The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Microsoft

  • MTN, Microsoft empower over 50 SMEs

    MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Microsoft, has empowered over 50 Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos.

    It was the first session of the MTN – Microsoft Training Programme- designed at empowering the fast-growing SME segment to streamline their financial and business processes, improve customer interactions and make better decisions with integrated intelligence.

    The training allowed for business owners to standardise their entire organisational business processes, including sales, finance, human resources, operations, logistics and marketing to function as one integrated whole, by connecting data across accounting, sales, purchasing, inventory and customer interactions.

    The SMEs gained access to a holistic view of business management and chart financial performance in real time. Over 50 SMEs benefited from the six-hour session and gained first hand experience on how to use Microsoft Excel to improve accounting and record keeping.

    Speaking on the experience, one of the entrepreneurs, Cecelia Edom, CEO of Cece Confectionary said: “This has been very instrumental in helping to bring technology and management closer to entrepreneurs. It was a great opportunity to show anyone that they can learn the basics of computer science in a fun and engaging way.”

    The participants demonstrated  enthusiasm throughout the sessions, as well as the willingness to learn how to perfect their organisational skills.

    Selected guests at the training were also treated to various gifts to help impact their business positively.

    MTN continues to seek ways to contribute to the Nigerian economy by extending its partnership capabilities to brighten the lives of small business owners within the country.

    The training is the first in the series of training collaborations MTN has planned for small business owners across various regions in the country to deliver value to businesses.

     

  • MTN, Microsoft partner to lift SMEs

    MTN Nigeria and Microsoft Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on creating sustainable and scalable initiatives to drive the growth of  Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) segment of the Enterprise Business in Nigeria.

    The partnership, will leverage Microsoft’s technologies and MTN’s innovative expertise to create strong value propositions for SMEs. These propositions will address the needs of SMEs around capability development, access to markets and business networks across Africa. It will also tackle some of their challenges through the creation of innovative solutions.

    Top executives from both Microsoft and MTN in attendance signed the MoU.

    The General Manager, Enterprise Marketing at MTN, Mrs. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, expressed the telco’s commitment to the success of businesses, be they SMEs, Large Enterprises or in the public sector.

    She said: “We launched the MTN Man-In-The-Box Initiative to further demonstrate our commitment to the development of businesses and ensure their sustained business growth.”

    She said the Initiative was designed to create and sustain awareness for MTN’s Enterprise Business and its focus to provide and facilitate access to technology, new markets, information and finance for SMEs.

    Country General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Akin Banuso, said: “Our approach at Microsoft has been one of empowerment and collaboration; we work with SMEs and as we learn from them, this makes us poised to provide tailor-made solutions to the challenges they face on a daily basis.

    “We are excited about this partnership and looking forward to provide support to the SMEs through the Microsoft 4Afrika initiative.

  • Nigeria needs data classification policy, says Microsoft

    Digital technology is redefining the way people live, destroying real and imagined fetters. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), internet of things (IoT) and others in information communication, comes the era of big data. Microsoft Nigeria General Manager Mr. Akin Banuso says there is need for Nigeria to have a data classification policy. He spoke with LUCAS AJANAKU on the sideline at the inauguration of Tek Experts office in Lagos.

    How is Microsoft partnering the Federal Government to realise its goals in the information communication technology (ICT) space?

    We have a number of initiatives. We are talking not just with the Federal Government, but also the state government. But your question is specific about the Federal Government. In terms of the Federal Government, we signed an MoU back in December with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) the IT development agency. One of the things we are looking at is that we should have as a nation, data classification policies, we should have a cloud policy, which is very clear and helps us determine how we stop, use, disseminate and protect data.

    Data is critical but it needs to be accessible, otherwise it is useless. Data is powerful and useful, so there lot of the things that we are doing. We are working with various agencies of government to look at how we can do digital transformation. So, you can imagine in education or in ministries where if you went somewhere you wanted to search for records. In record management, we should be able to digitally search for records, we should be able to reference things that we need. Data is the new currency, knowledge is also the new currency, but without data, knowledge is not possible. So, we are doing a lot of the things now; you will see that we are announcing a lot of training, a lot of educational programmes and basic education up to tertiary level. We are supporting the Federal Government in its hopes for  advancing the digital space.

