New Post Africa

Category: Technology

  • Ebonyi launches free digital skills training for young people

    Ebonyi launches free digital skills training for young people

    ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Ebonyi State Government, through the Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (EBSMEDA), has commenced a one-week free digital skills training programme aimed at equipping young Ebonyians with practical skills for the digital economy.

    The programme, organised in collaboration with Mutech Afrique under the FON4-TECH Initiative, is designed to train participants in web development, graphic design, Web3 and artificial intelligence (AI) automation.

    According to a statement signed by Leo Ekene Oketa, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, the training is scheduled to hold from September 14 to 18, 2026, at the Staff Development Centre, Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki.

    The statement said training sessions would commence daily at 10:00 a.m., with participants expected to learn from experienced tutors in a practical training environment.

    The initiative, according to the state government, is aimed at strengthening the digital and entrepreneurial capacity of young people and improving their ability to participate in the growing digital economy.

    The government said the programme forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to equip residents with skills that can improve their employment and entrepreneurship prospects.

    EBSMEDA, under the leadership of its Director-General, Dr Stephen Odoh, is implementing the programme as part of its efforts to support the development of the state’s small and medium enterprise and technology ecosystem.

    The statement also linked the training to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s focus on skills development and youth empowerment, saying the administration had continued to pursue initiatives aimed at providing young people with practical knowledge and opportunities.

    The organisers said the programme would help participants develop skills that could be applied in professional, entrepreneurial and technology-related activities.

  • Radda receives innovation tech hub, pledges support for youth development in Katsina

    Radda receives innovation tech hub, pledges support for youth development in Katsina

    KATSINA, Nigeria (NPA) — Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has expressed satisfaction over the formal handover of an Adolescent and Young People Innovation Tech Hub in the state, facilitated by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN).

    The governor said the facility would provide adolescents and young people with opportunities to acquire skills in information and communication technology (ICT), web design, content creation, beauty technology, entrepreneurship, mentorship and vocational training.

    He added that the hub would also support the health and psychosocial wellbeing of adolescents and young people, while creating a platform for innovation, skills development and economic empowerment.

    In a statement personally issued on Thursday, Radda said the handover represented more than the transfer of a physical facility, describing the project as an investment in the dreams, talents and future of young people in Katsina.

    “This is more than the handover of a facility. It is an investment in the dreams, talents and future of our young people,” the governor said.

    According to Radda, the 12-room state-of-the-art hub aligns with his administration’s Building Your Future Agenda, particularly its focus on human capital development, youth empowerment and economic opportunity.

    He noted that more than 1,200 young people had already benefited from apprenticeship and skills development programmes at the Katsina Youth Craft Village.

    Radda said he was particularly pleased to accept the assets on behalf of the Katsina State Government and its people, assuring development partners and young people that the government would take ownership of the facility, sustain its operations and expand the impact of the initiative.

    The governor also expressed appreciation to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) and IHVN for their financial, technical and institutional support towards the project.

    “Our partnership does not end with this handover; rather, it opens a new chapter of shared responsibility and sustainable impact,” Radda said.

    The governor said the state government would continue to work with development partners to strengthen initiatives that equip young people with relevant skills, improve their wellbeing and expand opportunities for economic participation.

  • X updates Terms of Service, introduces changes to dispute resolution

    X updates Terms of Service, introduces changes to dispute resolution

    SAN FRANCISCO, United States (NPA) — X Corporation has announced updates to its Terms of Service, with the new provisions scheduled to take effect on October 9, 2026.

    The company, in a statement issued on September 9, 2026, said the changes were intended to clarify several provisions governing users’ relationship with the platform, including dispute resolution, class action and jury trial waivers, and responsibilities for user content.

    Under the updated provisions on governing law and disputes, X said that for users outside the European Union, EFTA States and the United Kingdom, disputes will be handled in courts in Texas under Texas law.

