The Nation Newspaper

Category: Tech

  • Prof Akpodiete leads transformative satellite communication training in Bahrain

    Prof Akpodiete leads transformative satellite communication training in Bahrain

    A global authority on satellite communications, Professor Alexander Akpodiete, has successfully conducted a landmark five-day Satellite Communication Training Program for Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). 

    The intensive program equipped participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills to navigate the fast-changing landscape of satellite communications, positioning Bahrain at the forefront of global technological advancements.

    The training covered a wide range of topics, including satellite orbits, frequency bands, beamforming, cybersecurity, and advanced network management tools.

    Participants gained valuable insights into real-world applications, exploring ways to optimize satellite systems to meet Bahrain’s Vision 2030 goals of Sustainability, Competitiveness, and Fairness.

    Professor Akpodiete provided cutting-edge insights into two vital aspects of satellite communication: cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). 

    On cybersecurity, participants learned strategies to safeguard satellite systems from threats such as jamming, signal interception, and unauthorized access, with discussions focusing on advanced measures like encryption, intrusion detection systems, and jamming mitigation. 

    On the AI front, the training showcased how AI is transforming satellite systems by enabling dynamic bandwidth allocation, predictive maintenance, and autonomous satellite operations, equipping participants with tools to harness these innovations effectively.

    Read Also: Governors have no reason not to pay N70,000 minimum wage, says NECA

    “Satellite communication is evolving rapidly, and the integration of cybersecurity and AI is transforming how we approach these systems,” said Professor Akpodiete. “This training aimed to prepare Bahrain’s experts to leverage these advancements while ensuring the security of critical infrastructure.”

    A standout feature of the program was a capstone project where participants worked in teams to design satellite systems tailored to national priorities.

    These projects addressed practical challenges like improving maritime connectivity, bridging the digital divide in rural areas, and enabling disaster recovery systems.

    By combining technical expertise with Bahrain’s strategic goals, participants showcased innovative solutions aligned with Vision 2030. 

    Their presentations not only demonstrated their mastery of the material but also underscored Bahrain’s potential to lead in satellite communication innovations.

    The training highlighted the role of satellite technology in driving national development by aligning with the three core pillars of Bahrain Vision 2030.

    It emphasized sustainability through the use of satellite systems for environmental monitoring and resource management, competitiveness by enhancing Bahrain’s global position with advanced telecommunications infrastructure, and fairness by expanding digital access to ensure inclusivity for all citizens, regardless of their location.

    By aligning the program’s objectives with these pillars, the training demonstrated how satellite communication could become a cornerstone of Bahrain’s progress toward innovation, inclusion, and global competitiveness.

    The success of this program sets the stage for future initiatives aimed at enhancing the telecommunications capabilities of Bahrain and the wider GCC region. The TRA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing and capacity-building to support national and regional progress.

    Professor Akpodiete, with over 20 years of experience in telecommunications, cybersecurity, and AI ethics, has earned a global reputation for his ability to bridge these disciplines. His engaging delivery and actionable insights left a lasting impact on TRA leadership and participants alike.

    Reflecting on the program, Professor Akpodiete said, “It was an honor to work with such a talented group of professionals. Bahrain’s dedication to developing its telecommunications sector and aligning with global standards is truly inspiring.”

    This transformative training is a testament to the power of strategic learning and collaboration, empowering Bahrain to achieve its vision of becoming a leader in satellite communications and beyond.

  • Why tech professionals get depressed — Qazeem Oladejo

    Why tech professionals get depressed — Qazeem Oladejo

    Nigerian tech professionals face a unique set of challenges that can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. The demands of the tech industry often mean working under tight deadlines with intense pressure to deliver projects at rapid speeds, leaving little room for error. These high expectations are driven by stakeholders who push for results that match or exceed global standards, but often without providing the necessary resources to achieve them. Professionals frequently find themselves racing against the clock to meet impossible deadlines, a situation that can lead to burnout and feelings of inadequacy when goals are not met.

    Isolation compounds these pressures, as tech roles—especially in remote or freelance settings—can be inherently lonely. While working from home offers flexibility, it often eliminates the camaraderie and social support of a physical workplace. This sense of loneliness can be exacerbated in environments where open communication and team bonding are not prioritized. Worse still, some companies foster a toxic work culture where criticism is constant, and praise is rare. This lack of encouragement can erode morale and create a cycle of negativity that affects mental well-being. Without a supportive environment, tech professionals are more susceptible to feelings of isolation, frustration, and a diminished sense of purpose.

