The Nation Newspaper

Category: Technology

  • Nigeria, Brazil deepen space technology partnership for global development

    Nigeria, Brazil deepen space technology partnership for global development

    Nigeria and Brazil have set a new benchmark for South South cooperation with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), with space technology and applications taking center stage as engines of growth, sustainability, and security.

    In a statement, Director, Media and Corporate Communications,Dr Felix Ale said the signing ceremony, which took place in Brasília, Brazil, was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, of Nigeria and his Brazilian counterpart, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

    The MoU was signed by the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uchenna Geoffrey Nnaji and Luciana Santos, Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

    During the event, government leaders and industry experts underscored the strategic role of space technology in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, disaster management, and digital transformation.

    Chief Uche Nnaji described the MoU as a statement of shared vision, stressing that space technology offers Africa and Latin America a powerful tool to leapfrog into the future economy.

    READ ALSO: Don’t mistake cash flow for profit, Williams Uchemba cautions business owners

     He emphasized that under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is committed to building ecosystems of innovation, leveraging satellites, rocketry, and data analytics to drive inclusive growth and prosperity.

    In her remarks, Minister Luciana Santos highlighted Brazil’s global leadership in satellite development and bioeconomy applications, affirming that collaboration with Nigeria would not only strengthen bilateral ties but also deliver solutions with planetary relevance.

     Both Nigeria and Brazil Presidents hailed the MoU as a milestone in South South collaboration, with President Tinubu noting that space technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for national prosperity and security.

    Brazilian President Lula da Silva described the partnership as a bridge of innovation and solidarity between two great nations of the Global South

    The agreement is expected to pave the way for joint satellite missions for agriculture, climate monitoring, and national security, alongside cooperation in space vehicle engineering, capacity building, and technology transfer.

    Artificial intelligence applications will be deployed for forest conservation in the Amazon and Nigeria, Cameroon basins, while Earth observation systems will strengthen resilience against natural disasters and food insecurity.

    Stakeholders believe this cooperation will create unprecedented opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and youth in both countries, while reinforcing global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks a new era in Nigeria Brazil relations, demonstrating that space science and technology are not just about exploration, but about building economies, empowering people, enhancing security, and safeguarding the planet.

  • Pantami Foundation launches phone repair, AI training for youths

    Pantami Foundation launches phone repair, AI training for youths

    The Professor Isa Pantami Foundation (PIP Foundation) has announced the launch of its third training programme, offering free training in phone repair and artificial intelligence (AI) to over 10,000 Nigerian youth.

    The transformative initiative is designed to equip the participants with practical as well as in-demand skills to foster vocation, self-reliance, and entrepreneurship.

    In a statement by Prof. Suleiman Mohammed of the foundation, the programme aims to help Nigerians capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

    “AI and other emerging technologies are expected to create 170 million new jobs globally,” the statement reads, citing data from the World Economic Forum (WEF). “We must ensure that our citizens are prepared to benefit from these opportunities.”

    The foundation, established by Pantami (Majidadin Daular Usmaniyya) — a former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, is resolutely dedicated to providing essential skills at no cost.

    The program goes beyond technical training, representing a strategic effort to reduce unemployment and empower young Nigerians to innovate and thrive in the digital economy.

    Read Also: Pantami Foundation disburses ₦18m scholarship to 232 indigent students

    “This initiative reflects Professor Pantami’s unwavering commitment to lift communities through education and technology,” a representative stated. “We are not just training individuals; we are building a future where our youth can create opportunities for themselves and others.”

    The application portal for Gombe state residents opened on Monday, August 25, 2025, and will close on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the official link. Training schedules for other states will be announced.

    The PIP Foundation has a history of impactful projects, including providing JAMB and university scholarships and supporting various community projects, underscoring its mission to improve lives across Nigeria.

  • South Africa based Nigerian AI innovator wins first Pamodzi award in Rwanda

    South Africa based Nigerian AI innovator wins first Pamodzi award in Rwanda

    Founder of Etihuku and Curnance, Jeremiah Olamijuwon, has made history as the inaugural recipient of the Pamodzi Award, introduced this year by Deep Learning Indaba, Africa’s Largest AI Gathering for artificial intelligence and machine learning.

    The award, presented in Kigali, Rwanda recognises individuals who demonstrate collaboration, innovation, and significant impact within the African AI community.

    Olamijuwon described the honour as deeply humbling and emphasised the collective nature of his achievement.

