Tech II Nigeria’s Job Seekers And Tech Prospects

Fred Nwaozor The number of job seekers in Nigeria increases astronomically by the day. The intriguing aspect of the unending scenario is that most of these individuals are imbued with tangible tech prowess or potentials that should rather make them job creators. The dangers inherent in joblessness are so conspicuous and frightening in such a way that everyone has become very conscious of its presence, hence invariably make tremendous effort to avert the menace.

In spite of the frantic and tireless steps usually taken by the teeming citizens and successive governments to ensure they aren’t trapped in the pothole cruelly dug by unemployment, they still overtime encounter its ruthless scourge, apparently signifying that their effort isn’t good enough or that something is really wrong somewhere. However, my last visit to one of the West African countries lately made me understand that Nigeria isn’t exceptional while discussing unemployment or that the term is not peculiar to the acclaimed giant of Africa. But, it seems the degree at which it parades its tentacles and elbows in Nigeria is so enormous that the country is ostensibly taking the lead in the comity of nations. This is the sole reason many are deeply concerned and bothered over the anomaly, hence the need for drastic measures towards cushioning the excruciating effects. It’s noteworthy that unemployment is not a personal plight but a general one, thus the essence of a societal approach in a bid to tackling it. This is why countless schools of thought have overtime shown great concern over the lingering nature of the cankerworm as well as aired their views on how best to tackle it. Though unemployment isn’t a convincing excuse to indulge in any crime, hence no discerning mind encourages people to resort to it, it’s worth noting that its scourge remains one of the prime reasons all sorts of criminal activities have escalated in recent times. Another disturbing occurrence that’s apropos of unemployment is the employability status of our present days’ graduates. It’s not anymore news that most of these youths are obviously unemployable, thus posing threat to the labour market and their chances of being meaningfully employed. The plight as stated in the above paragraph is mainly attributable to lack of adequate knowledge as acquired from their respective institutions of learning, or inability of our various undergraduates to stick to the needful while on campus. Taking a painstaking study of all these issues, it’s needless to assert that the ongoing unemployment crisis in Nigeria is not unconnected with dilapidated learning environment cum facilities, decline in the country’s value system, and insufficient employers of labour, among others. Though nepotism is highly condemnable and unacceptable, those who attribute unemployment to it might be making a big mistake because if there are sufficient firms or employment opportunities, such a practice like favouritism or what have you would hardly be detected by anyone. Before now, or in the olden days, Nigerians were gainfully engaged with various works simply because the jobs were readily available and the population was conspicuously far lesser than what we could witness now.

But with the growing lack of sustainability of various government-owned establishments coupled with the astronomical growth of the country’s population, the job spaces abruptly became overwhelmed by the number of people in the labour market. A lot has really gone wrong in the system, but the good news is that, we can once again get it right if the needful is done by the relevant authorities. This can only be actualized by revisiting the drawing board. It would be very wonderful for the government to comprehend that the endless unemployment issues can aptly be addressed by truly comprehending the real value of technology, hence embracing its measures. It’s worthy of note that only technological approach could significantly alleviate all crises that are apropos unemployment. First, we need to revamp the country’s education sector. The current educational system of the Nigerian society has really deteriorated that an urgent, candid and apt measure is required towards its revitalization. We must be ready to train our young ones with a view to becoming self-reliant in their respective abilities. Since the population is growing by the day and the firms aren’t increasing meaningfully, there’s a compelling need to prepare these Nigerians so they could emerge as entrepreneurs or employers of labour rather than seekers. Our various technical colleges, which have apparently gone into moribund, must be revived in earnest to keep the ground running. Those days, graduates of these institutions – even without proceeding to a higher level of learning – could stand on their own as well as comfortably raise wonderful families with their earnings. The governments at all levels ought to endeavour to equip the various tertiary schools in their respective jurisdictions, so that, the graduates can defend themselves in any setting and equally start up something meaningful without ‘giraffing’ for the availability of any form of white-collar job as it is currently the case.

In view of the above, the schools’ authorities must strengthen the value of the ongoing Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), which was primarily set up by the government to aid the technical upbringing of the learners irrespective of their disciplines. Inter alia, the governments need to provide enabling environment to enable all tech-driven talents to thrive as well as ensure that the available patents of the numerous institutions domiciled in their jurisdictions are duly commercialized. Research works in any quarter must also be given a due attention since technology is strictly dependent on research. Conclusively, it would be sacrilegious to beat about the bush while discussing tech-driven matters, because technology is all about facts. Hence, the government needs to acknowledge that the suggested measures can never yield significant and tangible results if we continue to relegate the power supply issue to the background. We must understand that only uninterruptible electricity can encourage entrepreneurship to a great extent as desired by the people. Therefore, this technological factor requires the highest sincere attention. This critique is targeted to express that Nigeria as a people can only aptly address unemployment-related cases if tech measures are duly deployed, hence the need not to shortchange realities. We, as a people, must collectively work to make our teeming young ones job creators, not job seekers, to save Nigeria from imminent collapse. Think about it!

How Great Is Nigeria In Technology?

Fred Nwaozor

A childhood friend of mine – who is incidentally a Nigerian presently residing in Japan – upon his last visit to Nigeria penultimate year, profusely greeted my presence with series of lamentations. The bosom pal, who often goes by the sobriquet ‘Jet’, disclosed to me that he was severely pained over the way and manner the Nigerian society was still wallowing in ignorance and ‘self-deceit’ as regards tech-driven issues. He had been a vocal type right from our secondary school days. According to the returnee, on a sojourn though, it was seriously lamentable for a country that calls herself the Africa’s giant to be discussing how to produce “a mere pencil for four good years”, yet still finds it very difficult to come up with a prototype let alone a market sample.

He said when he was viewing the Science and Technology Minister on the Television while in Tokyo, as he was frantically and enthusiastically selling and boasting about the proposal, he didn’t hesitate to weep for Nigeria. He hastily added, “And now, they are promising production of solar cells, after failed pencil production.” I was hitherto keenly interested in his stories pertaining to the country’s technological move thus far, not until a point where he unequivocally described Nigeria as a “nation with visionless leaders”, hence I abruptly lost attention therein. Permit me to assert that Mr. Jet’s frank description of the country might not be mistaken if we must call a spade, a spade. But owing to my unrelenting patriotic nature, I acted the way I did, which ostensibly didn’t augur well for his stance. Nevertheless, my patriotic features wouldn’t stop me from thinking as a realist afterwards. What else would you expect to hear from a man who has spent a reasonable period in Japan, over eleven years if I’m not mistaken, than to look into the eyes of an average Nigerian and tell him or her that the country isn’t progressing, technology wise?

Come to think of it; we are talking about Japan that ordinarily ought, or deserve, to be rated as the king of tech across the globe. Even someone (returnee) from a nearby Ghana or thereabouts might still be tempted to toe the line of Mr. Jet, because the said West-African nation that initially dependent on Nigeria regarding power supply can currently boast of uninterruptible electricity to a reasonable extent. Yes, there’s absolutely no doubt enthusing that Nigeria is a great country, but how greatly has she thus far fared in the area of technology? This is a candid and succinct question we must genuinely attend to if, as a people, we are truly determined to arrive at a definite destination. If the gospel truth must be told in regard to the above enquiry, anyone who truly understands the situation here would boldly assert that Nigeria is nowhere to be found on the world map whenever tech-driven matters are being discussed. This is the reason the concerned authorities are requested to sit up with a view to addressing the ugly and pathetic circumstance without further ado by facing the realities squarely at all cost, solely in the overall interest of the citizenry. Facing the facts as expected would enable the relevant quarters to henceforth jettison every parameter or iota of temptation that would make the governments at all levels to continue to dwell on retrogressive issues when progressive ones are seriously needed.

For us as a nation to get it right, we are required to commence from the education sector. The area in question is presently bearing a deplorable and pitiable physiognomy, yet virtually no tangible step is being taken towards alleviating the obvious plight of the sector. Nigeria has conspicuously grown of age that, by now, she’s meant to holistically realize that no existing nation becomes great, particularly in the field of technology, without duly embracing education. At her present age, she shouldn’t be reminded of the inevitable impact of education on a country’s quest for development and innovations. Nigeria is unarguably not getting any younger, hence the compelling need for her to hold the bull by the horn in her apparent quest to reach the next level. It’s therefore high time she started doing the needful for the benefit of all. The current administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari, not unlike the past ones, has laid so much emphasis on technology. It ought to be told, without equivocations, that the people are losing patience with regard to the numerous promises of the government in terms of technology. In the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-7) held in Japan between 28th and 31st August, 2019, President Buhari stated, “Our administration has identified important sectors that are key drivers to the diversification of the economy. “These include power, transportation, infrastructure, maritime/ shipping, agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, petrochemicals, food processing and textiles, among others. We consider these sectors as priority areas that will drive our economic agenda.”

