Exposed! How to create your own JAMBFun results - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Nigerians woke up on Wednesday with some video trending on how to create result of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) for fun, reports ITREALMS.

Investigations by ITREALMS revealed that JAMBFun application (app) is a prank app which allows users to create fake JAMB results to fool your friends; You can impress people and fool your friends.

NCC urges NSSB to create awareness about digital literacy - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged the Nasarawa State Scholarship Board (NSSB) to support the NCC in creating awareness about the intervention projects of the Commission concerning research and digital literacy in order to provide more opportunities for the citizenry.

Director of Digital Economy at the Commission, Dr. Augustine Nwaulune, who hosted a delegation of the Board, led by the Board’s Executive Secretary, Hajia Saadatu Yahya, on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, recently, recalled that Nasarawa State is one of the beneficiaries of NCC’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) intervention projects such as the Digital Awareness Programme (DAP) for secondary schools, the Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI), the Wireless Cloud, as well as the E-Health programme.

Vodacom says digitization to create more sustainable Nigeria - ITREALMS Online

ITREALMS:

Vodacom Business Nigeria has declared that digitization could create more sustainable Nigeria, reports ITRealms.

According to a press statement made available to ITRealms, quoted the acting Executive Head of Operations, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Olumide Idowu as noting that the country is one of the fastest developing countries in the world and the most populous nation in the Sub-Sahara Africa continent.

Matching population growth with infrastructural development, he said, has become an issue of great concern across the country, stressing that finding solutions to this growing concern, was the focus of the discourse at the recently concluded Information Communications Technology and Telecommunications (ICTEL) Expo, 2018 organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

The event which recently took place at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island brought together various stakeholders within the Information Communications Technology (ICT) industry to deliberate on ways to increase efficiency in the country through digitization. 

“Leaders around the world are committed to smart city building as they attempt to chart the course towards the development of their cities in order to meet social, economic, and environmental challenges,” he said. 

Idowu noted that Nigeria is at a pivotal moment in its technological revolution and the current lack of infrastructure provides a ready springboard for the utilization of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to create a smarter and a more efficient nation. By using IoT technology, which is commercially available today, a host of intelligently connected services such as efficient healthcare in rural communities become possible a reality.” 

In the last year, Vodacom Business Nigeria, in collaboration with some State Governments, made significant strides in the development of smart solutions for problems facing rural communities within the State. In the area of healthcare, a solution was deployed to help increase the availability of essential medication by monitoring drug stock levels, improving the delivery of healthcare for citizens who access public health services. In education, Vodacom has also launched a mobile school management solution which provides real-time visibility of all management activities at schools. 

The solution has been deployed to over 4000 public schools in Nigeria. While, in the area of agriculture, our connected farmer solution provides a platform for connecting various stakeholders within the agricultural ecosystem to create better accountability and efficiency within the industry. Other solutions such as payment solutions, backup solutions, energy, utility and security solutions are just a few examples of smart solutions available within the Nigerian context. Idowu stated: “The significance of digitization cannot be overstated in creating a smarter, more efficient and more sustainable economic environment in Nigeria. The sooner the shift to a digitalized system happens, the faster the nation can build a competitive advantage on the global stage and she can begin to reap the social, economic and environmental benefits that are sure to follow.”

Nenye Dom/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

‘Scientists create functioning kidney’

ITREALMS:

Some scientists have successfully produced human kidney tissue within a living organism which is able to produce urine, a first for medical science, reports ITRealms.

The study led by Professors Sue Kimber and Adrian Woolf from The University of Manchester, signifies a significant milestone in the development of treatment for kidney disease.

ITRealms also reports that the Medical Research Council and Kidney Research United Kingdom (UK) funded project is published in the journal Stem Cell Reports.

They explained that kidney glomeruli constituent microscopic parts of the organ- were generated from human embryonic stem cells grown in plastic laboratory culture dishes containing a nutrient broth known as culture medium, containing molecules to promote kidney development.

