Author: admin@theprimetimes
The Federal Government through the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, has said that quality software development will be essential in expanding Nigeria’s digital economy. Pantami made the remark at the first Software Testing Conference in Nigeria themed, ‘Impact of Software Quality Assurance in the Nigerian Digital Economy’, organised by Nigeria Software Testing Qualification Board (NGSTQB) in Lagos. About a decade ago, the then Chairman of Nigeria Software Development Initiative (NSDI), Jim Ovia, estimated the size of Nigeria’s software industry to be over N15 billion, with an estimated import value of software products of $900 million. At…
Nigeria has doubled the number of its ranked universities – from six to 12 in the recently released Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. However, stakeholders are divided on whether the achievement is an accurate reflection of the nation’s higher education system, considering incessant strikes by various academic unions. The rankings for Nigeria showed that the University of Ibadan (UI) and University of Lagos (UNILAG) are tied for first spot, both scaling into the top 500 as they were placed in the 401-500 band. Covenant University occupies the third spot and is placed in the group band of 601-800.…
As the 2023 poll draws nearer, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr Godwin Emefiele has faulted the notions held in certain quarters that the decision to redesign the naira notes and the transaction limit policy was politically motivated. Speaking when he appeared before members of the House of Representatives, he maintained that the decision was taken based on verifiable data and research conducted by various monetary and fiscal departments of the apex bank. Represented by his Deputy in charge of financial stability, Aishah Ahmad, he stressed that there is no way the CBN would take sides…
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has assured all Nigerians and residents in the country, particularly those who will be travelling or joining friends and relatives in public places for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, of their safety and security during and after the yuletide season. The IGP similarly reassured those who will be plying roads, waterways, airports, and rail tracks that proactive measures have been emplaced to ensure they arrive at their destinations devoid of the activities of criminal elements. According to the police spokesman, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, “To achieve this, the IGP has ordered Assistant…
• Redesign, withdrawal limit will wreck north, Wamakko claims • Ibadan motorcyclists reject new notes • Bank of England unveils King Charles III banknotes, won’t phase out old notes but reprinting will be discontinued Just a week into the introduction of new naira notes by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), checks have shown that many states are yet to receive reasonable share of the currency. From Lagos to Rivers, Oyo to Borno, the narrative is the same. The notes drop in trickles, with Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) still dispensing the old denominations. Meanwhile, reports of fake notes are flooding media…
Following his conviction on money laundering charges on Monday, Doyin Okupe, Director General of the Obi-Datti Campaign Organisation, stepped down yesterday. Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had found Okupe (a former Senior Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan), guilty of receiving over N200 million cash from a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki. Consequently, the court sentenced Okupe to two years imprisonment, to run concurrently, or payment of a cash fine of 500,000 on each of the 26 count charges (N13, million) of money laundering preferred against him by the Economic…
Former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, will spend both the Christmas and New Year Day celebrations behind bars after his application for bail was refused at the Central Criminal Court a.k.a. Old Bailey yesterday. His application for “dismissal of charges” of conspiracy to facilitate organ harvesting of David Nwamini’s kidney was also thrown out alongside those of his wife, Beatrice and their daughter, Sonia. By default, the Ekweremadus and co-defendant, Dr Obinna Obeta will now stand trial beginning on January 31. By then, Ekweremadu would have spent a little over seven months in prison since his arrest at Heathrow Airport…
Airline operators, yesterday, warned the travelling public to prepare for imminent flight delays and cancellations over a fresh bout of aviation fuel scarcity. The operators, under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), said the perennial scarcity had returned and most likely would disrupt operations as Christmas approaches. The Guardian had reported that another round of airfare hikes was looming this festive season, alongside a high probability of flight delays and cancellations nationwide. Besides the harmattan haze expected to disrupt operations, the high cost of operations, especially aviation fuel crossing the N800/litre mark, has raised fares to N150,000 on…
Insists commission won’t succumb to threats Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, said many politicians are unhappy with current efforts by the commission and security agencies to stop vote buying during the 2023 polls and are expected to fight back. The commission said though it is not going to be easy to root out the negative influence of money on the elections, it is determined to tackle it. INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this at a one-day stakeholders’ summit on addressing the influence of money in the general elections. He said: “We fully realise that today’s initiative will not…
The rising number of pre-trial inmates in the correctional centres poses a huge setback to the Justice system of the country. Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATI) are left to having on to fate as they await a trial that never starts, or when it does, appears endless. The minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, in Abuja, lamented the staggering number of ATI’s. He revealed that: “no fewer than 70 per cent of Nigerian inmates are serving time without being sentenced as they are awaiting trial. The administration of criminal justice is such that…