Time has really come to start walking the talking. It’s imperative to acknowledge that this lofty agenda as presented in Tokyo cannot be well achieved without prioritizing technology, which depends majorly on researches. It’s indeed a shame that an average university in Nigeria, that’s supposed to be a research-oriented institution, can barely boast of the needed facilities to thrive in the area of creation of patents let alone commercializing them. The country can at the moment hardly boast of functional technical colleges across the federation, yet the leaders keep ‘informing’ the world that they are doing the right things. These colleges used to be viable in the past, and tremendously helped in grooming our young ones in skills acquisition in various fields ranging from automobile, electrical/electronic services, sculpturing, wood work, to painting, and what have you.

It’s noteworthy that on a regular basis, the Nigeria’s budget allocates about merely 9 per cent to the education sector, contrary to the 20% stipulation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). We need to restore the lost glory of the country’s educational system by placing it as a priority. A hub needs to be created by the governments towards enabling the youth to aptly thrive in the area of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), which is gradually dominating the global space, thereby making it look like just a village. ICT – popularly known as IT – has obviously come to stay, thus must be fully embraced by all and sundry.

The fact remains that the required talents as regards technology, or technically-inclined issues, are abound in Nigeria. All the government needs to do is to create an enabling environment to allow the talented ones to wholly develop and sell their patents. The country can’t be technologically great when the needful is being swept under the carpet on a daily basis. The concerned leaders must, therefore, be very courageous in their quest to get it right. Think about it.

On Buhari's Sack Of The Power Minister

Fred Nwaozor

In the not unusual way and procedure of holding a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, it held on Wednesday, 1st September 2021, and was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari. In the said meeting, something very remarkable and unusual happened, and such had never transpired in the history of FEC meetings under the reign of President Buhari. Therein, the number one citizen of the Nigerian State announced the outright sack of the Honourable Minister of Power in the person of Engr. Sale Mamman as well as his counterpart in the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry, Mr. Mohammed Nanono. Consequently, the duo was immediately replaced with Engr. Abubakar Aliyu for Power and Dr. Mohammad Abubakar for Agric. It’s worthy of note that the new bosses were already members of the President’s cabinet, and were previously the Minister of State for Works & Housing, and Environment Minister, respectively. It suffices to say that they were redeployed.

The President, without mincing words, disclosed that the process of reshuffling his cabinet for effective impact shall be continuous, having stated that it was the “tradition of subjecting our projects and programmes implementation to independent and critical self-review through sector reporting during cabinet meetings and at retreats”. He further said the “significant review steps” had helped to identify and strengthen weak areas, close gaps, build cohesion and synergy in governance, manage the economy as well as improve the “delivery of public good to Nigerians”. Though no definite reason was given for the President’s action, speculations had it that the abrupt development might not be unconnected with performance of the duo as ministers. However, the following day during his interview on the Channels Television, the President’s Adviser on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina refuted the claim that the sack of the ministers was linked to poor performance. The media aide said although the President must have had concrete reasons for dropping the duo, there was no place it was stated that their performance was weak, hence asked people to desist from such ill-advised speculations. It’s worth noting that the prime interest and essence of this column has been and remains tech-driven issues, thus my attention to the sack of the country’s power minister, hence this topic. It’s on record that this was the first time the President would sack any serving minister in his government since assumption to office in 2015. This was the reason this very move came as a surprise and shock to his allies, and perhaps the onlookers.

Even when the position of some of the ministers – during the President’s first term – was shrouded in myriad of controversies, and most Nigerians called for their sack without much ado, the boss seemed adamant and apparently gave a deaf ear to the development. It could be recalled that the current cabinet was constituted by the President on 21st August 2019; needless to say that the sack of the ministers came exactly two years after their inauguration. The half-time of any leadership tenure is the most suitable period to x-ray the overall performance and operations of the administration and its appointees with a view to making amends where need be. This is to assert that such action of Mr. President was orderly and acceptable, if it was genuinely done or not politically motivated. But one might wonder why he refused to make such move during his first term, between 2015 and 2019 precisely, not even when several concerns were raised by teeming Nigerians in respect of under-performance, incompetence, misappropriation, corruption, and allied matters. One could recall, I personally told the President on this column and in other fora that there was a compelling need to split the then Power, Works and Housing Ministry headed by Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and a few other well-meaning analysts equally joined in the crusade, yet our collective request wasn’t granted.

I made it clear, as at then, that the power sector deserved to have a separate ministry to be manned by a well-experienced person as minister. The President waited till his second term to do the needful. What if he didn’t succeed in his second-term bid? Notwithstanding, ‘it’s better late than never’. Two years after eventually creating a separate ministry for the power sector, the minister is being presented with a sack letter, and consequently replaced with someone else who probably is believed to possess the required requisite to perform the long-awaited magic in the troubling and dwindling sector. The big question at this juncture, which necessitated this tech-driven topic, is: the actual remedy to the Nigeria’s power sector quagmire, does it lie in the ability of the minister or the extant policies surrounding the said sector? To candidly tender the apt and succinct answer to this enquiry, we may need to revisit the history and facts book. The country’s generation sub-sector comprises about 23 grid-connected generating plants. These plants are in operation round the country with a total installed capacity of 10,396MW, with available capacity of 6,056MW.

The thermal-based generation has an installed capacity of 8,457.6MW, with available capacity of 4,996MW. The hydro-based generation possesses a total installed capacity of barely 1,938.4MW, with available capacity of 1,060MW. It’s noteworthy that the thermal segment has been sold to the private sector, except the Sapele Power Plc – generating about 414MW – that is 51% sold. Similarly, the hydro segment is under long-term concession. In its effort to increase the level of power generation in the country, the Federal Government (FG) in 2004 under the leadership of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, incorporated the Niger-Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) as a public sector funded emergency intervention scheme. The NDPHC was imbued with the mandate to manage the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP), which essentially involved the construction of identified critical infrastructure in the generation, transmission, and distribution as well as the natural gas supply sub-sectors of the electric power value chain. In total, the NIPP power stations were targeted to add about 4,774MW of electricity to the national grid network. Some of these stations have been privatized while plans are underway to sell the remaining ones to interested investors towards increasing private-sector participation in the power sector, thereby improving the ongoing reform programme of the FG. In furtherance of the reform policy direction, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has in the past licensed many private Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Some of the IPPs are reportedly at various stages of project development.

This analysis implies that the generation sub-sector is currently operating under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with almost 97% participation of the private investors. But the transmission segment is completely managed by the FG, whilst the distribution sub-sector is being operated and managed by private investors. It’s imperative to acknowledge that, even if all these generating plants are in good form, or functioning as expected, their total installed capacity will still not generate the needed Megawatts (MW) of electricity across the federation. Recently, by implementing reforms, Nigeria targeted 40,000MW generating capacity by 2020. Going by the estimate, she needed to expend approximately $10bn per annum on the power sector, to achieve the motive. Taking a painstaking cognizance of the abridged survey or review, as presented above, we would understand that the country’s lingering power crisis ought to be blamed on the epileptic policies guiding the sector, not the ability of the minister as being perceived. The fact is that, even if the best brain and most active technocrat is in charge of the Power Ministry, the sector will continue to wail and bleed.

The FG needs to, as a matter of urgency, decentralize the transmission grid, thereby giving room for each region or zone to manage their respective grids. This measure would help to eliminate the unending burden occasioned by theft, criminality, and corruption being experienced by the national grid. Hence, the private sector ought to be allowed to invest in the power transmission. There’s need for a candid legislation in this regard. In the same vein, healthy policies should also be created to encourage generation of electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar. This wouldn’t need to be connected to the national grid, hence the various states can see to its operations and management on a daily basis. The policy should equally create enabling environment to enable our trained technologists or engineers manufacture the needed devices for the generation. More so, formidable policies must be formulated by the FG to discourage the endless rampant importation of conventional household/industrial power generating devices whose operations depend solely on fuel, diesel, or gas, as the case may be. The importers of the equipment won’t live to see a functional power sector in Nigeria, hence the need for a policy or legislation to tame their unwholesome activities in the country. The political will must be worn like clothe to actualize the people’s aim. Hence, we must therefore look inwards towards solving our collective problem, rather than being myopic or shying away from the truth. Think about it!