    How is Microsoft Nigeria involved with Tek Expert?

    Tech Expert is a global partner; it is a global services and support organisation. So, the global services and support organisation is the team that sort of empowers and helps us to empower our customers whenever they run into a technical issue or they need help. They sort of help in getting the best value out of our products; so it’s an after sales support. We have a global partnership with Tek Experts and when our global team decided that they wanted to expand the capacity, we already have 27,000 people providing this support globally. When we decided that we wanted to expand this support, one of the things that we looked at was in accordance to our mission.

    Our mission statement at Microsoft is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more, as part of its objectives and mission. We should expand the reach of our support services into other locations where we don’t currently have people so we have people in India, we have people in the United States, we have people in South America so we thought we should  also give the opportunity to Africa. We spoke with Tek Experts and told them that we want to expand, we want to look at new locations and jointly we started to evaluate Africa. We looked at couple of locations and in the end through the process, it was agreed that the first location that we will do in Africa will be Nigeria, purely because Nigeria has this wonderful depth of talented resources that are very dynamic and forward looking.

    Tek Expert said its model is that it provides support from multinational companies. We in effect, are what you will call their anchor tenants for coming into Nigeria. You could look at it that way. We are working together to come and explore, open up the Nigeria market, which we believe very strongly is right for this kind of service.

    In specific terms, how will this deepen the IT ecosystem in Nigeria?

    This is phenomenal in that it is revolutionary in terms of how it will deepen the ecosystem. The fact that we are putting this world class facility in place is significant. The internet protocol (IP), the training Microsoft brings and  the skill development that Tek Expert are going to provide for this young people is phenomenal. I mean that when they come out of this environment and we’ve seen this everywhere else, we’ve gone into it with Tek Expert, the entire ecosystem grows. This is because now you will have a number of skilled people, who are used to supporting our customers globally; who can come out and set up their own companies because they have the talent. This same people can go into other companies in Nigeria and leverage our new technology.

    So, as they become skilled in the new skills that are relevant for the knowledge age, they are able to provide better solutions. They would form their own status based on the knowledge that they have to solve the problems that we’re facing in Nigeria. So, you can imagine someone that has been supporting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the United States Navy in solving deep problems when they come out of this environment and they face our local problems. They already have the feel and then the experience to be able to now apply that knowledge and say: we could do it this way.  So, this would have a multiplier effect for our economy and then the normal things.

    Just between January and now when they started, they said they have hired 300 people and this is only for Microsoft. And for other people coming, there will even be much deeper skills and then you imagine what that does to the economy. Each person hired,  the multiplier effect and then as they go on and grow, they add more people. We have even more people joining the work force and then more competent people coming out into the society to help us grow.

  • Technology cannot take teachers’ place

    With technological advancements in Artificial intelligence, mixed reality, quantum computing, 3D printing and others disrupting what is work and learning globally, Microsoft Vice President, Worldwide Education, Anthony Salcito, has called for changes in mindsets that would allow educators prepare learners for jobs of the future.

    Speaking at the opening of the two-day BETT Middle East and Africa Leadership conference and exhibition held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre ( ADNEC ), Abu Dhabi Monday, Salcito said kindergartners who would graduate by 2030 needed a different kind of education from what is presently on offer.

    Based on a research by Microsoft and McKinsey on “Preparing the Class of 2030”, the technology expert said their education needed to be more personalised and teach more soft and emotional skills.

    In doing this, Salcito said technology becomes an enabler that would, rather than take teachers’ place, strengthen them to learn more about their students and as a result give them education tailored to their needs.

    He said teachers needed to realise that technology could not take their place but could make them more productive in preparing their learners to excel in a world where the skill sets needed were presently unknown.

    He said such education should infuse passion in the learners.

