2017 UTME: JAMB, NECO, WAEC, NABTEB to harmonise time-table

ITRealms:

Onward to the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has agreed on harmonization of timetable with other examination bodies in the country to have a seamless examination, reports ITRealms.

Head Information at JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, confirmed this to ITRealms, saying that the Board at a brainstorming meeting with National Examination Council (NECO), West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Business and Technical Examination (NABTEB) held at the national headquarters of the Board in Abuja unanimously agreed to harmonize the examination timetable because of the candidates desire for qualitative tertiary education.

According to him, the harmonised examination timetable has put to rest problems arising from overlapping of examination dates, which would have disenfranchised a sizeable number of candidates.

At the end of the brainstorming session, the bodies resolved that WAEC would speak to all its authorities that from 2018, between March and April, for a window of two (2) weeks be created where all other examinations that have nothing to do with Nigeria will be held so as to allow a window for JAMB to conduct its examination.

The bodies agreed that for the purpose of the 2017 UTME, JAMB will shift its examinations to allow students face WAEC, NECO and NABTEB.

However,  a ten-day window for JAMB'S UTME has been created by all examination bodies for JAMB to conduct it's examination. In view of this, JAMB will  soon announce the commencement of sale of the 2017/2018 admission forms for UTME and Direct Entry (DE).

JAMB emphasises the fact that whoever is presently collecting any money in the name of JAMB form should be reported to the Police or any other security agency as fraudster.

NECO and NABTEB have also adjusted their examination timetables to avoid overlap in subjects that are common to the two (2) examination bodies.

A Committee was set up to critically appraise the mandates of WAEC, NECO and NABTEB, the three (3) examination bodies to make sure that each body sticks to their original mandate and with the possibility of working together in a synergy that they  lead to collaborative examination for the purpose of students having results at one (1) sitting rather than separate sittings. 

The essence of the meeting is to continually find solutions to challenges faced by candidates in the cause of their desire for tertiary education.

Again, the Board is using this opportunity to inform Nigerians that it has not commenced the sales of its application documents. The forms will be out as soon as all critical planning are concluded to ensure a smooth examination in 2017.

Uj. N. Dominic/GEE 

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#BringBackOurInternet: CSOs demand restoration of Internet to Anglophone Cameroon

ITRealms:

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) globally have written the President of Cameroon and agencies incharge of telecommunications to return Internet access to the Anglophone Cameroon, reports ITRealms.
 

A copy of the letter dated January 22 and made available to ITRealms by Internet Without Borders, insisting that an internet shut down is a human rights violation.

According to Internet Sans Frontiers in the letter to President of Cameroon, there has not been Internet connectivity in the South West, and North West regions of Cameroon, following recent government orders on operators to block communications over the Internet in the said regions which are mainly the Anglophones part of the country.

They also implored the country leaders to restore the Internet, declaring “We implore you to keep the internet on."

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They argued that research has shown that internet shutdowns and violence go hand in hand. 

Shutdowns disrupt the free flow of information and create a cover of darkness that allows repression to occur without scrutiny. Worryingly, the Republic of Cameroon would be joining an alarming global trend of government-mandated shutdowns around election issues, a practice that many African Union member governments have recently adopted, including:  Burundi, Congo-Brazzaville, Chad, Gabon, Egypt, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Niger, Democratic Republic of Congo. 

The cautioned that Internet shutdowns with governments ordering the suspension or throttling of entire networks, often during elections or public protests, warning it must never be allowed to become the new normal.

The CSOs noted that though justified for public safety purposes, it stressed that shutdowns instead cut off access to vital information, e-financing, and emergency services, plunging whole societies into fear and destabilizing the internet’s power to support small business livelihoods and drive economic development. In addition, a study by the Brookings Institution indicates that shutdowns drained $2.4 billion from the global economy last year.

The Internet shutdown imposed in anglophone territories of Cameroon will hit hard on the burgeoning digital economy, which is blossoming in Cameroon’s Silicon Mountain, Buea.