Checking The Nigeria’s Tech Value

by Fred Nwaozor

It’s worthwhile for one to, from time-to-time, re-examine his or her personality value towards making amends where need be. It equally helps to know the qualities or features to be sustained thereof. Such a step, as mentioned above, isn’t only wholesome for an individual, but also in the case of an entity. It’s, therefore, needless to state that every creature requires the scrutiny. Herein, as the topic implies, we are specifically concerned about the tech value of the acclaimed giant of Africa. In other words, we’re dissecting how far and well she has hitherto fared in tech-driven matters and activities. One might wonder if Nigeria really has technology, let alone its value. The truth is that, the country could currently boast of over ninety tech hubs across the federation, the highest on the African continent. In recent years, Nigeria has ostensibly become an incubator for some of the continent’s biggest start-ups, including online marketplace such as Jumia and Konga; and these digital outlets are unarguably driven by tech expertise. It’s noteworthy that Nigeria reportedly has the largest economy in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of about $448.12 billion compared to its closest rival, South Africa whose present GDP is about $320 billion. However, it’s worthy of note that the real wealth of any nation is calculated by its GDP per capita, and Nigeria ranks 140 out of 186 in GDP per capita global ranking.

Per capita GDP is a financial metric that breaks down a country’s economic value (output) per person, and is calculated by dividing the whole GDP by the country’s overall population. In Economics, it’s widely accepted that technology is the key driver of economic growth of countries, regions or cities. Technological progress allows more efficient production of goods and services, in which prosperity depends on. Technology brings skills, knowledge, process, technique, and tools together, toward solving problems concerning human existence, thereby making their life secure and happy. It’s very pertinent in today’s world, because is driving the global community as well as making it appear better. In fact, it is gradually becoming inevitable in our various homes, offices, and workplaces. The Nigeria’s tech patent has grown to be an envy of all who understands its real content. In terms of human and material attributes, it has over the years remains significant in the global society and market. Take a walk round the world, you would comprehend that, most recent tech inventions and innovations across the globe were mainly as a result of contributions from Nigerians. Similarly, Nigerians remain the reason several countries’ tech sector have grown beyond limits. Ironically, the Nigeria’s tech sector is presently nothing to write home about. As the days unfold, the sector continues to decline in its value, hence taking the country’s name to a state of ridicule. Each day, the governments at all levels come up with empty promises and policies as regards tech-driven activity and innovation. The politicians at the country’s helm of affairs have unequivocally, over the donkey’s years, failed us in this regard. The good news is that, in spite of the lingering hurdles and challenges, the prospects of the country’s tech value remain obviously great, perhaps owing to the fathomless resources lying fallow. It’s worth noting that countless factors are behind the ongoing impediments in the Nigeria’s tech sector. For us to get it right as a people, these barriers continually posing threat must be severely tackled by the concerned authorities at all cost.

A certain tech-driven contract might be awarded by the government, in the long run, we would be greeted with myriad of untold stories attributed to paucity of funds. In such case, it could be either the fund made available for execution of the project had been squandered or that insufficient fund was approved ab initio. The steady economic fluctuation is another glaring factor that cannot be swept under the carpet. This particular plight has left Nigerians tech experts with no choice than to becloud their reasoning with uncertainties and fear of the unknown. More so, those who – amidst the tough times – insisted in putting something together, would not find the apt market to sell their products or patents. This could be as a result of infrastructural decay occasioned by lack of maintenance culture, or the required physical infrastructures have never been in existence from the onset. The cost of running tech firm in Nigeria is too high, to say the least. Poverty has also on its part really posed a great danger to the Nigeria’s tech value. The individuals who have the zeal and ability to invest in their expertise might end up being frustrated, due to lack of capital. This is why the country’s GDP per capita has to be fixed or elevated if she actually wants her tech sector to excel headlong. Nigerians do not trust made-in-Nigeria goods. The mentality of seeing foreign products as superior while branding domestically-made ones inferior, must be tackled. Aside sensitization, apt policies can properly assist in eradicating the social menace, which could best be described as a cankerworm that has eaten deep into our collective bone marrow. The governments must not necessarily invest in technology for their respective tech values to grow. In most countries where technology is seriously thriving, the individuals domiciled therein remain the key players, not the government. But such a phenomenon can never be witnessed if the enabling environment is conspicuously missing. To fix this anomaly, we must be ready and determined to address the quagmire in the political system. The country’s political instability is so intense, and continues to skyrocket by the day, that one cannot possibly say what the nearest future entails for our indigenous tech patent.

The policies are so weak that they can’t even initiate a project, let alone accomplishing it. To get things rightly done, we need to acknowledge that a country’s growth in any sector depends majorly, if not solely, on her extant policies. To be on the same page with me, take a look at any nation that has grown in a certain sector, and then take time to painstakingly x-ray the policies guiding the area in question. Just a research and adequate analysis would make you understand where exactly I’m coming from. Growth is not rocket science; it takes some processes. For such processes or procedures to occur, there must be existing principles. The moment the rules (principles) are thwarted, it marks the beginning of the end of the procedures. There are no two ways about it. Lest I forget, we need to equally take into cognizance that the reason most of the needed policies cannot exist in countries like Nigeria is that, our corrupt political leaders have realized that technology exposes corruption. Read my lips. They are apparently of the view that if tech is deployed in any area, it would certainly expose their corrupt practices. Take for instance, a situation where technology is fully implemented in the country’s electoral system as well as using forensic audit pattern in the finance sector.

The above factors are the reason we ought to clamour for overhaul. The country is in damn need of total overhaul of the system. To achieve this, we need to realize the full benefits of investing in technology. We are not here to reiterate the numerous merits of technology but to point out the goals and lapses in the said sector, in a bid to do the needful. If we spend time to highlight the outpouring merits, three editions of this column might not be sufficient. Artificial intelligence is deeply gaining momentum on a daily basis, signifying it has come to stay. Ease of access to information cannot be overestimated. Ease of mobility is another overwhelming experience. Better communication means and improved banking have, beyond reasonable doubts, made the world to seem not unlike a minute village. Learning has been digitalized, thereby silencing any form of impediment, owing to the presence of technology. Cost efficiency and apt time management are being assured in all tech-driven activities. These are verifiable facts. Countless innovations are springing up by the day in every facet of human endeavour. The ‘disabled’ are now abled, because of tech-driven tools, yet Nigeria and her likes seemingly await more prophets to tell them that technology has come to take the planet to the promised land. Understanding that the presence of adequate tech hub drastically changes the economic outlook of any country involved, is enough reason to place its content ahead of others. Think about it!

Tech II Adamu's Digital Learning Advocacy Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

ADAMU’s DIGITAL LEARNING ADVOCACY AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

By Fred Nwaozor

Digital (virtual) learning is any form of learning that is accompanied by technology or by instructional practice that makes effective use of technology.

It encompasses the application of a wide spectrum of practices including blended and virtual learning. Through the use of mobile technologies, digital learning can be used while travelling and other related activities.

It’s noteworthy that there are a plethora of tools and resources online, many which are free, that can be used to create and enhance a digital learning environment.

Some of the tools being used by the 21st Century digital learning tutors include Google+, YouTube, RSS, iTunesU, cloud-based Word Processors (Google Drive), Evernote, file-sharing platforms (Dropbox), Zotero and digital pocket.

Penultimate week, precisely on 2nd April 2020, unsure of how long the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic that causes pleurisy would linger, the Nigeria’s Minister of Education – Mallam Adamu Adamu – engaged 237 Vice-Chancellors (VCs), Rectors and Provosts of the various higher citadels of learning across the country on a rigorous talk concerning how to reopen their respective institutions using virtual learning.

In the amazing discussion that lasted for hours, which held via a teleconference, the said boss directed all universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to activate virtual (online) learning environment to enable students continue their studies through digital devices.

He however acknowledged the fact that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was still on strike, hence assured the Federal Government (FG) would do its best to resolve the lingering labour crisis.