    The company said it had also added a provision stating that where the court venue specified in the Terms cannot be used, the dispute will be resolved through arbitration.

    X said it had further provided specific examples of its corporate affiliates to which the relevant provisions apply.

    On class actions and jury trials, the company said the updated Terms state that, where permitted by law, users and X waive the right to a jury trial.

    As in its previous Terms, X said users and the company also waive the right to bring or participate in a class, collective or other representative action against each other. The provision applies to all users and, to the extent permitted by law, also extends to X’s corporate affiliates.

    The company has also updated its provisions on user content responsibilities, saying the changes are intended to better reflect that users are responsible for their use of the Services, including features that perform autonomous actions on their behalf.

    For users of X services in the European Union, EFTA States and the United Kingdom, the company said additional clarification had been made regarding the application of Irish law.

    According to X, the choice of Irish law does not remove protections that cannot legally be waived under the laws of the country where a user resides.

    The company encouraged users to read the updated Terms in full, noting that the provisions govern their use of X and its services.

    X said users who continue to use its products or services on or after October 9, 2026, will be deemed to have agreed to the updated Terms of Service.

  • Nigeria’s Education Minister of State joins UNESCO roundtable on AI in education

    Nigeria’s Education Minister of State joins UNESCO roundtable on AI in education

    PARIS, France (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has participated in a UNESCO ministerial roundtable on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education as part of the Digital Learning Week 2026 in Paris.

    The minister joined representatives from 25 countries at the session, which focused on the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of AI in education.

    Ahmad said Nigeria’s experience with AI in education was not theoretical, noting that while some Nigerian learners use AI regularly, others still lack reliable access to devices and internet connectivity.

    She said policies and initiatives must therefore help bridge the digital divide rather than widen it.

    “For Nigeria, this conversation is not a distant or theoretical one. Some Nigerian learners can use AI every day, while others still lack a reliable device or internet connection, so any solution we build has to close that gap rather than widen it,” she said.

    The minister said Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and Nigeria Data Protection Act provide a foundation for developing responsible AI systems in the education sector.

    She also highlighted the AskFME initiative and the Naija Teacher AI pilot, which she said had already onboarded 50,000 Nigerian teachers onto tools designed for mobile and offline use.

    According to Ahmad, these initiatives are helping to translate national policies into practical safeguards for classrooms.

    She stressed that every AI tool used in Nigerian classrooms must be assessed for accuracy, curriculum alignment, age suitability and data protection.

    “Our responsibility does not end there. Teachers and learners must be able to report problems, and any tool that keeps failing them must be corrected or withdrawn,” she said.

    The minister added that AI should complement teachers rather than replace critical thinking and curiosity among learners.

    “In Nigeria, a child who is unsure will always look to the teacher, and we want our children to gain from AI while staying curious and asking questions of their own,” Ahmad said.

  • BREAKING: Nigerian Students Win Gold at International STEM Olympiad in Italy

    BREAKING: Nigerian Students Win Gold at International STEM Olympiad in Italy

    ROME, Italy (NPA) — Two Nigerian students, Onyedikachi Egejurum and Don Anele Munachimso, have won gold medals at the 2026 International STEM Olympiad held in Rome, Italy, bringing global recognition to Nigeria’s academic excellence.

    Onyedikachi Egejurum emerged as the world’s best in Mathematics in the Primary Category, while Don Anele Munachimso won the gold medal in the Science Category.

    The awards were presented after contestants from several countries competed in various science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

    The achievement was announced on Tuesday by the Chief Executive Officer of Educare and founder of the Southeast STEM Olympiad, Mr Alex Onyia, whose organisation organised the regional competition that produced the Nigerian representatives.

    According to Onyia, Munachimso is also recognised as Nigeria’s best student in IGCSE Chemistry.

    He said he personally sponsored the trip of three students to the international competition, describing the investment as worthwhile.

    “The investment is worth it,” Onyia said.