  
Chuks Egbune/GEE
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Turkish school students, staff regain freedom

Campus Pavilion@ITRealms:

Days after ransom was paid for their release, the eight students and staff of the Nigeria Turkish International School (NTIS), Isheri in Ogun State, finally regain freedom Tuesday, reports ITRealms.
 

The victims, ITRealms gathered, were abducted on January 13, 2017 and ransom paid over the weekend for their release but it was delayed.

Additionally, ITRealms gathered that an estimated N10 million was paid to the abductors to facilitate the release of three students and five staff.

The Nigerian Police Force has since confirmed the return of the abducted students and staff at about 8:30pm, according to Channels TV.

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HGF releases white paper on ‘Coexistence and Interoperability’

ITRealms:

The HomeGrid Forum (HGF) has released a white paper entitled “Coexistence and Interoperability in a mixed vendor PLC environment,” reports ITRealms.

The paper, ITRealms gathered described these two different concepts and their roles in providing the best possible user experience and avoiding false expectations from users looking to expand their network.

The white paper explained the importance of interoperability in networking technologies and how this allows different chipsets to send and receive data between each other. Coexistence is a different concept, as it attempts to solve the problem of devices using different, non-interoperable technologies on the same physical network segment.

Donna Yasa[DigitalREALMS] HGF releases white paper on ‘Coexistence and Interoperability’

The HomeGrid Forum (HGF) has released a white paper entitled “Coexistence and Interoperability in a mixed vendor PLC environment,” reports ITRealms.

The paper, ITRealms gathered described these two different concepts and their roles in providing the best possible user experience and avoiding false expectations from users looking to expand their network.

The white paper explained the importance of interoperability in networking technologies and how this allows different chipsets to send and receive data between each other. Coexistence is a different concept, as it attempts to solve the problem of devices using different, non-interoperable technologies on the same physical network segment.

Donna Yasay, President of HomeGrid Forum, said interoperability, backwards compatibility, coexistence and neighbouring network interference are all concepts that could have a very real impact on the usability and performance of powerline technologies.

HomeGrid Forum, she said, has an important role in pushing implementations to support these concepts, but without introducing unnecessary costs.

The highly versatile nature of G.hn, according to HGF was also highlighted in the paper.

“It explains how coexistence can be accomplished for powerline technologies using the Inter System Protocol (ISP), which has already been implemented into some G.hn silicon, unlike other technologies which can be present on a physical powerline segment,” Yasay said.

Further, she posited that some G.hn silicon have implemented a proprietary mechanism to achieve partial coexistence by recognising the presence of other technologies. Just as G.hn is the only standard for wired home networks that incorporates effective mitigation of interference from neighbouring powerline systems.

 y, President of HomeGrid Forum, said interoperability, backwards compatibility, coexistence and neighbouring network interference are all concepts that could have a very real impact on the usability and performance of powerline technologies.

HomeGrid Forum, she said, has an important role in pushing implementations to support these concepts, but without introducing unnecessary costs.

The highly versatile nature of G.hn, according to HGF was also highlighted in the paper.

“It explains how coexistence can be accomplished for powerline technologies using the Inter System Protocol (ISP), which has already been implemented into some G.hn silicon, unlike other technologies which can be present on a physical powerline segment,” Yasay said.

Further, she posited that some G.hn silicon have implemented a proprietary mechanism to achieve partial coexistence by recognising the presence of other technologies. Just as G.hn is the only standard for wired home networks that incorporates effective mitigation of interference from neighbouring powerline systems.

Chuks Egbune/GEE 

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iSON Group wins IT & ITeS prize, as Awtaney emerges entrepreneur of the year

ITRealms: 

The iSON Group has won the ‘Distinguished Achievement in IT & ITES’ award for the second time consecutively in a star studded corporate award ceremony which held at Le Meridien, New Delhi recently, reports ITRealms.  