Mallam Adamu who was physically flanked by the Executive Secretaries of the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) as well as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), among others, further stated that the FG could not afford to shut schools for a long time, thus called for the meeting to ascertain remedies to the challenges posed to the nation’s school calendar by the COVID-19.

The minister who affirmed at the online session that he had tested negative to the COVID-19, said “We cannot be held down by the pandemic. We have to deploy all e-platforms to keep our universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other schools open.

He frowned that the outbreak of the COVID-19 had negatively changed everybody – both individuals and institutions – therefore asked the leadership of the higher citadels of learning to device alternative ways towards ensuring that the education of the young ones would not be truncated.

Mallam Adamu who urged the education leaders to take advantage of technology as it was found in other parts of the world, stating the country could not shut down all schools when it could boast of other means to teach the students, equally disclosed that the government was already collaborating with the World Bank and the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) on how to create platforms for virtual learning classrooms.

Having reiterated determination to end the ongoing impasse between the FG and the ASUU, the minister stated that the private universities that were not on industrial action could immediately commence the virtual learning prior to the anticipated resumption of the public varsities that were still on strike.

On their part, most VCs of the private varsities welcomed the idea, hence expressed readiness to reopen their institutions having claimed they already had top grade virtual (online) learning system. They however pleaded with the FG to amend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Act to enable private citadels benefit from the intervention funds.

Mallam Adamu went further to enjoin the UBEC to work out modalities on how primary school pupils and secondary students could learn by using digital channels such as the radio and television stations. He said the FG would involve the state governments in this regard.

This could be referred to as a clarion call made by the education minister, conscientizing the stakeholders in the education industry to embrace the current realities. He was apparently making effort to let them comprehend that digitalization – or technology at large – cannot be kept in abeyance at such a critical time like this.

It’s really appalling that at this moment when virtually everything is being digitalized across the globe, most Nigerian higher educational institutions are yet to fully key into the language of digitalization let alone granting access to the teeming students. It’s not news that till date, most of these citadels are still finding it difficult to engage their students in e-library platform.

Though face-to-face contact – or physical presence of a tutor – plays a very major role in impaction of knowledge, hence cannot be jettisoned, it’s imperative for these leaders of thoughts to acknowledge that the impact of a tech-driven teaching mode in the contemporary society cannot be overemphasized.

Hence, it’s needless to assert that time has come for our institutions to deploy a new and alternative means of learning in their various jurisdictions in line with the present global realities.

However, come to think of it; one of the prime reasons that informed the recent incessant industrial actions embarked upon by the varsities’ dons was reportedly the continued poor funding of the institutions by the governments at all levels.

The last time I checked, the main reason that resulted in the ongoing strike by the ASUU members remained the compelling need to revitalize the country’s various universities in the area of learning, infrastructure and research.

If the above paragraph holds water, we will then wonder how the minister would expect these institutions to duly embrace digital pattern of learning when they are ostensibly facing paucity of funds in their respective purses. This smacks of deceit.

It’s worthy of note that the Nigeria’s numerous varsities have recently been deprived of their rightful place. The current move by the government to totally denial them their right for autonomy is a tangible proof to this assertion. As if the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy wasn’t enough, the FG still went ahead to involve the varsities in the newly introduced Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) policy after several stakeholders had condemned the action.

The worst of these remains that the latter - as regards the aforementioned policies - is currently causing more harm than good in the sectors that have keyed into it. It suffices to assert that the IPPIS, which is primarily targeted to curtail corruption in the public sector, is rather reportedly constituting more corrupt practices.

For any society to move forward as expected by all, viable and feasible policies must be initiated and duly implemented by the apt authorities, and the existing ones that are perceived to be lofty and wholesome must equally be sustained at all cost.

It's more disheartening when realized that those who invariably embark on the countless industrial actions do so only for the sake of tokenism. It's, therefore, unarguably high time we faced reality squarely and vow to hold the bull by the horn.

As the days unfold, the country continues to witness myriad of brain drain both in the health and education sectors, yet those concerned would still observe the unfortunate incidence with amazing physiognomies.

As much as we eagerly want these citadels to improve or grow in terms of learning content and research quality coupled with patent development and innovations, the needed support must equally be granted without involving any element of pranks. Think about it!


*Comrade Nwaozor*, policy analyst & rights activist,
is the *National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement*
--------------------------------------------
Twitter: @mediambassador
frednwaozor@gmail.com

Tech I As Buhari Returns, Nigeria Seeks Technological Move

By Fred Nwaozor



At the moment, every dick and harry domiciled in Nigeria is apparently well informed concerning how critical the current state of the nation is, especially as regards the political circle.
The Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as amended, boldly stipulates that every elected political leader in the country shall reign in his/her office for a period of four years, upon which fresh elections would be conducted by the electoral umpire to usher in another set of elected leaders.
Since the commencement of the Fourth Republic in 1999 with the emergence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the first democratically-elected President in the said era, the country is witnessing its fifth interregnum today being May 29, 2019, meaning literally that the ongoing republic has graciously clocked twenty.
The fourth interregnum saw the enthronement of Muhammadu Buhari as the fourth democratically-elected President in this era. Consequently, the 5th power transition, as being witnessed today, shall once again usher in the said political leader as the fifth elected president of the country in the 4th republic.
The above paragraph signifies that this interregnum is witnessing the return of the just concluded administration, which is predicated on a change mantra with its prime intention of ending corruption, insecurity and revamping the overall economy.
Nigeria as a country has really gone a long way, both in politics and life generally. Her contemporary democratic system has equally covered a tremendous distance thus far having transcended to the point of witnessing five different interregnums.
Nigeria truly deserves some tangible accolades having proceeded this far and been able to sustain a system of government that’s much and widely celebrated across the global community. She has indeed done novel in the eyes of the discerning onlookers.
But how prepared and keen are the teeming Nigerians to continue enjoying this democracy? This is a question every concerned mind would like to ask. One may equally ask; is democracy actually enjoyable?
The candid answer to the latter is Yes. Democracy is arguably enjoyable in all ramifications, because its elements are unequalled compared to other systems of government. It has been popularly opined in various climes and schools of thought that the worst democracy is better than the best autocracy, among others.
Aside the key rudimentary features, such as freedom of speech and what have you, that make a democratic pattern very unique, it’s the only system that imbues the people with the power to enthrone and recall any elected officer, as the case may be.
Beside all these beauties, the greatest of all lies in governance. Democracy ably allocates power to the people to decide the type of governance to be instituted in their respective lands. It suffices to assert that institution of good or bad governance mainly depends on the people.
The aforementioned facts indicate that the people possess the power to repulse any despotic government as it pleases them. Several occurrences, both in the past and present, have showcased that the beauty of democracy is unparalleled and unquantifiable.
However, the citizenry cannot smoothly sustain democracy by talking down on their leaders. As much as we perceive unfair or uncalled leadership, it’s as well pertinent to acknowledge that a redress cannot be actualized by tendering destructive criticism or other related reactions.
As Nigeria witnesses yet another interregnum that’s returning President Buhari for a second term in office, every facet – to include the government, the governed and the onlookers – is expected to keenly and painstakingly embrace a rethink in all their doings towards meaningfully contributing their respective quotas in the days ahead.
The best thing that would happen to any leader is to be widely celebrated while in office and having left the arena. It’s worth noting that no leader can receive such manner of encomium from the followers if he fails to lead sincerely and passionately.
Leadership pays only when the leader extract any element of prank from his day-to-day leadership stride. So, if a certain leader truly wants to be loved by the people, he must endeavour to unconditionally carry everyone along in his scheme of work.
On the other hand, followership equally pays only when the follower extract any form of partisanship in his/her daily doings. It takes the candid efforts of both the leaders and the followers to bring the anticipated good governance.
On their part, the onlookers who may not be citizens of the country or society are also expected to remain rational and impartial at all times. As they make effort to contribute their quota, they mustn’t come up with anything targeted to disrupt the existing peace or that would bring disunity among the entire citizens/residents.
As Buhari continues in his leadership of change, I urge him to strictly focus on national issues or matters that would critically help to strengthen national unity. He ought to be able to eject sycophants or bad bloods from his team in its entirety.
Similarly, the president must equip his caucus with good number of eligible technocrats – who must be truly Nigerians – to enable him aptly pilot the craft to the desired destination. He should therefore endeavour to consolidate on his good works during the first dispensation and be willing to jettison the ones reckoned to be bad.
For Nigeria to get and remain better, we all must be ready to tell ourselves nothing but the truth. So, as I candidly congratulate Mr. President for this golden moment, I enjoin His Excellency to take into cognizance that Nigerians are earnestly in need of nothing less than gold.
In view of this, he shouldn’t be reminded that this is the time to face the reality squarely. Reality must, therefore, be faced with all manners of seriousness and attention irrespective of the level of challenges to be encountered in the process.
As Buhari returns, Nigeria seeks technological-based issues, especially matters bordering on manufacturing and communication industries, the agricultural, mining and refinery sectors as well as taxation and the civil service at large.
The tech-driven issues related to these areas must be given a key and urgent attention with a view to intensifying the diversification mantra of the last dispensation.
Yes, a lot has already been put in place to boost the manufacturing wing, but it’s imperative to acknowledge that until the dwindling power sector is aptly addressed, we’ll never arrive at the desired point.
In the same vein, the agric sector has obviously witnessed a good and convincing attention by the Buhari-led administration. Moreover, it’s high time the country fully embraced mechanization of agricultural production and processing, particularly by the commercial farmers. Hence, the government should endeavour to subsidize the required machineries.
It’s equally time we started deploying thorough forensic measure in addressing various ongoing taxation crises. Issues regarding multiple taxation can be duly checked by the concerned authorities via forensic approach. Governments at all levels are expected to follow suit towards boosting their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base.
Technological measure is also needed in the country’s civil service in fighting unending existing syndromes such as ghost-workers, age falsification or in-service rebranding of ages and other related pranks continually played by most Nigerian public servants.
Time has really come for us to get it right as a people, technological wise, hence this second missionary journey of Buhari ought to comprehend what Nigeria actually seeks at this critical moment.
We, especially our leaders, must understand that countries like China and others are fast becoming the world power simply because each of them duly embraced the language of technology. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, Policy Analyst, Rights Activist &
Tech Exert writes via frednwaozor@gmail.com

