Author: ITPulse

By Ola Williams When thinking about industries that cybercriminals might target, tertiary education probably isn’t the first to come to mind. But according to the latest edition of Microsoft’s Cyber Signals report, education was the third most targeted industry in the second quarter of this year. The mix of valuable data and inherent vulnerabilities in education systems has caught the eye of various attackers—from those using new malware techniques to nation-state actors involved in traditional espionage. This is a particular concern for tertiary institutions in Africa, which is one of the most targeted regions in the world when it comes…

The Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, has found himself at the center of both political storms and commendations as he navigates Nigeria’s complex security challenges, particularly in Zamfara State. Known for his relentless commitment to fighting banditry, Matawalle’s actions in defense of Nigeria’s security are increasingly being politicized. Yet, his determination to see an end to the region’s ongoing violence remains undeterred.  As a former governor of Zamfara and a key figure in the war against banditry, Matawalle has a unique understanding of the local terrain and the root causes of the insecurity…

The ongoing bandit crisis in Zamfara State has reached a critical point, demanding immediate action from all stakeholders. Unfortunately, the political landscape has been marred by incessant bickering and blame games that hinder the survival of the state and its people. Usman Abdullahi’s submission highlights the politicization of Hon. Bello Matawalle’s visit to the command HQ of Operation Hadarin Daji in Sokoto. Matawalle’s visit aimed to assess the operational readiness of the troops and motivate them in their campaign against banditry. However, the opposition party in the state has made baseless allegations and also attacking  Matawalle’s  patriotic efforts. Governor Dauda…

In 2024, Enugu State underwent a groundbreaking technological transformation, driven by the innovative leadership of Nnaemeka Ani, Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on ICT (SPA ICT). His work was closely aligned with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision for a digitally powered Enugu, where technology would drive efficiency, transparency, and economic growth. Nnaemeka, a seasoned tech expert and strategist, understood the transformative power of technology in governance. His mission was clear: to bring Enugu State into the digital age and revolutionize how the government interacted with its citizens.  A Vision for a Digital Future  Governor Peter Mbah’s vision was…

The Director-General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. Barr. Obiageli Amadiobi, has urged software developers, fintech companies, and banks to prioritize and promote locally developed software solutions. Addressing attendees at the Texcellence Conference organized by CWG, Dr. Amadiobi emphasized the importance of investing in indigenous technology to foster economic self-reliance and global competitiveness. She highlighted the need for greater intellectual property rights (IPR) awareness among researchers and innovators, noting that NOTAP has established 67 Intellectual Property Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) to address this gap. The DG also advocated for stronger collaboration with the World Intellectual…

Binance, the world’s leading blockchain and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, continues to drive innovation and expand access to cryptocurrency in Africa. The platform has now enabled users in Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Togo, and Senegal to purchase crypto directly through mobile money payments, facilitated by local partnerships. This new feature strengthens Binance’s commitment to providing simple and secure access to cryptocurrency for users across the continent, reinforcing its vision of financial inclusion. “We remain focused on advancing financial inclusion and delivering user-friendly solutions for crypto adoption across Africa,” said Samantha Fuller, Spokeswoman for Binance. “This expansion…

Interswitch, an African integrated payments and digital commerce company, is set to launch the highly anticipated sixth edition of its InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition. This flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aims to celebrate and nurture Nigeria’s brightest young scientific minds. The competition, which will premiere on Sunday, October 20, 2024, features 81 top-performing students selected from over 16,000 registered participants across Nigeria. Each episode will showcase the students’ brilliance as they compete for a range of prestigious prizes, including a grand prize of N15 million spread over five years. InterswitchSPAK reinforces the company’s commitment to advancing educational excellence and…

PalmPay, an African-focused fintech company, has highlighted the crucial role of investor confidence in driving sustainable growth within the continent’s fintech ecosystem. Speaking at the 2024 Nigeria Fintech Week, Managing Director Chika Nwosu stressed the need for founders to work closely with investors to mitigate challenges posed by currency devaluation and rising interest rates. Nwosu acknowledged the impact of economic volatility on investor sentiment, particularly in light of the declining value of sub-Saharan African currencies against the US dollar. He emphasized that founders can address these challenges by diversifying their revenue streams and expanding into multiple markets. “By entering diverse…

The stage is set for the highly anticipated Future of Payment and Commerce Conference 2024, convening thought leaders, innovators, and key players across finance and commerce. This exclusive event (October 24-25) at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, offers a platform to explore the latest trends and technologies revolutionizing the way we transact. Unlocking the Future of Transactions The conference tackles critical issues in the financial ecosystem, focusing on how businesses can adapt and thrive. Experts from banking, fintech, cybersecurity, e-commerce, blockchain, and digital currencies will engage in discussions and workshops to shape the future of payments and commerce. Conference Highlights: In-depth…

By promoting awareness and providing training on encryption, grassroots organizers are empowering communities to take control of their digital security.   In observance of Global Encryption Day on October 21, 2024, Internet Society chapters across Africa are hosting events in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Benin. These events aim to educate and train individuals about the significance of encryption in safeguarding data and privacy. End-to-end encryption is a security measure that transforms information into a code that only the sender and intended recipient can decipher. It protects the personal security of billions worldwide and is crucial…