    In addition to challenging work conditions, the financial rewards in the Nigerian tech sector often do not reflect the hard work and skill that professionals bring to the table. Many tech workers are underpaid, especially considering the high cost of living in Nigeria and the financial responsibilities they bear. For some, the frustration comes not just from low salaries but also from delayed or inconsistent payments. This financial instability makes it hard for tech professionals to plan their lives, further increasing stress levels. They may also feel an overwhelming pressure to keep up with the fast-paced evolution of technology. The tech world is constantly changing, with new frameworks, languages, and tools emerging at a dizzying pace. Keeping up requires constant learning, but the demand to master new skills quickly can be daunting, particularly without guidance or financial support for upskilling.

    Government policies add another layer of complexity. In Nigeria, tech regulations can be unpredictable, and policies often lack the clarity or stability that businesses need to thrive. Tech professionals are sometimes caught off-guard by sudden policy changes that affect their projects or business models. These shifts can make the industry feel unreliable, with long-term planning rendered almost impossible. Nigerian tech workers must also contend with the pressures of a global job market. Competing against international peers for roles often means working twice as hard for recognition, adding an extra layer of stress. Meanwhile, companies expect their teams to keep up with global standards, further pressuring professionals to constantly upskill and improve.

    The career paths available to Nigerian tech workers are not always clear, which can leave professionals feeling trapped or uncertain about their futures. Unlike in more established tech markets, where career growth paths are structured, in Nigeria, professionals may find themselves stagnating in roles with limited upward mobility. This lack of direction can make them question their career choices and prospects. Adding to this, cultural attitudes in Nigeria sometimes stigmatize mental health struggles, discouraging individuals from seeking help or openly discussing their challenges. Traditional societal expectations may place additional burdens, with success measured heavily by financial achievements, particularly for men. This societal pressure can make tech professionals feel like they are constantly failing, even when they are doing well by global standards.

    Then there are the ever-present power issues in Nigeria, which are a daily source of frustration. Frequent power outages mean that tech workers often have to invest in costly generators or alternative power sources just to keep working. These interruptions can slow down productivity, creating a sense of helplessness and making it challenging to meet already tight deadlines. The emotional toll is significant, as unforeseen circumstances constantly interfere with workflow, making the job far more difficult than it should be.

    Balancing work and family life is another struggle for many tech professionals, as the demands of the industry often intrude on personal time. Long hours can mean missing family events, neglecting personal relationships, and feeling guilty about not spending enough time with loved ones. This balancing act is difficult, as the job’s demands rarely allow for genuine rest or quality family time. Compounding this, there is a lingering fear of job insecurity, especially as layoffs are common in the tech world. This fear creates constant anxiety, with professionals feeling pressured to prove their worth and worried about how they would manage financially if they lost their jobs. Job-hunting in a competitive market, even for experienced professionals, can be a gruelling process with no guarantees.

    All these factors collectively create a high-stress environment where Nigerian tech professionals struggle with mental health challenges. The tech industry in Nigeria must acknowledge these issues and actively work towards creating a more supportive, balanced, and sustainable working environment.

  • We remain committed to empowering tech leaders – Huawei Nigeria

    We remain committed to empowering tech leaders – Huawei Nigeria

    Huawei Technologies Company (Nigeria) Limited has reiterated its dedication and commitment to empowering future technology leaders, fostering digital transformation, and supporting sustainable growth in Nigeria.

    The Managing Director of Huawei’s Enterprise Business Group, Mr. Terrens Wu, made this commitment on Tuesday during the 2024-2025 Huawei ICT Competition Award Ceremony held in Abuja.

    Wu emphasized Huawei’s mission to “bring digital to every person, home, and organization for a fully connected intelligent world,” while expressing gratitude to the company’s academy partners.

    “The academy-industry relationship we share is a powerful foundation for building the digitally transformed Nigeria that we dream of,” he said.

    Nigeria’s achievements in the global ICT competition remain unmatched, Wu noted. In the last edition, Nigerian students from the University of Ibadan won two grand prizes, while students from the University of Benin, Nasarawa State University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, and Federal University of Technology, Akure, secured three first prizes.