Tech I Impact Of Telecommunication On Nigerian Society

By Fred Nwaozor



May 17 each year, the global community commemorates the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). This implies that the 2019 edition of the remarkable event was celebrated penultimate week.
In November 2006, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) during its plenipotentiary conference held in Antalya, Turkey resolved to celebrate both the World Telecommunication Day and World Information Society Day collectively on a day instead of celebrating them separately or individually as they were initially commemorated.
In respect of the above resolution, the organization called on the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to declare May 17 of every year as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. The day was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the ITU.
The annual World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is aimed at raising awareness on the possibilities that the use of the Internet/cyberspace and other Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can yield powerful societies and economies, and also help to bridge the digital divide.
Telecommunication can be defined as the science and activity of sending signals and messages over a long distance by the use of electronic or electrical equipment such as radio, television, telegraph, telephone, computer, cable, and satellite. The term is often used in its plural form – telecommunications, because it involves many different technologies.
Telecommunication – otherwise known as telecom – occurs when the exchange of information between two entities or individuals includes the use of technology. Communication technology uses channels to transmit information as electrical signals, either over a physical medium such as signal cables, or in the form of electromagnetic waves.
It’s worthy of note that ancient means of communicating over a distance included visual signals namely, beacons, smoke signals, semaphore telegraphs, signal flags and optical heliographs.
A revolution in wireless communication began in the first decade of the 20th century with the pioneering developments in radio communications by Guglielmo Marconi who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909.
Other highly notable pioneering inventors and developers in the field of electrical and electronic telecommunications include Charles Wheatstone, Samuel Morse, Alexander Graham Bell, Edwin Armstrong, Lee de Forest, John Logie Baird and Philo Farnsworth.
Telecommunication, which is one of the major factors that constitute an information society, has obviously contributed immensely towards nation-building. Indeed, the impact of telecommunications on the social, economic and political development of any country in existence cannot be overemphasized.
Telecommunication has helped vastly in so many areas of human endeavour including information dissemination, easy access to news reportage, education, politics, creation of awareness, advertisement, entertainment, as well as job creation and career cum entrepreneurship development.
The availability of telecommunication has enabled people the world over irrespective of age or status to easily access information even in their bedroom. The stated fact is obvious and indisputable.
The recent introduction of the social media, which can be assess via Smartphones and other related gadgets, has succeeded in boosting several personal cum business activities which were formally done on a low pace with the use of the old telecommunication systems such as television and radio, et cetera.
The provision of the visual satellite dishes has also assisted people from all walks of life to greatly appreciate the use of the television, either domestically or industrially, as a result of its ability to simultaneously assess every facet of the globe at all times.
To say the least, the transmission or dissemination of visual signals with the aid of the television alongside newspapers has helped profoundly in marketing of goods and services. This has been enthused by many schools of thought.
The impact of telecommunication on education has become so enormous that it cannot be expressed on a mere sheet of paper. Of course, the functionality of the various distant learning programmes situated all over, which are increasing on a daily basis, wouldn’t have been possible without the telecommunication system such as the internet.
More so, the series of educative programmes, soap operas, and what have you, being televised by the various television stations across the country and beyond can equally be included as one of the avenues that have encouraged distant learning.
As regards politics, the telecom has recently proven to the citizenry that they can as well observe any electoral activity such as voting and counting of election results from their respective homes without stepping out of their respective premises.
The 2014 Presidential primary election conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) prior to the 2015 general elections, which was observed by every concerned Nigerian both home and abroad, was a good example of the said practice. Such a step has helped to improve transparency during elections, thereby avoiding occurrence of various possible electoral malpractices and crises.
On a similar note, the inevitable and essential role of the telecommunication was equally felt in the just concluded general elections across the federation. During each of the events, concerned Nigerians were able to painstakingly observe at the comfort of their homes or wherever.
It’s not anymore news that millions of the citizens are currently employed by several telecom companies operating in the country. Statistics show that over twenty percent (20%) of Nigerians are presently engaged with various telecom firms.
It suffices to assert that the telecom industry is, at the moment, one of the major employers of labour in the Nigerian society, likewise other countries across the globe. The facts are conspicuous and verifiable.
Though telecommunication technologies play a very vital role in the information society and socio-economic development of any nation, it’s noteworthy that there are several anomalies needed to be addressed in the sector.
A situation whereby uncensored films, pictures, music or what have you are disseminated either via the television or the social media is totally unwholesome to the state of any nation, thus ought to be looked into severely by the apt authorities in the Nigerian society such as the Nigerian Communications Communication (NCC) and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The legislative bodies are equally not left out in putting up formidable laws that would tactically assist in checking the aforementioned societal menace. The implementation of such proposed bills, if eventually passed into law, should severely be handled by the executive arm.
As the world commemorate the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, the governments at all levels in collaboration with the various concerned agencies ought to prepare a stiff measure that would address the various ongoing questionable acts taking place in the said sector including propaganda, fraud, and all forms of immorality. This, no doubt, would go a long way towards sustaining sanity in the system.
On the other hand, this is also a moment to remind all the broadcasting stations within the shores of the country coupled with the NCC and Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) that the proposed switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting, in line with the ITU earlier directive, ought to be treated as sacrosanct hence shouldn’t be lingered any longer. In view of this, the awaited practice ought to be seen as long overdue.
For Nigeria as a country to truly grow in the area of telecommunication and allied matters, all relevant bodies must be up and doing as well as strictly stick to the rules as they variously carry out their statutory obligations.
Telecommunication has undoubtedly assisted tremendously in boosting business prospect and awareness mechanism of every existing locality or entity, but it’s worth noting that a sound and healthy informed society can only be achieved if its telecommunication system is duly regulated by the apt stakeholders.
Aside regulation, the persons and corporate bodies making use of the telecom shouldn’t be told or reminded that whatever that’s worth doing is worth doing well. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, Policy Analyst, Rights Activist &
Tech Expert, writes via frednwaozor@gmail.com

Tech I Setting Tech-Driven Agenda For Ihedioha/Ironna

By Fred Nwaozor




It’s unarguably only a dummy in Imo State that’s yet to realize the current political status of the Imo-born politician who bears Chief Emeka Ihedioha.

So, if you aren’t duly informed, let me swiftly notify you and your likes that the bearer of the above name is the leader of the impending government in the Eastern Heartland. It’s therefore needless to say that he’s the next Executive Governor of the ancient state.