This came on the heels of the founder and chairman of iSON Group, Ramesh Awtaney also conferred with the ‘Entrepreneur of The Year’  award in the individual category during  the India-Africa Trade and Investment Forum 2016” organized by  ASSOCHAM India Africa in Biz Awards 2016.

The award ceremony consisted of a special session “A Spotlight on the emerging opportunities in various regions of Africa” which witnessed two addresses namely “Africa: harnessing the business potential” and “West Africa: capitalizing the land of diverse opportunities” delivered by H.E. Mr. Ernest Rwamucyo, High Commissioner, Rwanda High Commission & H.E. Mr. Niankoro Samake, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Mali respectively. 

The highlight of the ceremony was its valedictory session which was graced by the presence of Shri Ram Kripal Yadav, Hon’ble Minister of State for Rural Development and Land Resources, Government of India.

ASSOCHAM has emerged as the fountainhead of knowledge for the Indian ICT industry set to redefine the dynamics of growth and development in this technology driven cyber age.  ASSOCHAM is regarded as a forceful, proactive, forward looking institution equipping itself to meet the aspirations of corporate India in the new world of business.

The Entrepreneur of The Year’ award is given yearly to an individual who has distinguished himself through outstanding achievements in his field in Africa. This year’s award is iSON’s second consecutive win in recognition of its role in bridging the digital divide across Africa while positioning “Africa” as an on shoring destination.

Ramesh Awtaney, Founder & Chairman of iSON Group commenting on the award said, “We are deeply honored to receive both awards. iSON is passionate about driving and expanding the IT industry not just in India but all across our footprints around the world. To be recognized by one of the most influential institutions in India is a rewarding achievement to us.”

For over five years in Africa, iSON has been in the forefront of driving digital inclusion and providing end to end solutions that facilitate the growth and diversity of technology within its markets. Its founder and Chairman, Ramesh Awtaney, has received several awards and commendations for his exemplary role in fostering a truly Digital Africa.

"Our investment in developing local systems and empowering local talent through skill development centre has become the prototype to follow. We have inculcated proven best practices from IT driven markets like India and reversed the exploitative trend of "taking work to IP" that was prevalent in African industry. Instead, iSON Group has proven that it is possible to take "IP to work" to help Africa generate large scale employment and revenues.

iSON is the past recipient of the Great Place To Work Award (GPTW) Nigeria 2016 award and ASSOCHAM award winner for “Distinguished achievement in IT and ITeS” in both 2015 and 2016. iSON is truly fulfilling its core mandate and vision of a Digital Africa.

Recently, Awtaney was also bestowed with the “Technology CEO of the Year” Award during 2016 NiTA Awards ceremony through public voting. The Nigeria Technology Awards (NiTA) is an award ceremony organized to recognize, celebrate and reward Technology Entrepreneurs, Innovators, Inventors, Academicians and policy makers in Nigeria. 

The objective of the NiTA is to promote and commend the excellent achievements to which Nigeria Technology professionals and organizations contribute towards building a sustainable economy using technology, the Awards also aimed to encourage local practitioners to develop innovative and creative Technology solutions, which will uplift the image of Nigeria both locally and internationally.

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ITU says 3.9bn people unconnected, majority in Africa

ITRealms:

The United Nations agency in charge of telecommunications, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has revealed that some 3.9 billion people globally are yet to be connected to the Internet, reports ITRealms.

This is coming as to-date 53 per cent of the world’s population is still offline, with the majority located in Africa and Asia-Pacific.

This was part of the revelation at the special presentation at a session hosted by the United Nations Broadband Commission at the just ended World Economic Forum at Davos Annual Meeting 2017.

ITRealms gathered that the presentation entitled ‘CONNECTING THE UNCONNECTED’ showed that out of the 3.9 billion unconnected people 58 per cent is female, and 60 per cent of the rural dwellers.