    Celebrating the students’ achievement, he wrote: “The three wise men from the East came to Rome and conquered. Nigeria will be great again once we declare a state of emergency in education.”

    Onyedikachi, 11, and Munachimso, 17, are both students of Diamond Special Schools, Owerri, Imo State.

    They represented Nigeria in the Mathematics and Science categories, respectively, at the global academic competition, which featured students from across the world.

  • Google’s open-source AI Gemma 4 surpasses 200 million downloads in 2.5 months

    Google’s open-source AI Gemma 4 surpasses 200 million downloads in 2.5 months

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, California (NPA) — Google DeepMind has announced that its Gemma 4 family of open artificial intelligence models has surpassed 200 million downloads just two and a half months after launch, highlighting growing adoption by developers, researchers and startups worldwide.

    The milestone was announced on Thursday by Olivier Lacombe, Google DeepMind’s Product Director and lead for Gemma and Gemini on-device, who described the achievement as a major endorsement of the company’s open AI strategy.

    “Gemma 4 just hit 200 million downloads in only 2.5 months,” Lacombe said.

    He noted that total downloads across the entire Gemma family stood at 100 million when Gemma 3 was launched, indicating a sharp acceleration in adoption following the release of Gemma 4.

    “The community’s acceleration is incredible. Thank you to everyone building with Gemma,” he added.

    Reflecting on the milestone, Lacombe said Google DeepMind created Gemma to make the research behind its Gemini models more accessible to the global open-source community.

    “When we built Gemma, our goal was to bring Google’s Gemini research to the open-science community in an accessible and highly capable package. Seeing this milestone today is both humbling and exhilarating,” he said.

    According to him, developers are deploying Gemma in a wide range of real-world applications, from lightweight AI agents to satellite-based technologies.

    Lacombe reaffirmed Google DeepMind’s commitment to open science and developer choice, describing Gemma 4 as another step in expanding access to advanced AI technologies.

    “At Google DeepMind, our commitment to open science and developer choice remains unwavering. Gemma 4 is just one step in this journey, and we are excited to keep iterating alongside you,” he said.

    He thanked developers, researchers and organisations that have downloaded, fine-tuned and built applications using the models, promising more innovations in the future.

    Gemma is Google’s family of lightweight, open AI models developed by Google DeepMind and built on the technology that powers its Gemini artificial intelligence platform.

  • OAU wins 2026 University Duel Competition, receives N3m prize as participants earn scholarships

    OAU wins 2026 University Duel Competition, receives N3m prize as participants earn scholarships

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has emerged winner of the 2026 University Duel Competition, defeating contestants from 61 other universities in a nationwide contest designed to promote excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

    The competition, which lasted 11 weeks, featured 186 students drawn from 62 universities across Nigeria and tested participants in Applied Mathematics, Data Analysis, Verbal Reasoning, and General Knowledge.

    The University Duel is regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading academic competitions aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and technology leaders.

    Speaking during the award presentation ceremony at the OAU campus, founder of the STEM Africa Initiative, Mr. Oladapo Ojo, called on African countries, particularly Nigeria, to transition from being consumers of technology to becoming creators and developers of homegrown solutions.

    According to him, sustainable development on the continent will depend largely on the ability of young people to harness science, innovation, and technology to solve local challenges.

    “If Africa and Nigeria are to move forward, we must go beyond consuming technology to developing our own,” Ojo said.

    He noted that the competition was established to inspire students to appreciate the practical value of STEM education and its role in driving economic transformation.

    Ojo also commended telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria for supporting the initiative, describing the company as a key partner in efforts to promote STEM learning and innovation among Nigerian youths.

    “MTN Nigeria identified with this initiative and supported it as a proud sponsor. The goal is to drive change across Africa by enabling young people to see the benefits of STEM and its transformative potential in their lives,” he added.

    Also speaking at the event, OAU’s Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. John Odedire, described the victory as a significant milestone for the institution.