His victory at the just concluded polls was rightly and publicly confirmed by the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Imo guber election, Prof. Francis Otunta who returned him elected having polled a total of 273,404 votes under the auspices of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to defeat his closest contender, Uche Nwosu who garnered a total of 190, 364 votes.

Since after the election coupled with the declaration, the victor’s name has from the outset dominated or been rigorously making waves in the banner headlines of various dailies, perhaps owing to the uncommon intrigues and intricacies that ensued before, during and after the poll.

Two weeks back, Chief Ihedioha – who is the immediate past Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives – graciously inaugurated a 139-man Technical Transition Committee at Owerri, the Imo capital territory.

The high-profile committee led by a past Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Ernest Ebi was charged to deliver a comprehensive advisory report after six weeks of its constitution. It’s noteworthy that aside the transition committee, an Inauguration Planning and Handover Committee led by a past Secretary to the State Government, Chief Chris Okewulonu – that would ensure a successful swearing-in ceremony come May 29, 2019 – has equally been constituted.

Anyone who truly thinks well of Imo is surely expected to render a service or advice that would critically enable the established committee that comprises mainly well-celebrated technocrats and academics – such as Dr. Kema Chikwe, Prof. Jude Njoku, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Dr. Chris Asoluka, Mr. Ndi Onyeuke, Engr. Chinedu Okparaeke and Dr. Linus Okorie – to come up with the required parameters and recipes.

It’s equally worth noting that the about 200-man inauguration committee equally consist of notable technocrats and highly celebrated leaders such as the likes of Dr. Douglas Acholonu, Chief Achike Udenwa, Engr. Ebere Udeagu, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, a freedom fighter and erstwhile legislator Chief Uche Onyeaguocha and the General Manager of Radio Nigeria Owerri Mr. Basil Uzoma, among others.

The seasoned technocrat Chief Ihedioha, who’s equally meant to be deputized by a technocrat and a former federal lawmaker Engr. Gerald Ironna, is currently in need of well-meaning Imolites towards attaining successes, not sycophants whose presence wouldn’t hesitate in ruining the impending administration on arrival.

The erstwhile presiding officer of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly whose victory cannot be concluded without mentioning the incumbent Deputy Governor of Imo, Prince Eze Madumere, is at the moment conspicuously in need of tech-driven agenda that would enable him tactically steer the affairs of the state when he’s eventually enthroned as its sixth democratically elected governor.

First and foremost, the incoming governor needs to wholly review the education sector in the state toward making holistic amends where need be. It’s not anymore news that technical colleges – not only in Imo but Nigeria at large – have ostensibly gone into moribund unannounced.

These aforementioned institutions of learning, which remain veritable tools in any society that truly adores technology or technically-oriented development, must be revisited in earnest with a view to resuscitating them aptly and timely for the good of all concerned.

Similarly, the state-owned tertiary citadels of learning shouldn’t be left out. Each of these establishments is equally in drastic need of the government’s attention. Hence, the Ihedioha-led upcoming administration is expected to candidly look into any existing lapses towards addressing them, especially in the area of science and technology.

Time has really and obviously arrived for us to focus on or pay greater attention to technical education, which invariably leads to massive entrepreneurship, thereby yielding outpouring enterprises as expected within the shores of the benefitting province.

The health wing is another sector that remains inevitable. It’s on this premise I urge the awaited government not to take this area for granted. The ongoing construction of ‘general hospitals’ in each of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state ought to be discontinued headlong, knowing full well that such a white-elephant project is just a waste of our common resources.

In view of the above criticism, I enjoin the impending administration to consider reviving the already existing general hospitals and primary health centres within the shores of the state. If they succeeded in uplifting a particular general hospital in at least each senatorial district in the Eastern Heartland to a world-class standard, even people from the neighbouring states would be regularly trouping into Imo to patronize her health services.

It’s only a visitor in Imo that’s yet to realize that public water supply, which used to be a thing of pride in the state – particularly within the capital territory, has abruptly gone into extinction. This kind of utility, that is undoubtedly required by all and sundry, needs to be brought back for the citizenry’s consumption. It’s a shame and appalling that an ancient state like Imo cannot currently boast of potable water supply to the general public, anywhere across the Eastern Heartland.

Hence, I urge Chief Ihedioha to, on assumption of office, not hesitate in setting up a viable and reliable team comprising well-experienced technocrats or tech experts that would look inwards toward resuscitating such utility supply without much ado.

In the same vein, even though power supply is a national issue, the state government also has a very vital role to play in ensuring public supply of electricity within the state – particularly in the area of transmission and distribution.

On the above tech fact, the abandoned Power Plant situated in Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema LGA during the reign of Dr. Sam Mbakwe must be revisited with a view to reawakening its functionality. The proposed revival of this very monumental project equally requires inauguration of a well tested and trusted tech-driven team.

The incoming government ought to as well look inwards to ensure that transformers and other related gadgets are in earnest provided for all the communities domiciled in the state that are presently deprived of such devices. It’s devastating to acknowledge that, at this 21st century, most localities in the state are yet to be electrified let alone boasting of relatively steady power supply.

On agriculture, rigorous strides are seriously needed towards doing the needful. It’s high time we fully embraced modern/mechanized system of commercial farming to the fullness, rather than continually dwelling on crude pattern. The real farmers need to be thoroughly discovered with a view to encouraging them by issuance of low-interest loans, subsidization of the prices of agricultural machinery, and what have you.

The government should also be ready to own and manage farms in various facets of the state. There’s equally need for the state to henceforth boast of rice farms and mills considering that most other states have already keyed into rice production.

Inter alia, I mustn’t round off this analysis without mentioning road construction. A permanent tech-driven team that would perpetually see to the regular construction and maintenance of the various roads within the state needs to be set up. Branches of this proposed team ought to be physically present in each of the 27 LGAs domiciled in the state.

Conclusively, the impending Ihedioha-led administration should be candidly willing and prepared to restore all the economically-oriented firms established by the Dr. Mbakwe-led government that have conspicuously faded into oblivion owing to neglect accorded to them by subsequent governments.

We can’t sincerely overlook the fact that Imo in its entirety is deeply yearning for a serious-minded tech-driven approach towards restoring and rebuilding it, hence the compelling need for Chief Ihedioha alongside Engr. Ironna not to embrace frivolities to the detriment of priorities.

It’s highly understandable – to even a dummy – that by setting up these indisputable high-profile committees, the well-celebrated duo whom have been licensed to govern Imo commencing from the next interregnum till four years time really comprehend that “he who fails to plan has already planned to fail”. Hence, they have started well.

However, as Imolites celebrate the members of the two reputable committees, they ought not to be reminded that they’re expected to concentrate only on the needful as they carry out their respective statutory obligations. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, TheMediaAmbassador, is the
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador

Tech I On Criminalizing Estimated Electric Billing

By Fred Nwaozor




If you are a resident or citizen of Nigeria but yet to realize that blackout has overtime been synonymous with the country, then probably you have been outside minded.
There’s no day passed, you wouldn’t find a certain group in a given arena deeply discussing the excruciating effects of epileptic power supply endlessly faced by the teeming Nigerians in all corners of the country.
The acclaimed giant of Africa has thus far, to assert the least, suffered an untold hardship in the hands of electricity, yet no one can currently foresee when the affected populace would start singing a new song as regards the public utility in question.
It sounds not unlike a paradox, but it’s real, that a country that has continually generated electricity for some of her neighbouring ones cannot presently boast of uninterruptible power supply. This is the sole reason many concerned individuals cum entities are sensing something fishy regarding the ordeal.
The unfortunate situation being discussed can’t be aptly and wholly x-rayed without mentioning some key stakeholders that are involved in the day-to-day management and sustenance of the limited resources.
The three prime segments of electricity supply, which include generation, transmission and distribution, have severally been analyzed on this column. It’s noteworthy that ‘billing’ as inscribed on the topic, is not unrelated to the distribution section.
The above background signifies that only Distribution Companies (DisCos) are statutory charged with the responsibility to provide as well as issue electric bills to the electricity consumers within their respective jurisdictions.
It’s equally worth noting that billing system could acceptably be of two major forms namely, the prepaid billing and the postpaid billing. A prepaid item or service is paid for in advance, whilst a postpaid one is paid after the item/service has been purchased or rendered, as might be the case.
In Nigeria, over the years till date, electricity consumers have been used to the postpaid billing system whereby the bills of the services rendered or energy consumed are issued to them at the end of every month via the aid of the electric meter installed in each of their households, or business premises, by the concerned authority.
Through this methodology, the stipulated bill of the exact utility consumed is being provided for the consumer by the relevant distribution firm. It’s needless to enthuse that by the aid of the electronic device (meter) mentioned above, the apt bill would be worked out at the end of each month.
This has been the case even prior to the emergence of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) that was formerly in charge of electricity distribution within the shores of Nigeria. The pattern was rightly inherited by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) till it was sent packing by the Federal Government (FG) under the watch of the immediate past administration led by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to pave way for the private investors.
The practice continued unabated not until lately when the FG instructed the DisCos, whose services are currently ‘enjoyed’ in the distribution section, to provide and issue prepaid meters to the electricity consumers across the federation towards implementing the ‘Pay as you go’ policy presently witnessed in the telecommunication sector.
This recent directive has apparently fell on deaf ears as it could be fully observed that only a few entities, not even individuals, could at the moment boast of the prepaid meters. Taking note of this derailment, a worried mind domiciled in the country may then want to know what the way forward entails.
It’s imperative to acknowledge that prepaid pattern of billing enables a consumer to pay for only the amount/quantity of electricity he intends to use within a stipulated period by purchasing and consequently slotting a prepaid card into the installed prepaid meter. This method, therefore, is widely adjudged to be very accurate, concise and devoid of any form of imposition or pranks.
Aside its merit to the consumers, the prepaid billing pattern is equally noted to be of high advantage to the DisCos as it’s meant to be labour effective. The measure would drastically reduce the degree of stress currently experienced by their employees as it’s foreseen that they wouldn’t anymore need to go from house to house towards penalizing defaulters as regards bills’ payment.
Survey rightly indicates that over 97% of Nigerians are still facing the postpaid pattern of billing, perhaps owing to the inability of the DisCos to do the needful or pay heed to the directive of the government.
It’s appalling to realize that these consumers aren’t only faced with postpaid electric bills but estimated ones, whereby the DisCos do the billing without the aid of any meter. So, as the citizens decry the high level of blackout being experienced in the country, the random method of billing adds more salt to the injury already incurred.
This unspeakable condition could be what occasioned the Bill to Criminalize Estimated Electric Bills recently passed by the Green Chamber of the National Assembly (NASS). The document, which is targeted to amend the Electric Power Reform Act, is meant to prohibit and criminalize the ongoing estimated billing of consumers.
The bill sponsored by the House Majority Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, graciously scaled through third reading at the Lower Chamber. It is in protest against the ‘crazy bills’ invariably issued by DisCos to their teeming subscribers and will hopefully put to an outright end any kind of estimated billing system when eventually passed into law.
The House Committee in charge of energy consumption reported on the bill, following a public hearing held on it precisely on June 5, 2018. The report was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers present at the plenary via voice votes, hence the document was approved overwhelmingly.
The bill, which will ensure that prepaid meters are installed in all houses and what have you upon the request of the consumers, has reportedly been transmitted to the Upper Chamber (Senate) for concurrence. If the Red Chamber passes the bill, it would be subsequently transmitted to the Presidency for assent as required by the Constitution.
Mr. Gbajabiamila had, at the public hearing, strongly opined that any regulation that allows estimation of bills when the actual consumption rate could easily be ascertained “is against natural justice and equity and should not stand”.
It’s imperative to comprehend that there is nowhere across the global community where consumers of electricity, or any form of energy, are billed arbitrarily as it is the case in the country. This is to say that Nigeria is obviously operating in isolation in terms of electricity billing.
We must take into cognizance that in postpaid billing system, estimated billing can only be employed in situations where the installed meter of the consumer cannot be accessed by the service provider, perhaps due to technical hitch or whatever.
But around Nigeria, the concerned authorities can barely provide the consumers with the required meters let alone installing them. This implies that DisCos have, however, deemed estimated billing to be normal and acceptable; a belief that is highly condemnable by any right thinking individual.
The operators of this unacceptable not unusual tradition being harboured in the country, unequivocally deserve to be holistically prosecuted for a criminal act, hence the compelling need for the aforementioned bill to be hastily passed by the senators headlong.
As we keep our fingers crossed, it’s ideal to remind all relevant authorities that this lingering norm is anti-human, therefore shouldn’t be allowed to continue showcasing its inhuman muscles. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, a Policy Analyst, Rights Activist & Tech Expert,
is the National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

Tech I CBN's Move On Moribund Textile Industry

By Fred Nwaozor

In a few decades ago, Nigeria as a nation could boldly and proudly boast of a globally-recognized textile industry, which was then conspicuously the pride of the citizenry economic wise.
The Nigeria’s textile industry, which was the third largest on the African continent – following Egypt and South Africa, used to employ over 350,000 individuals when all the textile mills were functional.
The aforementioned figure as regards workforce was about 25% of the overall workers in the Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. It was of an indisputable note that the said industry was then the second highest employer of labour, following the country’s civil service.
Between 1985-1991, record has it that the sector had an annual growth rate of 67%. Survey showed that the number of mills in operation as at then was about 180 and they were all reportedly doing very well, especially the Kaduna Textile Limited (KTL) and Nigerian Textile Mills (NTM) in Lagos, which were the oldest having been established as at 1957.
It’s therefore needless to assert that the now comatose textile industry was one of the booming subsectors of the nation’s economy during the post-independent era. The current pathetic state of the industry could not be unrelated to the level of neglect experienced by it in recent times owing to the overwhelming dependence on oil revenue.
The obvious decline in, or depreciating effect of, the textile industry could be aptly traced to influx of cheaper textile fabrics from China and India, among others, sold at prices the local mills can’t compete with. This ugly trend has resulted in a drastic downfall of the industry.
It would be recalled that in 2010, the Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government (FG) placed ban on importation of textile fabrics. This approach – like other restrictive trade policies as at then – failed to yield the needed result.
Rather than bringing relieve in the industry as expected, the above measure regrettably ended up making the ‘smuggling industry’ to grow more wings. This unfortunate resultant effect made it possible for continued influx of textile materials into the country. It’s noteworthy that at the moment these materials have virtually zero revenue for the government’s coffer.
In a bid to alleviate the excruciating effects of the present realities, in early March 2019, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) led by Mr. Godwin Emefiele made a frantic move on the moribund textile industry by adding textile materials to the list of the currently restricted items regarding foreign exchange (forex).
It would be recalled that 41 items were initially on the list, not until late last year – precisely December 10 – when the apex bank announced to the public that it had yielded to recommendations to add fertilizer to the existing list, and the item was consequently added making the total number as at then to be 42.
This implies that by subsequently including textile materials to the list, the items barred from direct access to forex have presently been increased to 43, and we have equally been reliably informed that the items would soon be up to 50.
Mr. Emefiele who disclosed this latest development penultimate month while in a meeting with the textile industry stakeholders, informed that the restriction would awaken the sleepy industry and ensure that the required growth was actualized.
The CBN’s boss, however, disclosed that – as part of the apex bank’s intervention for the industry – it would currently support the importation of cotton lint for use in textile factories with a view that the concerned importers shall start sourcing all the needed cottons locally, commencing from 2020.
He further stated that as part of the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the bank would also assist local growers of cotton towards enabling them meet the entire need of the textile industry domiciled in the Nigerian State. Additionally, he notified that the Mother bank would support the Nigeria’s cotton farmers to source high yield cotton seedlings with a view to meeting global benchmarks.
It’s worthy of note that the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), alongside the Senior Staff Association of Textile (SSAT), has applauded the Emefiele-led CBN over its restriction of forex to textile importers, saying it would go a long way in rejuvenating the moribund industry.
In a related reaction, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has however cautioned the FG over the strong move. In his statement, the Director-General of the body Mr. Musa Yusuf opined that there was need for a strategic approach before such policy pronouncement is made.
Mr. Yusuf argued that given the position of Nigeria in Africa as a leader in fashion, the range of fabrics being produced by the Nigerian textile industry could not favourably support the industry in terms of the quantity and quality required by the consumers. He therefore urged the government to reconsider the CBN’s ‘harsh’ move.
In his swift response to the argument, Mr. Emefiele clarified that the recent measures as announced by the apex bank were targeted to revive the Cotton, Garment and Textile sector. According to the boss, “the measures were well thought out to reposition the sector for job creation and economic growth”.
To assert the least, the recent inclusion of the textile materials into the list of restricted items regarding forex couldn’t have come at a better time than now when the textile industry is almost going into extinction and the FG is intensifying its diversification mantra.
It suffices to enthuse that the frantic move is, without equivocation, a welcome development and a round peg in a round hole. I’m even of the candid view that the austerity measure ought to have been implemented long before now. If it were initiated earlier prior to this time, we probably may at the moment be witnessing a slight or colossal improvement in the affected subsector.
Nevertheless, it would be imperative to appraise a few facts that are likely to serve as barrier in regard to the anticipated progress of the policy in question. Taking into cognizance the about-to-be discussed parameters would enable the concerned authorities to aptly and timely arrive at the desired destination.
Knowing full well that epileptic power supply has hitherto been an overwhelming plight in the manufacturing sector at large, it’s preposterous to remind the FG that efforts need to be thoroughly intensified towards boosting the said source of energy. This will help tremendously to encourage the prospective cotton millers.
Similarly, towards encouraging the cotton growers, the farmers ought to be made to easily assess funds or low-interest loans to enable each of them purchase the needed machinery. It’s not anymore news that the continual deployment of crude pattern of cultivation and harvest has overtime bedevilled the Nigeria’s agricultural sector in general.
In the same vein, the governments at all levels should equally assist in providing adequate irrigation system for the farmers domiciled in their respective jurisdictions. The enabling environment must holistically be provided by the governments for business to strive.
Inter alia, acknowledging that policies of this kind are often, in the long run, frustrated by the forex black markets littered all over the country as well as importation smugglers, the FG must seriously implement measures to tactically checkmate these markets and our various borders, respectively.
The CBN’s move to resuscitate the Nigeria’s moribund textile industry is unequivocally a lofty one, but the relevant authorities mustn’t hesitate to do the needful towards making the policy yield a concrete result in the nearest future. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, the National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement writes via
frednwaozor@gmail.com