    He said it was not merely recognition of his personal work but also of the efforts of those with whom he had collaborated, stressing that innovation is most powerful when pursued together.

    Read Also: How to become global innovation hub, by expert

    He explained that his journey in artificial intelligence has been driven by a mission to ensure African voices, talent, and solutions are represented on the global stage.

    Over the years, he has mentored young AI enthusiasts, spearheaded research projects addressing real-world challenges, and fostered opportunities for emerging African talent to learn, experiment, and collaborate.

    Olamijuwon has also established himself as a pivotal figure in nurturing the next generation of African AI researchers and innovators, a role that earned him recognition across the continent and now the first-ever Pamodzi Award.

    For more information about the Deep Learning Indaba and the Pamodzi Award, visit www.deeplearningindaba.com

  • Akwa Ibom to host tech innovation, digital economy week to boost jobs, investment

    Akwa Ibom to host tech innovation, digital economy week to boost jobs, investment

    The Akwa Ibom State Government has finalised plans to host a Technology Innovations and Digital Economy Week aimed at creating jobs and increasing Nigeria’s GDP.

    The event, scheduled for November 3–8 in Uyo, will attract no fewer than 10,000 participants, including tech leaders, investors, innovators, students, and policymakers.

    Organised by Ibom Innovation Network LTD/GTE and AKTW2025, the Tech Week, themed “Catalysing Digital Transformation for Innovation, Investment and Impact”, will feature exhibitions, venture showcases, pitch competitions, career fairs, and sessions on AI, Web3, venture funding, and policy.

    According to Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Enoabasi Emah, the programme is designed to position Akwa Ibom as Africa’s next tech hub, offering opportunities for startups to connect with angel investors, venture capitalists, and development partners.

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    Hanson Johnson, President of Ibom Innovation Network, said the event would showcase the brilliance of the local tech ecosystem and serve as a platform for investors to engage with innovators shaping the state’s digital economy.

     “This year’s edition will not only showcase the brilliance of our local tech ecosystem but is an opportunity for investors and development partners to engage directly with innovators shaping the ecosystem,” he added. 

  • Nigerian researcher Arowosafe champions ethical AI for public good

    Nigerian researcher Arowosafe champions ethical AI for public good

    As global powers compete to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for economic and political influence, Nigerian researcher Samuel Arowosafe is pursuing a different path—one focused on ethics, communication, and the public interest.

    Arowosafe, a doctoral candidate at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, is examining how young people engage with political messages delivered by AI compared to human sources.

    His work explores trust, persuasion, and misinformation—critical areas as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

    “AI can be used to inform, not manipulate; to empower, not exclude,” Arowosafe said. “My work is about making that difference visible and measurable.”

    Read Also: Lagos empowers innovators, researchers with grants

    His research comes as AI policy debates intensify worldwide. In the United States, President Donald Trump recently signed executive orders aimed at advancing AI innovation while stressing ethical and inclusive applications—goals that align with Arowosafe’s academic focus.

    Beyond academia, Arowosafe contributes to the ICED (Infrastructure for Communities, Ecology for Data) Hub at the university, where he studies how rural communities can leverage AI for development.

    He also gained hands-on experience during an internship with UNICEF, using AI-driven tools to promote equitable education campaigns.

    “I’ve seen how AI can improve lives in rural and humanitarian contexts. The goal is to scale that potential ethically, starting in Nigeria,” he said.

    Arowosafe’s work has earned him the UF International Student Achievement Award, highlighting his growing role in global conversations about technology and society.

    As debates on AI evolve, Arowosafe represents a new wave of thinkers redefining the technology—not as a tool for profit or power, but as an instrument for justice, voice, and opportunity.

  • MTN Nigeria to restore services to 15 local councils, three states

    MTN Nigeria to restore services to 15 local councils, three states

    MTN Nigeria said it has scheduled its network maintenance to restore services to 15 local government areas (LGAs) in three states in the northern parts of the country.

    The telco, in a short statement, said: “MTN Nigeria wishes to inform its customers of a scheduled network maintenance activity aimed at permanently restoring a previously damaged fiber infrastructure along the AFCOT–Bawo Village route in Adamawa State. The maintenance work will impact 101 sites in 15 LGAs across Adamawa, Borno and Kano states.

    “The areas are Kano State: Nasarawa local government area (LGA); Adamawa State: Girei, Song, Mubi North, Hong, Gombi, Fufore, Mubi South, Madagali, Michika, Maiha, Chibok and Yola North LGA; and Borno State: Askira/UBA and Shani LGA

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    MTN said the maintenance will involve cutting over traffic to a newly installed fiber infrastructure. This upgrade is necessary to eliminate damaged fiber spans and improve overall network stability.

    Maintenance details for the two-hour maintenance work takes place on Sunday, 24th August 2025 beginning from 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM

    Impact: Temporary service disruption affecting 101 sites across 15 LGAs, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and 10 enterprise services.

    Due to the linear and unprotected nature of the route, services will be interrupted during the maintenance window. The work will be carried out during daylight hours for security reasons.

    MTN regrets any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your understanding as we work to improve service quality and reliability.

  • Firm debuts first-ever RWA index perpetual contract

    Firm debuts first-ever RWA index perpetual contract

    Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 Company, has announced the launch of the industry’s first RWA (Real-World Asset) Index Perpetual Contract.

    This pioneering product, set to go live on August 20, introduces a new way for users to trade tokenized traditional assets, starting with selected RWA products including TSLAUSDT (RWA), NVDAUSDT (RWA), and CRCLUSDT (RWA).

    The RWA Index Perpetual Contract is built on a composite of tokenized stock indices already circulating in the market.

    Each index contains one or more RWA tokens to track prices from different third-party issuers. For example, the AAPL RWA Index Perpetual Contract may represent a composite of AAPL tokens issued by a couple of different third-party issuers.

    “Similar to how existing crypto perpetual contracts derive their index prices from multiple major crypto exchanges, Bitget’s innovative RWA Index Perpetual Contract can dynamically add or remove index sources depending on measurable factors such as market activity, trading volume, and liquidity conditions.

    Bitget may adjust and disclose the index weighting from time to time. This approach guarantees both flexibility and fairness in pricing.

    “To maintain fair pricing and risk management, the RWA Index Perpetual Contracts will be traded on a 5×24 schedule, closing on weekends and stock market holidays. During closure periods, the market price will remain frozen to prevent liquidation; however, users may choose to add margin in anticipation of sharp market moves upon reopening.

    Read Also: Bitget brings tokenized stocks, RWAs to Nigerian traders

    Order cancellations will be allowed during these closures, while new orders will not be accepted. Funding fees will also pause during market closures, with settlement resuming on an hourly cycle when trading is active.

    “In terms of trading experience, RWA perpetual contracts share the same mechanics and liquidation process as existing crypto perpetual contracts, reducing the learning curve for users.

    “To mitigate early-stage risks, Bitget will cap leverage at 10x, support only isolated margin mode, and apply open interest position limits across the platform. “Bitget thrives on innovation that stems from the emerging cryptospace,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

    “With the world’s first RWA Index Perpetual Contract, we are slowly transitioning into a comprehensive ecosystem of all things finance.

    “This product shows the platform’s advancement as compared to other players, as it enables traders with exposure to a modern and traditional range of asset classes, bridging the gap between TradFi and DeFi. At launch, Bitget’s index pricing will draw from stock tokens issued on the xStocks platform, with plans to onboard additional trusted issuers in the near future.

    “Support for a broader range of RWA perpetual contracts on Bitget Futures is also scheduled for later this quarter. She added

  • Firm reaffirms commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space

    Firm reaffirms commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space

    Posture Cyber Security Technologies, a leading Nigerian cybersecurity solutions firm, has restated its commitment to strengthening national and organisational resilience against growing cyber threats.

    Founded and led by its Chief Security Officer, Emmanuel Enamejewa, the company operates from Ikota, Lekki, Lagos, offering advanced services to protect critical infrastructure and digital assets.

    Its operations cover threat prevention, detection, application security, consultancy, digital forensics, and investigation, serving both corporate organisations and government institutions.

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    Enamejewa stressed that cybersecurity expertise goes beyond technical skills, requiring analytical thinking, adaptability, effective communication, ethical standards, and a passion for IT.

    He also highlighted the importance of roles such as ethical hackers, analysts, architects, penetration testers, engineers, incident responders, and security managers in building strong defenses.

    The firm affirmed that its professionals remain proactive in developing and deploying solutions aligned with global best practices.

    With cybercrime on the rise, Posture Cyber Security Technologies pledged to continue equipping organisations with the tools and expertise needed to protect sensitive data and sustain trust in the digital economy.