Equally, they were combined with a gel like substance, which acted as natural connective tissue - and then injected as a tiny clump under the skin of mice.

After three months, an examination of the tissue revealed that nephrons:the microscopic structural and functional units of the kidney - had formed.

The new structures contained most of the constituent parts present in human nephrons - including proximal tubules, distal tubules, Bowman’s capsule and Loop of Henle.

Tiny human blood vessels – known as capillaries- had developed inside the mice which nourished the new kidney structures.

However, the mini-kidneys lack a large artery, and without that the organ’s function will only be a fraction of normal.

So, the researchers are working with surgeons to put in an artery that will bring more blood the new kidney.

To test the functionality of the new structures, the team used Dextran - a fluorescent protein which stains the urine-like substance produced when nephrons filter the blood, called glomerular filtrate.

The Dextran was tracked and detected in the new structures’ tubules, demonstrating that filtrate was indeed being produced and excreted as urine.

“We have proved beyond any doubt these structures function as kidney cells by filtering blood and producing urine - though we can’t yet say what percentage of function exists,” said Professor Kimber.

“What is particularly exciting is that the structures are made of human cells which developed an excellent capillary blood supply, becoming linked to the vasculature of the mouse.

“Though this structure was formed from several hundred glomeruli, and humans have about a million in their kidneys - this is clearly a major advance.

“It constitutes a proof of principle- but much work is yet to be done.”

The University of Manchester’s School of Biological Sciences and   Manchester Regenerative Medicine Network (MaRM)   as well as Kidneys for life have also supported the work.

Professor Woolf, who is also Consultant in Paediatric Nephrology  at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Worldwide, two million people are being treated with dialysis or transplantation for kidney failure, and sadly another two million die each year, unable to access these treatments.

"So we are tremendously excited by this discovery - we feel it is a big research milestone which may one day help patients.

“However, there is much more to learn: Building on our generation of kidney filtration units we must now turn to developing an exit route for the urine and a way to deliver this technology to diseased kidneys.

"The work was also helped by a small grant from the hospital’s local kidney charity called “Kidneys for Life”.

The team are the UK’s only recipient of a three year Stoneygate Research award from Kidney Research UK.

The research will allow them to model kidney diseases using the new structures.

Uj. N. Dominic/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Nigeria media urged to create 21st century platforms

ITRealms:

Leadership of Nigerian media industry have been urged to ensure they create 21st century platforms and professional group befitting this era, reports ITRealms.

In a keynote address to the 13th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Managing Director cum Editor-in-Chief of The Interview, Mr. Azu Ishiekwene, called on media business leaderships to make certain they create and maintain website and social media platforms befitting a 21st century organisaton to keep afloat in business.

Ishiekwene who dwelt on “Nigerian Media: Balancing Professionalism, Advocacy And Business” also enjoined them to build networks with other professional groups, especially in more developed, open media environments.

“Rejuvenate the Ethics & Disciplinary Committee and let the public know how they may approach it, if they have any complaints … Publish audited accounts,” he declared.

For those wanting to hire a proven executive director, he said, they must ensure having specific, and measurable business targets.

He also advised getting sponsorships from any of the global media giants, with interest in media in developing countries, as well as creation of open, periodic value-driven conversations that will sufficiently interest partnership with corporates.

In addition, he underscored the need to start periodic research-driven solutions for media and allied industries, whilst de-emphasising physical structures, by way of thinking of network and people.

Remmy Nweke/ED, Ops

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

IBDN to create model for business development

 ITRealms

The Institute of Business Development, Nigeria (IBDN) has said it will create a sustainable model for the continent by addressing strategies for business development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), finance, agro-allied and aviation-related sectors, ITRealms reports.

 According toPaul Ikele, registrar/CEO of the Institute, in the press release made available toITRealms,IBD has concluded plans toassemble players in several sectors of the economy in Africa at the upcoming International Business Development Week/Summit scheduled to take place between July 23 and 24 this year at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.
 
“Every year during the International BD Week/Summit, we celebrate entrepreneurs, business giants, governments and some of Africa’s top brands that come together to network,” Ikele disclosed even as he  further stated that participants will go home each day with excitement and renewed energy, ITRealms said.

It is expected that micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) owners will most likely be the biggest beneficiaries. By definition, MSMEs are businesses that have less than 200 employees or assets worth below $2.5 million about N497.1 million. This places over 80 per cent of African businesses on this class.

According to ITRealms reports, the organisers said attendance is open to all interested persons and organizations in private and public sectors, as well as other key development professionals such as chief executive officers, general managers, chief operating officer, research and development managers, project managers and other business owners in Africa.

Important matters, such as adopting strategies to enhance business partnership in Africa, improving aviation infrastructure and employing ICT as a tool of business development will be discussed.

Cyriacus Nnaji/ GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

2015 Elections will not break up Nigeria – Info Minister

ITRealms:

The supervising Information Minister, Dr. Nurudeen Muhammad has dispelled fears being over 2015 general elections and its possible outcome, which has been largely rumour to create events capable of leading to break-up of Nigeria, reports ITRealms.

Speaking in Abuja at the opening the 45th meeting of the National Council on Information with the theme “Strategic Information Management for Credible and Peaceful Elections” he said that as they supervise the political discourse leading to the general elections, they should strive to eliminate hate speeches, violent languages and incitement to violence in their programmes, news and commentaries to ensure peace and national cohesion during and after the elections.

Confirming this to ITRealms, the press secretary to Minister, Mr. Joseph Mutah quoted Dr. Muhammad as telling the Council, comprising Information Commissioners, heads of media organisations, and other stakeholders in the media, that 2015 general election is not about war.

“As public information managers, we must strive to build understanding, while dispelling misconceptions, suspicion, and fear.  The 2015 general elections are not about war, and Nigeria is not about to break up. We are one country and will remain so after the 2015 elections,” Muhammad said.

The Information Minister who harped on the need for balance, fairness and objectivity in news reportage, frowned at interference by some owners of media houses in the operations of the media to further their political interest and shut out the opposition.

“I am not oblivious of the maxim that who pays the piper dictates the tune. This comes into bold relief on occasions when some public information managers black out stories about opponents of the government in power in the environment.  Sometimes state-run media decline to accepts adverts from the opposition, even when such promotional materials are fully paid for”.

The Minister therefore called for change of attitude among some media managers and strict adherence to the Code of Conduct to guard against rancour and acrimony in the electioneering. 

He also directed the National Broadcasting Commission to sanction stations found infringing on the Broadcasting Code.

“Public information managers must also remain vigilant about attempts by some politicians to manipulate them.  Elections are not just about politicians. Elections also involve crucial questions about our collective future, and in whose hands the electorate would like to commit. It is important, therefore, that as we nurture our democracy through periodic elections, we should attempt to steer political discourse to issues that have potentially meaningful impact for the electorate”.

He charged the Information Managers to complement the Independent National Electoral Commission in voter education to ensure the overall success of the elections.

In a message to the occasion, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega said security remained a challenge ahead of the Commission preparatory to the general elections.

Represented by Dr. Chris Imoga, National Commissioner Information and Voter Education Committee, the INEC Chairman decried the situation whereby the Commission is being joined in court cases instituted by aspirants claiming irregularities in the conduct of party primaries and said political parties should always promote internal democracy and spare the Commission from needless litigations.

The INEC Chairman hailed the success recorded in the distribution of the Permanent Voters’ Cards across the country, and sought for collaboration of the media for the overall success of the general elections.

+Remmy Nweke  +Remmy Nweke (ITRealms) 

 
ITREALMS ... delivering news for ICT4D