June 2019
Vol. VII No. 6
A Monthly Publication from the Office of the Vice - C h a n c e l l o r
Inside:
Shugaba Urges Experts to Proffer Solutions to the Challenges of Lake Chad Region ...p 3
NUC Accreditation Team Visits UNIMAID Distance Learning Centre ...p 5
From Him We Come and to Him We Shall Return ...p 6
UNIMAID Gets First ICT Policy Document – Prof. Gutti ...p 11
Late Prof. Edith Chinwe Anaso - A Lover of Peace, Beacon of Unity ...p 13
From Herbs to Drugs – Prof. Iliya ...P14
Digital Infrastructure: Defining the Next Step ...p 16
© University of Maiduguri, Nigeria - www.unimaid.edu.ng
MISSION STATEMENT
The University of Maiduguri shall be an institution dedicated to scholarship and learning in the arts, sciences, humanities and technology, and the development of moral and civic character of all persons who pass through her portals. The University shall facilitate and advance scholarship and learning, especially in the light of her location in the Sahelian environment in the North-Eastern Nigeria, and at the cross-roads of Afri- ca and Middle-Eastern culture.
VISION STATEMENT The University of Maiduguri apart from achieving competence in the basic arts and sciences, aims at excel- lence in agriculture, pastoralism, engineering, human and veterinary medicine and information technology as well as in arid zone, trans-Saharan and inter-African peace and strategic studies. The University also aims to promote the development of private and public morality, discipline, accountability and probity, and also international cooperation through participation, research and dissemination of information.
All letters should be addressed to: Published by: The Office of the Vice-Chancellor, The Deputy Director, Information Unit, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria Senate Building, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
June, 2019
Vol. VII No. 6 EDITORIAL DESK
The reassurances received by the Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Professor Aliyu Shugaba, from all and sundry are omens of good hope in the start-up of a new administrator in the institution. This issue of the Unimaid Bulletin covers the encouraging pledges made by the Executive Governor of Borno State, Pro- fessor Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Executive Secretary Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Pro- fessor Suleiman Elias Bogoro, towards the University of Maiduguri and its management team during a brief rendezvous. The Bulletin brings along the report on an all-encompassing brainstorming engagement by the nation’s de- velopment partners - UNESCO and AfDB - at a critical time and scenario in the North-East. The emergence of University of Maiduguri as one of the four pilot centres of distance learning to be used in carrying out quality assurance assessment and implementation of the E-Learning Programme forms part of the highlights. Proposal for a change of nomenclature for the Computer and ICT Centre and the development of a legisla- tive framework that will serve as guideline in the administration of ICT services in the University of Maidu- guri also emerged as key issues in the Bulletin. The Bulletin gives an insight on the wind of change intensify- ing massive disruptions to the traditional ways we have been doing things in an unequivocal perspective. “From Him we come and to Him we shall all return”. On a very solemn note, we report the parting of our beloved colleagues, mothers, sisters and above all lovers of peace and beacon of unity in the University community. They may be gone but the virtues they left behind will linger long after their departure. May their gentle souls rest in peace. Editorial Board
Professor M. I. Ahmed - Chairman Professor M. L. Mele - Member Dr. Mary Pindar Ndahi - Member Mall. Musa Usman - Member Mall. Mohammed T. Ahmed - Member Fati Aliyu B. Abba - Secretary
Mall. Mohammed T. Ahmed, mnipr - Deputy Director, Information Alh. Suleiman Garba - Chief Photographer Ahmadu Abubakar - Photographer Mohammed M. Lawan - Photographer Bintu Mohammed (Mrs.) - Reporter Rabi U. Yusuf (Mrs.) - Reporter Abdulmumin Kolo Gulani - Reporter Abubakar Mustapha - Reporter Faculty/Directorate Representatives - Reporters Kyari Ali - Circulation Professor M. I. Ahmed - Design, Development & Integration
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for more intervention projects for the University as, he Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Engr. Babagana Umara according to him, the Executive Secretary is an T Zulum, has stated that the Vice alumnus of the University of Maiduguri who gradu- Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Professor Ali- ated in the year 1981 and will no doubt consider yu Shugaba, is a man of integrity who will im- bringing in more projects to his alma mater.