    Wu revealed that the 2024 edition recorded participation from over 6,500 students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria – the highest in Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

    “This highlights the keen interest Nigerian students have in acquiring technology knowledge,” he added.

    Huawei’s efforts go beyond competitions. Wu stated that over 500 individuals secured job and internship opportunities in 2022 through job fairs and Huawei’s ICT Academy programs.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu urges unity, love at Christmas Carol of nine lessons

    “We look forward to organizing more job fairs to turn knowledge into a workforce,” he said.

    Akere Sonny-Egbeahie, a Huawei IP Product Manager and graduate of the University of Ibadan, shared his success story. He credited the Huawei ICT Competition and Academy for preparing him to work with cutting-edge technologies like Wi-Fi 7.

    “Huawei helped me adapt to the work environment, equipping me to deploy Nigeria’s first Wi-Fi 7 access point,” he said, encouraging students to seize similar opportunities.

    Vice Chancellors at the event commended Huawei’s ICT ecosystem initiative. Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, Chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors, described the program as critical to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

    “Our determination to digitalize knowledge and intellectual property is not an illusion,” he stated.

    Professor Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, highlighted Huawei’s impact since the institution signed an MoU with the company in 2019.

    He called for continued support, particularly in research collaboration, ICT infrastructure development, and talent cultivation.

    Also at the event, awards were presented to outstanding academies, instructors, and students. Winners included: Best Huawei ICT Academy of the Year: Ahmadu Bello University, University of Port Harcourt, University of Ibadan, and others.

    Most Supporting Vice Chancellors: Professors Kayode Adebowale, Lawrence Ezemonye, Faruk Adamu Kuta, and Kabir Bala.

    ICT Competition First Prize Winners: Manuwa Bala (Network Track), Agwu Amarachi Njumobi (Cloud Track), and Erasmus E. Obeth (Computing Track).

    Most important personality of the year, Team lead Ahmadu Bello University Huawei ICT Academy, Prof Mauzu Muhammad.

    The Huawei ICT Academy currently have 198 partners in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, and have trained over 50,000 Nigerian students in 6 years, with more 10,000 certified students in various technology directions. Huawei pledged continued investment in Nigeria’s ICT sector, aiming to bridge the digital skills gap and ensure sustainable innovation.


  • Temitope Orilua named emerging tech entrepreneur of 2024

    Temitope Orilua named emerging tech entrepreneur of 2024

    Temitope Godwin Orilua, the visionary founder and CEO of Digital Business Nigeria, has been recognized as the Emerging Tech Entrepreneur of the Year at the prestigious Nigeria Technology Awards 2024. 

    This accolade celebrates his transformative contributions to Africa’s tech ecosystem through cutting-edge innovations aimed at empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

    Under Orilua’s stewardship, Digital Business Nigeria has revolutionized how African businesses approach digital marketing and customer engagement. 

    The company has spearheaded two pioneering brands: Digitizeng (Digitize Nigeria), which delivers bespoke digital marketing solutions for SMEs, and Sendar Communications, an omni-channel platform that enhances customer-business interactions by streamlining operations and communication processes.

    At the award ceremony, Orilua reflected on his journey, emphasizing his dedication to customer-centric innovation. 

    “I’ve come to realise that customers value being served on their terms. This understanding inspired the creation of Sendar Communications, enabling businesses to communicate seamlessly with customers on their preferred platforms,” he stated.

    Orilua’s influence extends far beyond the tech sector. Digital Business Nigeria has been instrumental in launching renowned ventures like Sailors Lounge and The Yacht Hotel, now leading names in Nigerian hospitality. 

    Additionally, the company facilitated the international expansion of Taryor Gabriels, a premier Nigerian fashion brand, to Houston, Texas, and drove the development of Eagle Predict, a sports forecasting platform acquired in 2023.

    Sendar io, Orilua’s latest project, has already sparked anticipation despite not yet being fully operational. 

    The platform’s Minimum Viable Product (MVP) launch, scheduled for January 2025, is expected to redefine customer-business interactions across Africa.