Tech I The Collapsed Buildings In Lagos, Ibadan

By Fred Nwaozor

On 13th March 2019, Nigerians were shocked to their bone marrow when they were notified that a certain 3-storey building situated on the Victoria Island of Lagos State abruptly collapsed, thereby claiming about twenty lives and inflicting different degrees of injury on countless others.
It was consequently reported that the third floor of the collapsed structure was being occupied by primary school pupils who were already unfortunately present for their usual studies prior to the bad omen.
As if that wasn’t enough, barely forty eight hours after the ugly and unspeakable incident, it was learnt that another 3-storey building in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital equally collapsed unannounced, injuring a lot of Nigerians, though no life was reportedly lost.
Building collapse has conspicuously been a thing of tremendous worry and a recurring decimal in the contemporary Nigerian society over the last decade, that, only drastic attention is required towards addressing the societal menace.
The aberration, which has claimed hundreds of innocent souls, maimed thousands as well as rendered scores of families homeless, has caused a colossal harm to not just the engineering-technology sector but Nigeria at large. In some quarters, it has made most residents to now sleep with one eye open on a daily basis.
Statistics indicate that within the aforementioned period, countless buildings situated across Nigeria have collapsed unceremoniously as if a structure can be brought to the ground at any time by mere freeze or thunder storm.
In March 2006, the top nine floors of a 21-storey building belonging to the Bank of Industry, located on the famous Broad Street – still on the Lagos Island – caved in, killing two and injuring twenty-three others.
In August 2010, a 4-storey uncompleted building at Ikoli Street in Garki, Abuja brings the Federal Capital Territory’s name into the list, thus claimed not fewer than twenty-one lives and endangered nine.
Survey reveals that between 2012 and 2016 alone, Nigeria recorded about fifty-four building collapse. Though the unfortunate situation is not peculiar to the country, its recent alarming rate calls for an apt and urgent attention.
First, we need to comprehend the rudimentary factors that invariably constitute the quagmire. Building collapse is mainly attributed to substandard products, quackery, mediocrity, cheating, and/or soil texture cum topography, coupled with other environmental factors, as the case may be.
The dangers inherent in the use of substandard building materials cannot be overemphasized. These materials such as brick blocks, cement, sand, and rods, are not in any way meant to be used in constructing mere boys’ quarters let alone deploying their services in storey building constructions.
Regarding blocks, it’s either the cements used in the moulding weren’t good enough, or that the sand utilized was nothing to write home about. There are specified sands meant for moulding but most block industries don’t bother going for them, probably owing to the cost of conveying it to the moulding site.
Since people, especially those residing in cities are often in a hurry, they are invariably left with no option than to patronize such block firms as stipulated above, hence posing danger for the proposed structure.
Quackery and mediocrity cannot be left out. It’s worth noting, perhaps shocking, that most of those who claim to be structural engineers, architects, or what have you, never attended any engineering or architectural class even for a day let alone becoming professionals. These amateurs go about causing avoidable harm to their respective jurisdictions.
They are just mere quacks parading themselves as chartered technologists. Pathetically, some of them who had the privilege to pass through a higher institution didn’t obtain the required training or expertise, thereby constituting structural defects when contracted to handle a certain building project.
A sound and qualified contractor is expected to thoroughly inspect the site for the proposed building, adequately advise the prospective landlord, tactically implement the project, complete it within a stipulated period, as well as know what to do while converting a mere bungalow to a storey building. When any of these professional functions is missing, it becomes a burden to the affected building when purportedly completed.
Away from substandard products and quackery, soil texture or topography, as might be the case, has equally been a thing of great concern while discussing building collapse. Houses are usually built on swampy sites in reverie areas like Lagos and Port-Harcourt without carrying out the required preliminary design, thus leading to collapse in the nearest future.
The aforementioned type of land is not strong. They are sandy or loose, but contractors build on them using templates that are meant for better compacted lands. Sometimes the contractor would know what to do but rather than doing the needful, would be only interested in his money or what he stands to gain as long as the contract lasts. This aspect of cheating or insincerity is currently on the rampage in the present days’ Nigeria.
Similarly, an architect is expected to thoroughly ascertain the nature of the land where the proposed building is to be sited before putting up the required design. The kind of structure to be erected on a certain site is directly dependent on the type of soil or land topography. It’s even more appalling to realize that most of these structures are erected without a building plan.
There must be a plan before a proposed house or building is eventually built. And an eligible civil engineer is needed to inspect the design or building plan before it would be implemented by the site contractor who should be a builder or structural engineer. These professionals are meant to work hand-in-hand towards erecting a formidable structure.
The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) must take a drastic and severe step toward ensuring that substandard materials are no longer smuggled into the country as it has reportedly been the case in recent times. Hence, our various borders need to be holistically strengthened headlong. The SON ought to also properly regulate the locally made ones.
On the other hand, relevant professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), ought to respectively employ a stiff measure towards addressing the crisis.
When any building is under construction, they should in their, individual or collective, capacity endeavour to ascertain the contractor handling the project to ensure his credibility as well as inspect the site and plan being utilized.
And, if a building eventually falls, they must ascertain the root causes of the collapse and not hesitate to issue the apt sanction to the affected contractor if found guilty. They should equally go beyond sanctioning; any culpable individual ought to be arraigned without any fear or favour, so that, he will face the wrath of the law.
Inter alia, the authorities on physical planning or development control situated in the various states across the federation must be very proactive and professional in their respective dealings with prospective landlords and developers.
It has overtime been reported in various quarters that most of these government agencies often times pay attention to frivolities to the detriment of priorities. The concerned governments must therefore look inwards with a view to addressing this kind of illegitimate and uncalled acts.
Intending landlords are also advised to consult aptly whenever they intend to erect a building. Don’t just jump to any so-called contractor you find on your way. And if you succeeded in contracting any, endeavour to confirm his/her authenticity by enquiring from the relevant authorities.
Eligible structural contractors, on their part, ought to feel free to consult their colleagues for any professional assistance when need be. And, they ought to regularly be research-oriented towards enhancing their expertise.
All in all, every structural professional mustn’t be reminded that foundations and pillars remain the basic factors that determine the validity or wellbeing of any building, thus should be taken very seriously at all times. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor
(TheMediaAmbassador), is a Policy Analyst,
Rights Activist & Tech Expert -
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frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador