Author: ITPulse

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has insisted that the 70 percent broadband penetration target by 2025 as contained in the National Broadband Plan will be achieved before the target date. This is even as the telecom regulator revealed Nigeria will meet 50 percent before the end of this year. Speaking during a special media chat with executive editors and media chiefs in the northern part of Nigeria and was hosted by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said the assurance is hinged on the fact that broadband is receiving attention from all concerned stakeholders in Nigeria. He…

The 2023 Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon has been opened for Tech Hubs and Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs) in Nigeria to enrol their start-ups and their solutions, organizer of the Hackathon, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced. Announcing this in a statement, the telecom regulator said the Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon is part of giving expression to its Strategic Vision Plan 2023-2025, which is to encourage the development of new technologies and indigenous content through cutting-edge research. “The goal of this initiative is to stimulate sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria,” the statement noted. According to the statement,…

PlungeSmile, a nonprofit organisation of a financing system that caters to the educational and welfare needs of Nigerians, especially the youths is seeking the collaboration of government and other private oragnisations to scale the training and up the skills of Nigerians in digital technology. PlungeSmile is the non-profit arm of Modiva Tech, a subsidiary of Reliance Infosystems. Speaking last week in Lagos at the unveiling of career development programme in digital technology for fresh graduates, jobless and early career Nigerians, Archibong Edet, Coordinator of the programme, noted that while calling on young Nigerians to unlock their potential and enhance tech…

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo has called for a global partnership that will help raise what he described as a digital tribe in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria reputed for innovative hubs. The governor made the call through his Special Adviser on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms Chinwe Okoli,  while addressing the global innovation ecosystem leaders at the 40th IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation took place at the European Convention Centre, Luxembourg. “We want Anambra to be known as a destination for innovation, the next Startup State, home for digital Talents, the home of…

In a resounding declaration of its commitment to advancing financial inclusion, Interswitch has decided to highlight the transformative power of mobile payments not only within Nigeria but across the entire African continent. Speaking at the recent Techconnect 3.0 event held in Abuja, Thomas Eze, Regional Head of Northern Business at Interswitch, stated the urgent need to unlock the full potential of mobile payments to orchestrate a more inclusive economy. He highlighted the profound impact of these digital solutions, explaining how they bridge the financial services divide, especially in underserved areas, ultimately assimilating marginalized communities into the formal economy and boosting…

The Inspire Africa Product Conference, scheduled to take place in Lagos from the 18th to 21st of September 2023 will be headlined by Interswitch, the organiser,  Silicon Valley Product Group (SVPG), Innovate Africa Foundation and Work Nigeria have announced. According to the organizer, the conference will feature a diverse gathering of founders, and professionals from the product ecosystem, all with the shared goal of enhancing the expertise of African product professionals. Attendees can look forward to four (4) immersive days of hands-on training and the unique opportunity to interact with over 30 global product leaders plus exceptional insights, and impactful…

The Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), is set to collaborate with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in a bid to protect the data of students across Nigerian universities. The collaboration will include capacity building for Vice Chancellors and data officers in the Universities. During a courtesy visit by CVCNU members to Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, at the commission’s office in Abuja, on Monday, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, the Secretary General of CVCNU, called for a capacity building on data protection for senior officers of Nigerian universities. “We have come here to engage with…

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the transfer of a 10MHz spectrum in the 2.6GHz spectrum band from OPENSKYS Services Limited (OS) to MTN Nigeria. This will allow MTN leverage the spectrum, which is designated for the deployment of terrestrial mobile-to broadband services to deploy services across the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT. Disclosing this in a statement, MTN said the transfer of the spectrum will significantly improve its customers’ experience in line with its commitment to deliver excellent service. In addition, the acquired spectrum will also enable the telecommunications operator to deliver broadband technologies, aiding…

Who controls how people pay for goods or services? Is it the banks, with their long-standing dominance over financial transactions? Or the card schemes, the silent forces behind nearly every swipe and tap? It’s probably the payment service providers (PSPs), the fast-moving fintechs, that are reshaping digital payments. Or are the consumers dictating what works and doesn’t with their choices? Local payments have evolved rapidly, with each player fighting for influence. Banks provide the infrastructure, card schemes enable global transactions, PSPs drive innovation, and consumers decide what sticks. But who holds the most power in this ecosystem? To answer this,…

The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of deVere Group, Nigel Green has posited that Bitcoin’s compatibility with Artificial Intelligence technologies is driving major institutional investors to increase their exposure to the cryptocurrency. According to him, the buzz surrounding AI is real as Nvidia’s shares, for example, jumped almost 210% this year on the frenzy around its uses within AI. “The AI boom is grounded in tangible technological advancements and the potential to reshape industries across the board. “The transformative capabilities of AI, coupled with its cross-industry disruption, data-driven nature, and rapid innovation, make it a compelling investment opportunity. “This is,…