    Read Also: INEC workers trained on technology use

    Beyond his entrepreneurial successes, Orilua is committed to social impact. Through Digital Business Nigeria’s NGO, Youths on Board, he has empowered young Nigerians with free technical training, equipping them with skills to secure employment both locally and internationally.

    “This recognition is a milestone, but we are just getting started,” Orilua remarked. “Our mission at Digital Business Nigeria is to create innovative solutions that simplify business operations and empower African enterprises to thrive.”

    Orilua’s recognition as the Emerging Tech Entrepreneur of the Year and his inclusion in SME 100’s list of fastest-growing founders highlight his pivotal role in shaping the future of Africa’s tech landscape.

  • Starlink suspends residential kits sale

    Starlink suspends residential kits sale

    Starlink has suspended orders for its residential kits across Nigeria with a note that the suspension would be lifted after securing approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its recently announced price increment.

    The company owned by Elon Musk, however, allows orders for its high-end Business Plan, in which it is allowed to charge N159,000 for a monthly subscription compared with the Residential Plan which costs N38,000 per month.

    “We’re committed to providing high-speed internet in Nigeria and are working closely with regulators to make adjustments that will improve the customer experience.

    “Until these changes are approved, we are placing new Residential orders on hold,” the company stated in response to an attempt to order its kits.

    Earlier, Starlink had stopped new orders in five major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Benin City, and Warri because it was incapacitated in those areas.

    Read Also; I want to put pageantry aside now to prioritise education – Chidimma

    However, the current suspension cuts across Nigeria and it is hinged on the need to increase prices, a move that the regulator had frowned at.

    Demand for Starlink’s services in the country has soared since the Space X-linked company officially launched in the country in January last year.

    It was gathered that the rush for Starlink is not only in Nigeria as the company’s terminals are currently sold out in Zimbabwe’s capital of Harare, less than two months after receiving permission from authorities to operate in the southern African nation.

    Starlink had on the last day of September announced a 97 percent price increase for its monthly subscription from N38,000 to N75,000.

    For new users, the company also hiked the Starlink kits (hardware) by 34 per cent from N440,000 to N590,000.

    The company, via a message to its customers in Nigeria cited “excessive inflation” as the reason for the increment.

    The announcement sparked controversy in the Nigerian telecom sector as local operators accused the NCC of double standard for allowing Starlink to increase price, which they are not allowed to do so despite years of appeal to the regulator.

    The NCC, however, responded saying it did not approve Starlink’s price increment.

    The telecom regulator pointed out that Starlink’s action contravened Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and its license conditions regarding tariffs.

    NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, later said the Commission had commenced pre-enforcement actions against Starlink for unilaterally implementing price hike without recourse to the regulator.

    Starlink later suspended the announced increment with a warning that “without these approvals, our ability to continue delivering service is at risk.”

    It noted that while it is committed to providing high-speed internet in Nigeria, it would need regulatory support to make the improvements necessary for a better customer experience.

  • How Griffith Onus Ehebha is shaping Pan-African digital security at Interswitch

    How Griffith Onus Ehebha is shaping Pan-African digital security at Interswitch

    For over two decades, Ehebha Griffith Onus has quietly but powerfully shaped Africa’s cybersecurity and risk management landscape.

    As the Group Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at Interswitch Holdings, Griffith has developed and institutionalised risk and compliance strategies that not only supported the fintech giant’s Pan-African expansion but also created a replicable industry blueprint for managing digital risk across emerging markets.

    At a time when African fintech faced heightened scrutiny over data protection, operational resilience, and regulatory compliance, Griffith’s foresight proved invaluable.

    He led the design and implementation of a harmonised Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework aligned with global standards such as ISO 27001 (information security), PCI DSS (payment card security), and ISO 22301 (business continuity).

    These were not just check-the-box exercises. Under his stewardship, these frameworks became living, breathing governance models—integrated into the daily fabric of Interswitch’s product design, compliance, and strategic decision-making.

    “Risk management should not be reactive; it must be embedded into innovation from the ground up,” Griffith noted in a recent interview. “We trained our risk teams to be embedded in agile sprints to ensure security was built into every product release.”

    READ ALSO: Presidency: FEC postpones special session in honour of Buhari

    His philosophy of integrating risk into the innovation cycle helped Interswitch leapfrog traditional compliance models, turning risk into a driver of competitive advantage rather than a barrier to progress. Product managers, engineers, and risk officers began working as a single unit, ensuring that new features, services, and geographical expansions were rolled out securely, rapidly, and in line with stakeholder expectations.