    He recalled that OAU finished third in the inaugural edition of the competition in 2025 but returned this year to claim the overall title.

    According to him, the university achieved a rare feat by winning both the University Duel Competition and the Smart Challenge competition in the same year.

    “What we are celebrating today is a double victory. This is the first time an institution has won both the University Duel and the Smart Challenge competitions in one sweep,” Odedire said.

    Participants who benefited from the competition also praised the initiative for providing a platform that rewards academic excellence and encourages innovation.

    One of the award recipients, Quayum Alli, said the programme demonstrated the importance of private sector investment in education and skills development.

    He noted that beyond financial rewards, the competition offered students an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to practical challenges and prepare for future careers in science and technology.

    “It is encouraging to see a company like MTN genuinely invest in students, not only by providing digital skills for the future but also by helping bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application,” he said.

    Another recipient, Adesina Lekan, called for increased awareness and publicity for future editions of the competition to encourage broader participation from students across the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that MTN Nigeria awarded N3 million to the winners of the University Duel Competition and N1 million to the champions of the Smart Challenge competition.

    In addition to the cash prizes, winners also received scholarship opportunities and other academic support packages aimed at advancing their educational and professional development.

    Organisers expressed optimism that the competition would continue to inspire excellence in STEM education and contribute to building a highly skilled workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s digital and technological future.

  • JUST IN: Starmer warns tech firms over children’s online safety, threatens regulatory action

    JUST IN: Starmer warns tech firms over children’s online safety, threatens regulatory action

    LONDON, United Kingdom (NPA) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a strong warning to technology companies, saying his government will not stand by while children are exposed to harmful content and risks online.

    In a statement released on Monday, Starmer called on technology firms to introduce stronger device-level safeguards to prevent children from creating, sharing or viewing nude images.

    “Today I am calling on the tech companies to introduce device-level controls to prevent children from taking, sharing or viewing nude images,” the prime minister said.

    “And if they don’t act, we will.”

    Starmer has placed children’s online safety at the centre of his government’s digital policy agenda, arguing that rapid technological advancements must not come at the expense of young people’s wellbeing.

    The British leader has pledged to strengthen protections for minors online through tougher regulations on social media platforms, artificial intelligence tools and other digital services.

    Among the measures under consideration are restrictions on harmful social media platforms for users under the age of 16, tighter oversight of AI chatbots and stronger compliance obligations for technology companies.

    According to Starmer, concerns over mental health challenges, online exploitation, sextortion and addictive platform features such as infinite scrolling have reinforced the need for urgent action.

    He stressed that no technology company should be exempt from accountability.

    “No platform gets a free pass,” Starmer has repeatedly stated, insisting that existing laws must evolve to keep pace with emerging technologies and online threats.

    The prime minister’s proposals also include consultations on age limits for social media access, digital curfews for young users and clearer guidance to help parents manage online risks.

    His government is also seeking to strengthen the implementation of the Online Safety Act by closing regulatory loopholes and enforcing stricter compliance standards across the technology sector.

    As a father of two teenagers, Starmer said the issue is both a personal concern and a national priority.

    According to him, the United Kingdom must take a leading role in developing effective measures to protect children in the digital age.

    The government’s position reflects a growing international trend toward tighter regulation of online platforms, with countries including Australia, France and Denmark also pursuing stronger protections for children and young internet users.

  • Mutfwang reaffirms commitment to youth innovation at Plateau Technology Festival

    Mutfwang reaffirms commitment to youth innovation at Plateau Technology Festival

    JOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in young people through science, technology and innovation.

    Mutfwang made the pledge while declaring open the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST), describing innovation as a key driver of job creation, economic growth and sustainable development.

    The governor said the state government had concluded arrangements to connect skilled youths in Plateau to global outsourcing opportunities, adding that hundreds of young people were already undergoing screening for the programme.

    According to him, the initiative forms part of the state’s Year of Technology Advancement agenda aimed at creating pathways for innovation and employment.

    Mutfwang also highlighted the achievements of a young innovator from Bokkos Local Government Area who designed and built a prototype vehicle.

    He disclosed that the government had engaged the innovator to produce 200 hand tillers to support agricultural mechanisation and boost productivity across the state.

    “The future belongs to innovators, and Plateau State will continue to support young people with the ideas, talent and determination to transform our society,” the governor said.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for innovation-driven development and empowering youths to compete in the global economy.

    Development experts concur with Governor Mutfwang that technology remains one of the most powerful drivers of economic empowerment. They note its capacity to generate jobs, broaden access to global opportunities, and lift people out of poverty—particularly in underserved and rural communities. By investing in innovation and digital skills, the state government is equipping more young people to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to Enugu’s economic growth.

  • NIMR unveils N300M solar power system to tackle electricity challenges

    NIMR unveils N300M solar power system to tackle electricity challenges

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has unveiled a N300 million solar power system aimed at addressing persistent electricity challenges and strengthening critical research and diagnostic services at the institute.

    The 100 KVA solar facility, donated by the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), is expected to provide an uninterrupted power supply to key laboratories and research units.

    Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, the Director-General of NIMR, Prof. John Obafunwa, said the project would improve operational efficiency, reduce dependence on fossil fuel-powered electricity and support environmental sustainability.

    Represented by the Director of Administration, Mr Bitrus Nelson, Obafunwa described the intervention as timely and strategic.

    “Today’s event represents much more than the commissioning of a 100 KVA facility.

    “It signifies a shared commitment to sustainable development, resilient research systems and stronger partnerships in advancing public health outcomes,” he said.

    According to the NIMR chief, reliable electricity remains essential to the institute’s mandate of generating scientific evidence to support national health policies and interventions.

    He said the solar system would provide power to critical facilities, including the COBAS laboratory for HIV viral load testing, molecular laboratories conducting PCR-based analysis, the Biobank facility housing ultra-low temperature freezers, seminar and training centres, and other support units.

    Obafunwa noted that uninterrupted electricity was crucial for laboratory research, cold chain management, emergency preparedness and data management systems.

    He added that the new installation would help preserve valuable research specimens and ensure continuity of critical health services.

    The Managing Director of ECEWS, Dr Andy Eyo, described NIMR as a key institution in Nigeria’s public health and health security architecture.

    He said the project formed part of ECEWS’ broader efforts to strengthen healthcare and research infrastructure across the country.

    “NIMR has played a significant role in Nigeria’s public health history and in responding to emerging health threats,” Eyo said.

    He disclosed that the N300 million facility consists of 312 solar panels rated at 705 watts each, two 209 KVA lithium battery units and two 50 KVA inverters for power conversion.

    According to him, the system was designed based on lessons from previous renewable energy projects in the health sector and was extensively tested in collaboration with NIMR engineers before deployment.

    “This is the most sophisticated solar facility we have deployed in the health sector.

    “It is designed not only to provide stable power but also to reduce energy costs, allowing more resources to be channelled into research and healthcare delivery,” he said.

    Representing the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, Obafunwa commended ECEWS for its continued support to Nigeria’s health and research sector.

    He said investments in renewable energy solutions were essential for improving efficiency, reducing operational costs and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery in health institutions.

    “The deployment of renewable energy solutions such as this solar system aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening health systems while promoting sustainable development,” he said.

    Obafunwa recalled that NIMR’s monthly electricity bill exceeded N48 million when he assumed office in August 2024 and later rose to between N49 million and N52 million despite limited government funding.

    He said management had since introduced energy-saving measures, including the installation of prepaid meters and stricter energy management practices.

    The NIMR Director-General expressed appreciation to ECEWS and its partners for the intervention, noting that the project would strengthen the institute’s research capacity, improve diagnostic services and contribute to Nigeria’s renewable energy goals.

    (NAN)