  • Google debuts AI Mode in Search, bringing more powerful, intuitive experience to users

    Google debuts AI Mode in Search, bringing more powerful, intuitive experience to users

    Google today announced the launch of AI Mode in Search for users in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, introducing a new era of AI-powered search that is more intuitive, comprehensive, and helpful. AI Mode helps users tackle complex, multi-part questions with more intuitive responses, multimodal inputs, and deeper ways to explore topics.

    AI Mode transforms how people interact with Search by allowing them to ask nuanced and exploratory questions that would previously require multiple searches. Powered by a custom version of Google’s latest Gemini 2.5 model, AI Mode brings advanced reasoning and context understanding to Search.

    “We’re incredibly excited to bring AI Mode to our users in the region,” said Alex Okosi, Managing Director, Google Africa. “We know that people in this region are curious and have complex questions about everything from planning a trip to understanding a new concept. With AI Mode, Google is reimagining the Search experience. Users will not only find the information they need more easily but will also be empowered to explore a wider range of content from across the web.”

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    AI Mode is especially useful for longer, more detailed queries. A key feature of AI Mode is its advanced reasoning, which uses a query fan-out technique to break down a user’s question into subtopics and simultaneously search a multitude of queries on their behalf. This allows for a deeper dive into the web, uncovering hyper-relevant content. Furthermore, AI Mode is designed to be truly multimodal, allowing users to interact in the most natural way for them, whether through text, voice, or even images.

    Simply tapping the microphone icon or uploading a photo allows users to ask questions using their voice or camera. A core principle of AI Mode is to help users find the best of the web. The AI-powered response includes prominent links to web sources, expanding the types of questions people can ask and opening up new opportunities for content discovery.

    Google remains committed to supporting the open web and ensuring that its AI-powered features are rooted in its core quality and ranking systems. With AI Mode, web links are prominently displayed, ensuring users can easily click through to discover more. Data from AI Overviews shows that AI-powered results lead users to visit a greater diversity of websites and spend more time engaging with them. While AI Mode aims to provide a reliable AI-powered response, in cases where confidence is not high, the system will default to a set of traditional web search results.

    AI Mode will begin rolling out today and will appear as a tab on the Search results page and within the Google app for Android and iOS.

  • Onyia presents engineering education report to COREN Registrar

    Onyia presents engineering education report to COREN Registrar

    In a move set to continuously strengthen engineering education in Nigeria, Dr. Uzor Onyia, Principal of SCID EngineeringXpress presented a comprehensive engineering education report to Engr. Prof. Okorie A. Uche, the Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). 

    The presentation took place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the COREN Head Office in Abuja.

    During the meeting, Onyia congratulated Uche on his emergence as the COREN Registrar in March 2025 and lauded the remarkable innovations his leadership has brought to the council since his assumption of office. 

    He highlighted Uche’s well-known passion for and contributions to engineering education.

     Onyia detailed that SCID EngineeringXpress  is a collaborative research coalition involving key stakeholders such as COREN, the Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). 

    The initiative, sponsored by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Royal Academy of Engineering, and Onyia Construction, also partners with the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association (NUESA), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and ACESPED, UNN.

    The coalition’s main goal is to improve engineering education and practice in Nigeria through research studies and the development of essential engineering skills. 

    This work has led to the creation of a UNN Faculty of Engineering-approved complementary engineering curriculum, guidelines, and frameworks for engineering education, along with the EngineeringXpress platform to streamline stakeholder engagement.

    Onyia informed Uche that similar reports have been well-received and accepted by the grant sponsors, underscoring the project’s success and impact. He expressed gratitude to COREN for its unwavering support, acknowledging the contributions of previous Registrars, Engr. Prof. Bello Adisa and Engr. Prof. Joseph Odigure.

    Read Also: NEMSA makes COREN registration requirement for certification

    Uche commended Onyia for his dedication and extensive contributions to engineering education through numerous research projects and training programs for students and early-career engineers. 

    He praised Onyia’s numerous research projects and training programs for students and early-career engineers, emphasizing his dual role in both academia and entrepreneurship through his company, Onyia Construction, as a worthy model for young engineers to emulate.

    He also extended his appreciation to Engr. Sadiq Omeiza, MD of Onyia Construction, and Engr. Precious Onuoha, Head of the Department of Trainings and Certifications at COREN, for their valuable contributions and support to SCID EngineeringXpress and all other participants and contributors. Prof. Uche concluded by pledging the continuous support of his office to the coalition’s vital work.