    Griffith’s leadership extended well beyond cybersecurity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he co-chaired Interswitch’s Crisis Management Team, ensuring the continuity of essential services, staff safety, and full regulatory compliance during one of the most challenging operational periods in modern history.

    His risk protocols allowed the organisation to transition swiftly to remote operations without sacrificing system integrity or service delivery. Moreover, Griffith played a pivotal role in championing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.

    Under his leadership, Interswitch aligned its lending and investment strategies with sustainable finance principles, embedding ESG considerations into its enterprise risk assessments and capital allocation processes. This forward-thinking alignment helped the organisation navigate regulatory shifts and stakeholder expectations in the global investment landscape.

    Perhaps most notably, Griffith’s operationalisation of risk appetite statements and development of key risk indicators enabled Interswitch to scale across multiple jurisdictions with clarity and control.

    These frameworks gave both internal stakeholders and external partners the confidence to support the company’s growth, including international auditors who reviewed the company’s bond issuance during a major capital raise. His due diligence structures became benchmarks for how risk should be governed in high-growth African tech companies.

    “As we expanded into new markets, it was critical that everyone—from our teams to our investors—feelt confident in how we managed risk,” said Griffith. “By translating abstract risk appetite into clear, measurable indicators, we didn’t just meet regulatory standards—we set a new bar for governance in Africa’s tech sector.”

    Interswitch’s board of directors has consistently praised Griffith for transforming risk from a siloed function into a strategic enabler of business growth. His ability to bridge technical risk acumen with executive strategy has not only strengthened the company’s core but also inspired a new generation of risk professionals across the continent.

    Griffith Onus Ehebha may not be a household name, but his influence runs deep through the arteries of Africa’s digital economy. At a time when African businesses are navigating complex risks—from cyber threats to climate-related disruptions—Griffith stands as a blueprint for leadership that is both technically rigorous and visionary.

    His legacy at Interswitch is not merely one of compliance but one of transformation, where risk management is no longer seen as a checkbox but as a cornerstone of sustainable growth in the digital age.

  • 5000 students benefit from digital skills programme

    5000 students benefit from digital skills programme

    No fewer than 5,000 students in Lagos State have benefited from a digital skill programme organized by The TECH IT! Digital Learning Festival, an initiative of The Creative Kids Zone Initiative (TCKZone).

    The programme has transformed public secondary schools across Lagos State into beacons of digital learning, empowering thousands of students with essential digital skills.

    Read Also: Shettima at UNGA

    The event took place across over 600 public schools, with approval and backing from the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

    Supported by all six Lagos State Educational Districts, the festival featured workshops, tech exhibitions, and keynote addresses focused on digital literacy and technology’s role in the future.

    The  National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, served as the alpha location on the 18th of September 2024, hosting 5,000 students, who engaged in hands-on tech activities, while thousands of others participated from mini-centres in their respective schools, led by teachers and volunteers.

  • How mentorship enhances IT career growth in UK, Nigeria – Tech expert 

    How mentorship enhances IT career growth in UK, Nigeria – Tech expert 

    A United Kingdom-based Nigerian IT expert, Adebayo Samuel, has identified mentorship as a powerful tool for career advancement in the fast-evolving Information Technology (IT) sector, with substantial impacts in both the UK and Nigeria.

    In a statement, Samuel, who has worked in several countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana, revealed that mentoring has played a pivotal role in shaping the IT landscape in both regions.

    According to him, mentorship provides invaluable guidance and structure to help professionals navigate the complexities of the IT industry.

    He explained that in the UK, the IT sector is vast, offering numerous opportunities but also presenting significant challenges, especially for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.

    Samuel, who mentors socially excluded groups through Code Your Future, noted that these challenges often stem from a lack of access to education and professional networks, which can be addressed through mentorship.

    “Mentorship has opened doors to individuals who may not have otherwise had access to the tech industry,” he stated.

    According to him, his role includes not just teaching technical skills, but also providing career guidance, interview preparation, and support in navigating workplace dynamics, which has resulted in many of his mentees securing roles in leading tech companies.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Wike mocks Fubara’s camp for choosing APP

    He said, “Through mentorship, I am also helping to create a pipeline of talent that can contribute to Nigeria’s tech industry. As more Nigerian IT professionals gain access to global opportunities, they bring back valuable experience and insights that can help advance the country’s digital economy. In this way, mentorship doesn’t just benefit individual careers-it helps elevate the entire industry, creating a more robust and competitive tech ecosystem in Nigeria.”

    He further stated that the impact of mentorship in the UK goes beyond individual careers, adding that by bringing in talent from non-traditional backgrounds, mentorship helps address skill gaps within the IT sector.

    He added that fresh perspectives and ideas foster innovation and drive the industry forward, making mentorship an essential component of the sector’s growth and diversity.

    Samuel highlighted that in Nigeria, the IT landscape presents different challenges, with many aspiring professionals facing barriers such as limited access to quality education and mentorship.

    He explained that although Nigeria’s burgeoning IT ecosystem is still developing, mentorship can serve as a critical bridge between local talent and global opportunities.

    Through his work with Bincom Global, Samuel mentors young IT professionals in Nigeria, helping them acquire skills that align with international best practices. He emphasised the need for mentorship, stating, “Many Nigerian IT professionals have the talent and drive but lack structured guidance to succeed.”

    Samuel’s international experience has been crucial in shaping his approach to mentorship. Having worked in both Africa and the UK, he draws on a unique blend of global best practices and local realities to guide his mentees. 

    He often compares the growing tech hubs in Nigeria and South Africa with the more established IT sector in the UK, helping his mentees understand the potential for growth in their regions while preparing them for success in international markets.

    The power of mentorship, according to Samuel, extends far beyond individual career advancement. He noted that it plays a critical role in shaping the future of the IT industry itself.

    He said, “Mentorship can help address challenges related to skill shortages, diversity, and inclusion, while also fostering innovation.”

    Samuel believes that through mentoring the next generation of IT professionals, he is actively contributing to a more inclusive, dynamic, and innovative tech landscape, stressing that mentorship is a tool for change.

    He, however, expressed optimism about the future, noting that mentoring will continue to shape the careers of tomorrow’s tech leaders and innovators, ensuring that the industry remains vibrant, diverse, and competitive.

  • Zoho Analytics launches powerful new AI-driven features

    Zoho Analytics launches powerful new AI-driven features

    Zoho Corporation, a leading global technology company, on Thursday launched a new version of Zoho Analytics—Zoho’s self-service BI and analytics platform.

    Among more than 100 other enhancements, Zoho Analytics has developed powerful new AI and ML capabilities, enabling diagnostic insights, predictive analysis, and automated report and dashboard generation.

    Additionally, Zoho Analytics now includes a custom ML model-building studio, seamless integration with Open AI, 25+ new data connectors, and third-party BI platform extensions. The latest version has added power, intelligence, and flexibility to serve a broader range of businesses and users than competitors in the market.

    Recent research from Oracle reveals that 97% of business leaders want data to drive their decision-making processes. Additionally, a Gartner study predicts that by 2026, two-thirds of B2B sales organisations will shift from intuition-based to data-driven decision-making.

    Read Also: Five causes of bad breath

    Kehinde Ogundare, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria, said: “Zoho Analytics, launched as Zoho Reports in 2009, entered the market long before technology had caught up with Zoho’s forward-thinking vision for business intelligence.

    “Since then, Zoho has made considerable investments around automation, no-code/low-code development, third-party integration, machine learning, and Zia, Zoho’s in-house AI engine. The latest version of Zoho Analytics is one of the first solutions from the company that takes advantage of every one of these decades-long investments. The result is a democratised platform that is powerful, intelligent, and flexible enough to benefit everyone and anyone.”

    The latest version of Zoho Analytics has advanced across four key areas: Data Management, AI, Data Science & Machine Learning, and Extensibility. Below are notable highlights of the platform across these four categories.

    Data Management Hub: Zoho Analytics has expanded its data management capabilities, adding Stream Analytics, ETL data pipelines, and metrics-layer enhancements to ensure broader access to more accurate data for businesses. It has expanded its 500+ data connector portfolio by adding Stream Analytics, along with 25 other new data connectors. Business users can now create and manage complex ETL data pipelines within the platform.

    New Unified Metrics Layer enables users to define, standardise, monitor, access control, and catalogue all business metrics in a single pane. The platform also extends to serve in a Headless BI mode, allowing data apps to consume the same metrics in real time for consistent and dependable insights.

    BI Infused with Generative AI: Zoho Analytics has introduced Generative AI capabilities across the BI platform to accelerate the adoption of insights for a broad spectrum of user personas. With Zoho’s AI-powered, automated insights engine, Zia Insights, now provides diagnostic analytics contextually, bringing decision intelligence into the platform.

    Ask Zia, Zoho’s multilingual Natural Language Querying AI copilot has been enhanced, allowing users to trigger actions and build custom data models. Users can now converse with Ask Zia within IM channels, including Microsoft Teams, to generate deeper, faster, and more contextual insights and actions. Zoho Analytics now has Auto Analysis, enabling AI-powered automated metrics, reports, and dashboard generation.

    Zoho Analytics’ seamless Open AI integration drives more relevant and accurate query responses. Using Open AI APIs with BYOK, users can more easily find public datasets and create formula & SQL queries.

    Data Science and Machine Learning Studio: Zoho Analytics now features the Data Science and Machine Learning (DSML) Studio, supporting users to build custom machine learning models for specific business requirements. With AutoML, a no-code assistant, to build custom ML models easily. With ‌feature engineering, hyperparameter tuning, and comprehensive model analysis, it enables users to ‌ train, test, compare, deploy, and manage models.

    Zoho Analytics also features Code Studio, the platform’s new integrated Python code environment where users can create custom ML models, as well as import Python models or externally built libraries, which can be executed within the platform.

    Platform Extensibility: Zoho Analytics is more deeply extendable, adding new capabilities such as its no-code builder for data connectors, actions framework, BI fabric, and client SDKs. It is a composable platform on which any analytical solution can be built. Its new BI fabric enables businesses to consolidate insights from multiple BI platforms, such as Power BI and Tableau, onto one, easily accessible and searchable analytics portal.

    Within Zoho Analytics, users can trigger actionable workflows, including URL and Webhook actions. The platform integrates seamlessly with Zoho Flow, enabling 500+ app triggers. It features a no-code data connector builder, allowing users to create custom connectors to bring data from any custom application. Partners can also build data connectors that can be published and sold on Zoho Marketplace.

    The new Zoho Analytics release features over 100+ updates, including new visualisations, enhanced dashboard building, audit, and admin controls, revamped mobile apps, Right-to-Left (RTL) support, and more.

  • ‘Accelerating tech skills through hands-on experience’

    ‘Accelerating tech skills through hands-on experience’

    A tech designer with over a decade of experience, Moses Arfo, has argued that hands-on experience is crucial for advancement and growth in the tech industry.

    In an interview with The Nation, Arfo emphasised that while theoretical knowledge is foundational, practical application is essential for developing the skills needed for success.

    “Real growth occurs when you apply theoretical knowledge in hands-on settings,” Arfo stated.

    Read Also: Quick facts about ‘Coming to America’ actor James Earl Jones

    He explained that working on actual projects helps tech professionals navigate the complexities of software development and system design in ways that theory alone cannot.

    Arfo highlighted how practical experience enhances critical skills such as problem-solving and adaptability.

    “Facing challenges like debugging and performance optimization in real-world scenarios cultivates critical thinking and resilience. These experiences teach tech professionals to prioritize problem-solving and continuous learning qualities highly valued in the industry. The tech field evolves rapidly, and practical work forces you to quickly learn and integrate new skills,” he said.

    According to him, completing projects offers tangible evidence of competence, making individuals more appealing to potential employers.

    He noted that this practical experience gives job seekers a competitive edge, as employers increasingly value real-world skills in addition to theoretical knowledge.

    “Every project completed boosts your self-assurance and demonstrates your capability to handle job responsibilities with minimal supervision,” Arfo added.

    Arfo also discussed Design Jams, such as those hosted by CVSpan, as a unique avenue for practical learning.

    “Design Jams challenge participants to solve real-world problems under tight deadlines, mirroring the fast-paced nature of the tech industry,” he said.

    He called for bridging the gap between theory and practice, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and building confidence to better prepare aspiring tech professionals for success.