In addition, ITU said that unconnected people constitute at least half from countries with $6.5K GNI/capita.

According to the presentation, the Internet has the potential to positively impact and transform people’s lives and bring benefits in a great number of areas, including health, education, financial services, transport, energy, agriculture, and more.

“However, to-date 53 per cent of the world’s population is still offline, with the majority located in Africa and Asia-Pacific,” the Commission said, adding that the reasons for being offline or for limited Internet use are manifold, including that many do not have access because they live in remote or difficult to-reach areas and do not have access to digital or other basic infrastructure such as electricity or transport.

Some, ITRealms gathered, do not see the benefits of being connected, often because of limited awareness, cultural impediments or limited relevant digital content.

“Still others are illiterate, and many are too poor to afford even the most basic of Internet packages and devices. Existing inequalities in terms of income and education, particularly prominent among women, and other factors exacerbate the problem,” part of the presentation read.

In order to tackle the large offline populations, ITU noted that within its Connect 2020 Agenda has made it a goal to bring 60 per cent of the world’s population online by 2020.

ITU stressed that the key challenges in meeting Connect 2020 Agenda Targets are finding replicable solutions that could be scaled to connecting the large rural offline populations at minimal costs, and finding effective strategies for narrowing the usage gaps (including the gender gap across all regions.

Further, ITRealms reports that ITU noted that while a significant amount of initiatives have been implemented, targeting both the rural, urban divide and the usage gaps largely at the local, community or national level, it is unlikely that large-scale rural ‘almost free’ solutions will be deployed within the next three years.

Chuks Egbune/GEE 

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Danbatta goes to UNN for 46th convocation lecture

ITRealms:

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, would this Thursday go to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) to deliver the Convocation Lecture, reports ITRealms.

Danbatta, ITRealms gathered, is expected to speak at the 46^th Convocation Lecture of the university on a paper titled: The Role of ICT Infrastructure in Tertiary Education in Nigeria: NCC Interventions.

The EVC, a Professor of telecommunications engineering, according to the invitation letter signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Benjamin C. Ozumba, the lecture “is a major activity that marks the annual convocation ceremonies”.

He said, the event has, in the past, featured lecture presentations by renowned Nigerians like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, late Prof Dora Akunyili, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, among others.

Danbatta, who presented the October 2016 lecture of Nigerian Academy of Engineering was also the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NCC to address the participants Senior Executive Course (SEC) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPS).

ITRealms recalls that Danbatta was, last year, invited to address 38th Senior Executive Course (SEC) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPS), on Thursday, March 31.

Since he assumed the mantle of leadership of the Africa’s biggest telecom regulatory body, NCC has continued to receive more global attention with numerous international recognitions coming its way.

Nonye Dom with additional reports from Doris Minimah/GEE 

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Guild of Editors warn FG, Nigerian Army over dark days, assault on presss

ITRealms:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has warned the Federal Government and the Army precisely to desist from any actios capable of reminding Nigerians of her dark days, reports ITRealms.

Reacting at the weekend to the recent raid, arrest and detention of the publisher of Premium Times, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, and his colleague, Ms Evelyn Okakwu, NGE described it as unwarranted assault on the freedom of the press and undue interference.

ITRealms recalls that Mr. Olorunyomi, Publisher of Premium Times, and Ms. Okawu, a Judiciary correspondent of the publication were arrested by the Nigeria Police in Abuja on Thursday, January 19, 2017, in connection with a report that the Nigerian Army considered offensive and libellous, but were later released.

The Guild of Editors in a press statement, made available to ITRealms and signed by its President and General Secretary, Messrs Funke Egbemode and Victoria Ibanga respectively, noted that the Guild is reliably informed that the police were acting on a criminal complaint filed by Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff, who alleged that Premium Times had defamed him by its coverage of military operations against Boko Haram.