    “The reality of why Artificial Intelligence is often feared is because of the displacement of jobs. In many ways it is going to create potential to improve existing jobs – potential to help students get better by providing teachers with tools to assist their jobs,” he said.

    In his speech, the Minister of Education at the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Hussain Ibrahim So, said his country was preparing hard to equip its citizens with the right kind of skills by evolving policies and establishing schools where innovative learning takes place.

    “UAE is the first to have a specialist for the fourth industrial revolution to create policies and laws. We need high quality education to enable our children for the future.

    “We were very proactive in the UAE and launched smart learning in 125 schools. We are planning to launch in 700 schools,” he said.

    In an interview with The Nation, the Story Adviser to Gov Abiola Ajimobi, on education, Dr BC Akin-Alabi said the Oyo State was ready to embrace the transformation technology brings.

    She said the government was partnering with Microsoft to make basic and advanced digital literacy curriculum available in all schools, public or private, at all levels.

  • Microsoft, Tech4Dev target 500,000 youths for digital training

    NO fewer than 500,000 students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions will benefit from the Basic Digital Education Initiative (BDEI), an initiative of Tech4Dev and supported by Microsoft.

    General Manager Microsoft Nigeria, Akin Banuso, stated this last week in Lagos during the official launch of the initiative.

    Executive Director Tech4Dev, Joel Ogunsola, explained the initiative is an experiential learning programme for helping beneficiaries acquire foundational digital skills.

    The move, he said, is borne out of the needs to equip the young minds with requisite skills for the knowledge-based future in the 21st century.

    He added the initiative was a result of Tech4Dev and Microsoft’s mission to solve the world’s biggest problems through technology.

    “We are making ample investment in digital skills education over the decade through support from Microsoft philanthropy to train the next generation of young individuals looking to be part of the fourth industrial revolution as well as adults who very much need the skills to fully benefit from new opportunities being presented by the fourth industrial revolution.”

    Banuso said: “In a world where digital skills are fundamental to success in so many environments, leaving people in the dark about this major part of their world amounts to an unacceptable gap in their education. We believe technology should be an equalising force in the world—inclusive, not divisive. So, we are investing our greatest assets—our technology, grants, people and voice to advance a more equitable world where the benefits of technology are accessible to everyone.”

    Former Ondo State Governor Dr Segun Mimiko, who was the keynote speaker, encouraged young people to push for democratisation of education at all levels.

    “This revolution is dependent on knowledge. Technology in all forms is converging to produce a new reality which is capable of replenishing or perishing one and now is the time for our youth to decide which side they want to be on.”

    Specifically, BDEI seeks to train 5,000 digital trainers who will in turn train 500,000 young people on digital skills in Nigeria.

    The offline training will supply teaching aids to the educators who in turn are expected to carry out this training in schools and communities within their states.

    The curriculum cuts across introduction to computer, productivity tools and workplace essentials, big data and cloud technologies, cyber security and digital lifestyles.

     

  • Tech4Dev partners Microsoft Nigeria to train young Nigerians on Digital Skills

    Over 500,000 young individuals’ resident in Nigeria are to benefit from the Basic Digital Education Initiative (BDEI), an Initiative of Tech4Dev and supported by Microsoft.

    This announcement was made at the official launch event held at the Civic Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos and had in attendance the former executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, the General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Akin Banuso amongst others. According to the Executive Director, Tech4Dev, Joel Ogunsola, the initiative is an experiential Learning program supported by Microsoft with the aim of helping young individuals in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions acquire foundational digital skills, a move which has become necessary in order to equip young minds with the requisite skills for the knowledge-based future that is the reality of the 21st century.

    Ogunsola noted that the initiative was a result of Tech4Dev and Microsoft’s mission to solve the world’s biggest problems through technology. “We are making ample investment in digital skills education over the decade through support from Microsoft Philanthropy to train the next generation of young individuals looking to be part of the fourth industrial revolution as well as adults who very much need the skills to fully benefit from new opportunities being presented by the fourth industrial revolution”.

