovative application of cloud and enterprise technologies to drive business growth and national development.

Other notable nominees in this highly competitive category included Kippa Africa, Patricia Technologies, and Carbon (formerly Paylater).

Now in its landmark 21st edition, the Titans of Tech Awards remains Nigeria’s premier platform for celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership in the ICT and digital economy. The awards spotlight individuals and organizations transforming the African digital landscape and redefining what’s possible through technology.

A report from the Awards Intelligence Unit described DO7 Technology Solutions as a forward-thinking firm delivering measurable business outcomes through ERP transformation, AI/ML analytics, and enterprise cloud modernization. The company’s achievements include documented client growth of over 20%, faster service cycles, and improved process efficiency following digital modernization initiatives.

Specializing in Salesforce, AWS, and Microsoft cloud ecosystems, DO7 Technology Solutions helps African SMEs scale through affordable, data-driven, and efficient digital solutions that enhance competitiveness and sustainability.

In a related development, David Olaka Onwuka, Founder and CEO of DO7 Technology Solutions, was also clinched the “Innovative Tech Leader of the Year” award in recognition of his outstanding leadership, innovation, and transformative impact on Africa’s technology ecosystem.

From his early days as an undergraduate driven to replace paper-based inefficiencies with smart software solutions, David Olaka Onwuka has consistently built a legacy of purpose-driven innovation. Under his leadership, DO7 has evolved into a trusted partner for enterprises seeking AI-powered, cloud-native tools that help small and medium businesses save costs, grow faster, and operate smarter.

The 2025 Titans of Tech Awards and Game Changers Gala Night will be held in Nigeria, with extensive local and international media coverage across traditional and digital platforms.

About DO7 Technology Solutions
DO7 Technology Solutions is an innovative digital transformation company helping African enterprises modernize operations through ERP systems, AI/ML analytics, and cloud solutions. The company’s mission is to empower businesses with cutting-edge yet accessible technology that drives growth, scalability, and operational excellence.

The stage is set for a high-powered dialogue on Africa’s digital transformation as Lanre Ore, CEO of FibreOne Broadband, will deliver a compelling keynote at the 21st edition of the Titans of Tech Conference & Expo (TOTCE), taking place Thursday, July 25, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, from 10:00 AM.

His presentation titled “Rewriting the Digital Playbook: The Rise of Broadband as a Tech Game Changer” will explore how broadband has moved from a utility service to a dynamic platform powering next-generation technologies such as AI, IoT, cloud computing, fintech, and smart cities across Africa.

“As the backbone of innovation, fibre broadband is no longer a luxury—it’s an economic enabler,” said Lanre Ore. “FibreOne is committed to building resilient infrastructure and delivering reliable, high-speed broadband that unlocks possibilities for startups, businesses, and underserved communities alike.”

Ore will also spotlight FibreOne’s strategic role in expanding digital access, championing affordability, and setting the pace for broadband penetration in Nigeria and beyond. Key focus areas of his keynote will include:

• Transitioning from basic connectivity to a platform for digital disruption

• Broadband’s catalytic impact on fintech, urban development, and data-driven economies

• FibreOne’s mission to be the customer-first choice for broadband

• The evolving digital playbook and the role of cross-sector collaboration in driving inclusive growth

Themed “Game Changers – Shaping the Future of Technology and Innovation,” the 2025 Titans of Tech Conference & Expo will convene Africa’s top technology leaders, innovators, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers for a day of deep insights, networking, and strategic engagements.

According to the organisers, Technology Africa and TechTV, “This year’s edition will spotlight those pushing boundaries and rewriting Africa’s tech story. It is about celebrating not just ideas, but the execution, resilience, and bold thinking driving Africa’s digital ascent.”

Don Pedro Aganbi, Convener and Project Coordinator of Titans of Tech, added,

“Lanre Ore represents the new face of infrastructure-led innovation in Africa. His keynote will challenge traditional thinking and highlight how broadband is rewriting the continent’s digital future—one fibre at a time.”

The conference will culminate in the Titans of Tech Awards and Game Changers Gala Night, a prestigious celebration honoring pioneering individuals, companies, and institutions driving digital inclusion and transformation across Africa.

As the countdown begins to the 2025 Titans of Tech Conference and Expo, anticipation is rising for one of the most powerful and timely sessions of the event: “Women Who Code, Build and Disrupt – Breaking Barriers in Leadership.” This compelling panel, set to spark essential dialogue and drive bold action, brings together some of the most influential female leaders shaping Africa’s digital future.

Scheduled as part of the main conference agenda, the panel aims to spotlight the persistent gender leadership gap in technology—and amplify the voices of women who are rewriting the rules.

Moderated by award-winning tech journalist Funmilola Gboteku of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the session promises deep insights, real stories, and forward-thinking strategies for accelerating female leadership in the digital space. With over 13 years in journalism, Funmilola has championed inclusive narratives and played a critical role in shaping public discourse around Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Panel Powerhouses

Oreoluwa Lesi, Founder of the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), will headline the session with her experience building a pipeline of over 50,000 empowered young women through coding, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship. A recognized force in digital inclusion and youth empowerment, Oreoluwa’s insights are rooted in decades of experience navigating and dismantling systemic barriers.

Deborah Oni, Founder of Hilton Innovation Hub, will bring her ecosystem-wide perspective to the panel. As a software developer and innovation leader, Deborah is at the forefront of driving scalable solutions and championing women-led startups. Her Hub is known for building capacity, funding innovation, and fostering mentorship in the African tech space.

Linda Obi, Co-founder of Zuri Circle, is shaping Africa’s tech workforce through her innovative approach to skills development and talent placement. Her commitment to bridging the digital divide, particularly for women and youth, has made her a recognized voice for inclusion, equity, and digital empowerment.

Happiness Obioha, CEO of Tizel Cybersecurity, rounds out the panel with her inspiring journey from coder to cybersecurity boss. As a leader in digital safety and strategy, Happiness brings a powerful message about resilience and the urgency of closing the gender gap in cybersecurity and tech leadership at large.

Breaking the Mold

The “Women Who Code, Build and Disrupt” session is more than a panel—it’s a movement. It’s about rewriting the tech playbook to ensure that leadership in Africa’s digital economy reflects its full talent pool. These women are not only succeeding in their fields—they are transforming them.

According to the conference convener, Don Pedro Aganbi, this session is designed to “challenge outdated norms, showcase lived experiences, and celebrate the women who are defining what leadership in African tech looks like today—and tomorrow.”

The 2025 Titans of Tech Conference and Expo, themed “Game Changers – Shaping the Future of Technology,” is set to host industry titans, disruptors, policymakers, and innovators from across Africa.

The event will hold July at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria and will feature exhibitions, fireside chats, award presentations, and conversations that matter.

This panel is one to circle in bold.

YouTube is rolling out a major update to its monetisation policy that will take effect on July 15, 2025. In a bid to crack down on spammy, repetitive, and AI-generated content, the platform will now only reward creators who produce original, authentic content using real voices.

The changes are part of an update to the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP) and are designed to protect content quality, curb monetisation abuse, and ensure creators are fairly compensated for meaningful work.

🔍 New Monetisation Standards Explained

According to YouTube’s official statement:

“To monetise under the YouTube Partner Program, creators must upload original and authentic content. Beginning July 15, 2025, we are updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content.”

The platform will use new systems to flag and exclude content that appears mass-produced, repetitive, templated, or low-effort — especially videos featuring robotic or synthetic voices and lightly edited third-party clips.

✅ Monetisation Eligibility Remains the Same

To qualify for monetisation, creators must still meet the following benchmarks:

• Minimum 1,000 subscribers

• Either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million valid Shorts views in the last 90 days

⚠️ What YouTube Now Considers Ineligible for Monetisation

YouTube will now scrutinise content that:

• Uses unedited or minimally altered third-party footage

• Features automated voices or AI-generated narration without significant creative input

• Is deemed repetitive or templated, lacking educational or entertainment value

This includes clickbait videos, low-effort compilations, and AI-generated content that doesn’t meet originality standards.

🤖 AI Content Under Review

While YouTube has not officially confirmed a full ban on AI-generated content, the update hints at increased moderation of such material, especially if it lacks creativity or human input.

🚫 Unclear Enforcement Details

YouTube has yet to disclose how it will penalise non-compliant creators. The new policy doesn’t specify if violations will result in channel strikes, suspensions, or demonetisation — but it clearly signals the platform’s intent to prioritise high-quality, human-made content.

This move comes just weeks after YouTube banned under-16 users from livestreaming without adult supervision, highlighting its broader efforts to create a safer and more responsible platform.

Stay tuned for updates as YouTube clarifies how the new rules will be enforced.