However, the NGE said its concerned about the growing clampdown, intimidation and frequent harassment of journalists by the police and other law enforcement agencies in the course of doing their lawful jobs and expressed its displeasure and disappointment over the conduct of the officers concerned who are supposed to protect them from harm at all times.

“It is important to let overzealous security agencies know that harassment of media practitioners is inappropriate and capable of creating tension in an already tensed nation. It is an unkind reminder of the dark days of military rule, which witnessed concerted efforts to gag the press through unlawful detention of journalists without trial. Wielding the big stick and raiding newsrooms at will in a democratic setting are conducts of poor judgment and sad ways of reminding Nigerians of those days they would rather forget,” the NGE said.

They reminded all security agencies that what ought to exist between the media and security is a symbiotic relationship that would promote peace and help both parties do their jobs effectively. This country belongs to all of us and we all must work hard to protect the integrity, peaceful co-existence and all that binds us together as one entity.

The NGE, the duo said, is aware of the enormous responsibilities and functions of the media as an institution and would like to note that media practitioners are not above the law. Media practice is guided by rules and regulations and laws. There are options for any aggrieved person to seek redress if a media practitioner offends and libels him or her. Arrest and detention never end well. They only lead to strained relationship.

“It is important to tread cautiously and nurture Nigeria’s democracy for the benefit of all. Journalists should not be subjected to inhuman treatment for exercising their Constitutional right to freedom of expression and doing their jobs,” the Guild insisted.

And thanked all those who caused the release of the affected journalists, stressing that as law-abiding citizens of Nigeria, “we will continue to defend our democracy within the confines of what is right and legal and we implore all media practitioners in the country to continue to emphasize those things that unite us rather than things that divide us.”

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Premium Times applauds solidarity over office raid, arrest of 2 journalists

ITRealms:

The management of Premium Times has expressed profound gratitude to all who showed support and solidarity with them when two journalists, namely Dapo Olorunyomi and Evelyn Okakwu, were arrested by the Nigerian Police Force on Thursday, January 19, 2017, reports ITRealms.

The Managing Editor, Premium Times, Idris Akinbajo, told ITRealms in a press statement that during those hours when their offices were raided and colleagues detained, “the world rose in solidarity and stood firmly with us, with everyone not only condemning the attack but also calling for the immediate release of our staff.”

They, thus, expressed thanks to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), civil and human rights organisation, non-governmental organisations, clergymen, legal practitioners, political leaders and officials of government at different levels who played roles, openly or discreetly, in ensuring that our colleagues were freed.

“We thank local and foreign media organisations who reported the event as it unfolded and pressured authorities to do the right thing,” he said.

Akinbajo also extended gratitude to all human rights groups and other global organisations which in one form or another helped pressured the police, the army and the Nigerian government to let the detained journalists go.

“We thank individuals at home and abroad who also called in not only to express their support for our work but also demanded that our colleagues be freed,” he said, stressing that they cannot forget their esteemed readers who stood by them during those dark hours.

“We truly cannot thank you all enough,” Premium Times management said, pointing out that their solidarity and support showed that Premium Times has become a public trust that should continue to play active roles in the affairs of our nation and the world at large, especially as an agent of social change and justice.

“We will continue to do our best in helping to make our nation and the world a better place to live in. Despite the ordeals of our colleagues, our spirits remain unbroken in our commitment to strengthening our democracy and promoting good governance in our country,” Akinbajo assured.

Emphasising that Premium Times will not be intimidated by any individual, group of individuals or institutions of government into giving up its quest for a country with strong and transparent institutions, and governed in the best possible way.

“We will continue to do our business legally, professionally and with undiluted patriotism. We will continue to adhere to the ethics and tenets of the journalism profession. As usual, in our reportage of events, every side will be always be reflected,” he declared.

Maintaining that Premium Times is in partnership with all political authorities in promoting the welfare and security of all Nigerians, insisting, “They should see us as partners who will continue to hold them accountable rather than as adversaries.”

Nonye Dom/GEE

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