    While speaking at the launch event, the General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Akin Banuso said,

    “In a world where digital skills are fundamental to success in so many environments, leaving people in the dark about this major part of their world amounts to an unacceptable gap in their education. We believe technology should be an equalising force in the world—inclusive, not divisive.

    So, we are investing our greatest assets—our technology, grants, people, and voice—to advance a more equitable world where the benefits of technology are accessible to everyone”.

    Dr. Olusegun Mimiko who was the keynote speaker during his speech encouraged the young members of the audience to join the advocacy and push for democratization of education at all levels. He further advocated for improved female participation in tech fields.

    “It’s a time of intellectual domination. Women have begun to dominate, and they should get more involved.”

    Speaking further, he said, “Nigerians have already missed out on the first second and third revolution. The fourth revolution has started and has begun to influence the way we live and relate with each other.

    This revolution is dependent on knowledge. Technology in all forms is converging to produce a new reality which is capable of replenishing or perishing one and now is the time for our youth to decide which side they want to be on.”

    Speaking further, he said “In order to be able to successfully prepare our youths for this knowledge-based economy, we must review our curriculum and come up with new ones that are relevant to this new economy. There must be improved access to this new curriculum and this access must be democratized, there must be public equity for start-ups and linkage between the financial services and industrial sector.”

    Directly, BDEI seeks to train 5,000 digital skill trainers who will in turn be empowered to train 500,000 young people on digital skills in Nigeria. The training would take place offline, and we

    would supply teaching aids to the educators who in turn are expected to carry out this training in schools and communities within their states. The curriculum cuts across Introduction to computer, productivity tools and workplace essentials, big data and cloud technologies, cybersecurity and digital lifestyles.

    As part of ensuring this initiative gets the right attention and reach in Nigeria, Tech4Dev would be partnering with the office of the Vice President as well as other national and local partners.

  • Microsoft: Nigeria is important innovation hub

    Microsoft has said Nigeria remains an important innovation hub influencing the digital transformation of the entire sub-region.

    Speaking yesterday at a media session to mark the fifth year of its 4Afrika Initiative, the technology firm said the scheme has been an innovation-enabler–both in Nigeria and across the continent since it was launched in 2013. It said it has achieved this by developing affordable access to the internet, digital skills and creating an environment that enables start-up success.

    Regional Director, Amrote Abdella said: “Nigeria is an important innovation hub – one which is largely influencing the digital transformation of West Africa. As technology becomes a larger part of our lives, businesses and industries, it’s essential to ensure meaningful and inclusive adoption. This can only be achieved by ensuring that youth, entrepreneurs and governments have affordable access to the internet, relevant digital skills and opportunities for innovation. Our three-pronged approach is empowering every person and organisation to take advantage of the technological age.”

    She said in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), 4Afrika is supporting entrepreneurs in the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme in Nigeria and across the continent.

    This support include providing access to cloud-based software, new markets, technical and business training, and 1:1 mentorship.

    sify their service offering, and grow their revenue. They were also exposed to Diamond Bank, where they developed Dreamville on Azure, a digital financial platform that lets youth plan their future, save, chat and develop their financial literacy – all while playing games.

    MyMusic has integrated new technologies including cloud, data analytics, machine learning and augmented reality. This has enabled them to expand their user base to over 700,000 users and build a more intuitive experience for their users, including song recommendations and chat bots.

    “Microsoft 4Afrika has given us the capacity to scale to larger infrastructure and services. This has enabled us to grow and expand faster as a business. Having just received a grant from 4Afrika, we have been able to initiate our growth and customer acquisition plans. We now have the tools and resources to explore more innovation and expand the functionality and reach of our products,” Damola Taiwo from MyMusic said.

    In 2016, local internet service provider Ekovolt received a grant through Microsoft’s global Affordable Access fund. With the funding, Ekovolt, who provide bundled packages of internet and enterprise solutions to SMEs – is expanding their solution to reach more small businesses across Nigeria.

    Microsoft 4Afrika has launched two AppFactories – or Apprenticeship Factories – in Nigeria, in partnership with local partners Lotus Beta Analytics and Sidmach Technologies Limited.

    The AppFactory equips ICT graduates with in-demand skills and experience in designing and deploying modern software solutions, turning them into highly sought after software engineers. There are currently 16 AppFactories across the continent – including in Ghana, Egypt, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, Ethiopia and Mauritius – which have secured full-time employment for 85 per cent of its graduates.

    The Interns4Afrika programme is also securing jobs for youth in Nigeria. Graduates are working in high ICT intensity jobs with local partners, including Wragby, Riby, Snapnet and Reliance Infosystems – with 85per cent of them being retained.

    The 4Afrika Open4Business programme recently launched in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (MITI). MITI is working with Microsoft to digitally transform the delivery of services to Nigeria’s investor community. MITI are vested in reducing the complexity, time and cost of complying with business governance and regulations, creating a more agile and investment-friendly environment and accelerating the pace of job creation.

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) have also formed strategic partnerships with 4Afrika, to develop access, innovation and skills in its member states. 4Afrika works closely with these two organisations, empowering them to create policies and regulations that promote ICT growth.

    “These are the kind of innovations that will let us leapfrog old infrastructure concerns and accelerate digital transformation,” says Banuso.

    “Our approach through 4Afrika has been one of empowerment and collaboration,” adds Abdella. “We are empowering Africans to shape Africa’s future, by enabling people to get online, start businesses and thrive. It’s a people-centric approach, which recognises the local insight and innovative thinking of the individuals we work with here – rather than coming in with ‘global north’ mind-set.”

    Since 2013, 4Afrika has established 15 TV white spaces connectivity projects in six African countries, reached 1.7 million SMEs, brought 500,000 SMEs online, trained over half a million Africans and supported hundreds of local start-ups, enabling them to secure $5.1 million in reciprocal funding.

  • 400 women coders graduate from Microsoft, Tech4Dev training

    400 women coders graduate from Microsoft, Tech4Dev training

    No fewer than 400 women have graduated from a coding training aimed at empowering them to become leaders in technological innovation.

    The training was organised by Tech4dev with backing from global technological giants, Microsoft.

    It was part of the Nigerian Women Techsters (NWT), an initiative aimed at helping young women between18-40 get support to acquire coding skills.

    The women were drawn from Ondo, Ekiti and Oyo states.

    They underwent trainings, which lasted for 12 weeks, in web and mobile applications development, embedded systems and games development as well as an online business training module.

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Project Lead SeedDev Kitan Aboluwarin and NWT Advisory Board member, Dr. Ronke Thompson, stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for women to thrive in the tech ecosystem.

    Aboluwarin admonished the participants to never get too comfortable but constantly seek knowledge while Thompson encouraged beneficiaries to press for improved conditions and access to development training.

    Philanthropy Lead at Microsoft Nigeria, Olusola Amusan, reiterated that Microsoft believes that empowering women in STEM fields drives economic growth, equality and innovation.

    40-year-old mother of four, Ngozi Aduloju, said the training was life-transforming.

    Education Programme Manager Tech4dev, Peace Odili said: “The project is set for a period of three years during which Tech4Dev as well as other supporting agencies intend to take the programme to other African counties thereby giving African women an opportunity to develop themselves.

    “We hope to be able to meet with people from other nations who are passionate about leveraging ICT to better the lot of women in their communities and share our ultimate goal with them.”

  • Why embrace entrepreneurship?

    Why embrace entrepreneurship?

    Entrepreneurship has been described as the willingness and capacity to develop, organise and manage a business venture along with its sundry risks…its aim is to make profit.

    Due to the risk involved in launching a start-up business, a lot of people decide not to venture in it at all. A few that surmount the courage to launch out have had their skins burnt due to lack of funding, bad business decisions and economic crisis or a combination of all these.

    In plain terms, an entrepreneur is a person who starts, organises, manages and oversees the launch and growth of an enterprise.

    It is obvious today that all around the world, there seems to be an economic crunch permeating countries. In fact, organisations are either laying off their excess staffs, outsourcing some of their functions or have placed an embargo on the employment of new staffs.

    Entrepreneurship is therefore the answer to the myriad questions of unemployment. However, there is a preponderance of fear in the minds of people today.

    This fear includes the fear of starting the business, the fear of failing, the fear of evolving and so on.  Most especially the fear of starting a business can hinder any potential entrepreneur from turning his or her dreams into reality.

    If an individual is afraid of taking the necessary action to achieve goals and realize a dream, there is a tendency that he or she will end up struck with a limited mind-set, even with that, it doesn’t guarantee a successful business.

    Youths today need to be enlightened about the reason why they must embrace entrepreneurship.

    First, it makes you a job creator. It is a job to find a job especially with the “encouraging” economy of our country.

    A lot of people overtly depend or rely on the government for everything; they seem to have an entitlement mentality. The truth still remains that the government CANNOT satisfy all our needs and cravings.

    Also, we must embrace entrepreneurship because of the urgent need for creativity. With the paucity of jobs in the labour market, it is imperative that people are able to create jobs themselves. They often times need more than just their skills and personal initiative to transform their idea to consumer products or services, there is a need for creativity.

    A case study of BILL GATES:

    He started a small company called Microsoft (which today is not only the biggest tech company, but also among the top ten companies in the world) with the dream of changing the way we use computers. His dream became a reality into success and today, Microsoft employs over 100,000 people worldwide.

    Also, in some developed countries, parents encourage their children on how they can be creative with their gifts and talents rather than focusing only on or pursuing a good certificate.

    Furthermore, entrepreneurship can also have a social perspective, especially social entrepreneurs who focus on solving social problems…whether it is to alleviate poverty or to advocate climate change.

    Moreso, the thought of starting your own business can be a little scary, still you have to pursue your passion and change the world by your creativity which is the most important reason to give it a go or to embrace entrepreneurship.

    As an entrepreneur there is tendency or possibility that you will fail but don’t be embarrassed by your failings. As Hemingway once said, “there is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.”

    Well, the percentage of entrepreneurs in Nigeria is low compared to other developing countries; very few Nigerians can boast personal or family capital to start-up a meaningful business.

    Most of the graduates today are jobless due to lack of job opportunities and personal creativity. It is crucial for our generation to learn the importance of entrepreneurship in order to transit successfully from being job seekers to job creators.

  • FG warns volunteers against selling N-Power devices

    FG warns volunteers against selling N-Power devices

    The Federal Government on Thursday warned that N-Power volunteers caught or implicated in the sale of the programme’s tablets would be dismissed.

    The Presidential Aide on Job Creation and Youth Empowerment, Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    “Information reaching us is that some of our N-Power Volunteers are attempting to dispose their device, we urge you in your best interest not to do so.

    “Once caught, you would not only be dismissed from the programme, you would be blacklisted from other federal government’s social Investment Programmes.

    “A lien would also be placed on your bank accounts for the full refund of the asset cost to the Bank of Industry,’’ he said.

    Imoukhuede recalled that N-Power is a Learn/Work/Entrepreneurship Programme of the federal government’s National Social Investment Programme for unemployed Young Graduates.

    He reminded the beneficiaries that the devices currently being distributed to the volunteers were secured through an Asset Finance arrangement.

    He said the arrangement was made with the Bank of Industry (BOI) for 20 months by the National Social Investment Programme.

    “As such, the devices are to aid the continual learning and development of our volunteers, which seek to enhance their employability ready for the labour market when they exit the programme after 24 months.

    “These devices are also their work tools as it would aid the discharge of their community functions in their primary places of assignment be it at the Public Schools, Primary Health Centres or the Agriculture Development Farm Settlements.

    “In addition, these devices contain global knowledge content contributed by some of our global partners such as Cisco, Google, Microsoft on ICT, Leadership and Entrepreneurship for their continuous development,’’ he said.

    The Presidential Aide warned volunteers that the employment office had devised means to gather such information and data concerning sold or unutilized devices.

    NAN reports that the federal government took over the remittances of the total cost of the devices to the asset finance partner, besides the N30,000 monthly stipends to no fewer than 200,000 volunteers.