mensely contribute to the development of educa- Responding, the Executive Secretary disclosed that tion in Borno State. the physical commencement of fencing the Univer- The Governor stated this on 17th June 2019 when sity will soon take-off stressing that he was the one the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust who signed and released funds for the construction Fund (TETFUND), Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro paid of the Senate Building and expressed happiness him a courtesy visit at the Government House. with renaming it after President Muhammadu Buhari. The Governor, while appealing to the Executive Secretary for more project interventions to higher He noted that he has emotional feelings towards institutions in the State, revealed that the Vice Maiduguri and the University of Maiduguri as he Chancellor was a teacher to him before he joined sees it as home coming and commended the ef- the service of the University and promised to work forts of the former Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibra- with him for the development of education in the him Abubakar Njodi, for the honour he gave him state. to address members of the Senate of the Universi- ty during his last visit. In a related development, the Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Professor Aliyu Shugaba, has earlier received the TETFUND Executive Sec- retary, Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro, in his of- fice at the University. Professor Shugaba, while commending the Executive Secretary for his sup- port to University of Maiduguri, revealed that so many infrastructures within the University were initiated by Professor Bogoro including the Mu-
hammadu Buhari Senate Building and Professorial TETFUND Executive Secretary, Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro, making remarks on the purpose of his visit Quarters, among others. The Vice Chancellor used while the Vice Chancellor Professor Aliyu Shugaba the opportunity to request the Executive Secretary looks on Cont’d on page 3
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Cont’d from page 2 Professor Bogoro then thanked Professor Aliyu Shugaba for maintaining cordial relationship be- Saed, Engr. Mustapha Gotala, Audu Garba, Mu- tween TETFUND and the University stressing that hammed Abba Al-Khadi, Ahmad Kassim, Engr. Mo- University of Maiduguri is amongst the cosmopoli- tan universities in Nigeria because of its diversity in terms of staff employment and students admis- sions. As an alumnus, he said he is proud to be associated with the University and promised to bring in more projects to it whenever the oppor- tunity arises.
During the visit, the Governor, the Executive Sec- The Vice Chancellor Professor Aliyu Shugaba and TET- FUND Executive Secretary, Professor Suleiman Elias Bo- retary TETFUND and the Vice Chancellor Universi- goro (First row, Centre) in a group photograph with Prin- ty of Maiduguri took a facility tour of Borno State cipal officers of the University and TETFUND University. The Executive Secretary was accompa- hammed Habib, Engr. Kaigama, Malam Abba Ali nied by the Acting Director Department of Physi- Benisheik, Abubakar Dandaku, TETFUND contrac- cal Infrastructures, Buhari Munkaila, Alh. Idris tor and Engr. Abubakar Isa, among others.
he Vice Chancellor University of Muhammadu Buhari Senate Building of the Universi- Maiduguri, Professor Aliyu ty. Shugaba, has called on experts to T The Vice Chancellor, represented by the Director proffer solutions that will mitigate the problems Academic Planning, Professor Michael P. Noku, stat- and challenges of the North-East region in the ed that it is a welcome development that the meet- ongoing BIOPALT project of the Lake Chad Ba- ing is taking place at a critical time of the situation sin. in the North-East adding that is important to note He made the call while delivering a goodwill the support of the nation’s development partners - message at the opening of a meeting on the UNESCO and AfDB. theme “Sensitization, Planning and Consultation Professor Shugaba added that constituting the towards Development of Management Plan of Lake Chad as a Transboundary World Heritage the Proposed Lake Chad Transboundary World Site will without doubt expose the region to global Heritage Site” organized by UNESCO at the Cont’d on page 4
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Cont’d from page 3 attention with many socio-economic benefits. He stressed that University of Maiduguri is willing to earlier visited communities and informed them participate in whatever way that will propel the about the importance of the Lake Chad Basin region to a global stage of peace and prosperity. which she said is to be designated “World Herit- age Domain”. The Vice Chancellor then revealed that the Univer- sity has wide range of areas of specialization She noted that the meeting will comprise of stake- holders drawn from traditional rulers, farmers, fishermen, cattle herders, youth groups as well as members of houses of assembly and chairmen of Monguno, Ngala, Kukawa and Marte Local Gov- ernment Areas.
Also speaking, Mr. Bale Bura of the National Focal Point, UNESCO BIOPALT Project, stated that the specific objectives of the meeting include synchro- nizing the standard universal value, identifying the Professor Michael P. Noku, representative of the Vice key issues of the nominated site, obtaining specific Chancellor, at the occasion data from the stakeholders, complementary to which UNESCO is free to tap from, adding that the those already documented, among others. staff of the University will be willing to provide ex- In a vote of thanks, the member of Borno State pertise in any relevant aspect. House of Assembly representing Monguno, Hon. He then assured them that the University is not only Maina Garba, commended the effort of the Uni- willing to facilitate the processes of developing the versity management in providing them with a con- management plan of the proposed Lake Chad ducive venue for the meeting and assured them Transboundary World Heritage Site but also to that a bill on the project when forwarded to the partner with UNESCO and other development House will have a speedy passage as, according partners. to him, Lake Chad being designated a world herit- In her remarks, UNESCO Programme Officer of age will be of immense benefit to the state and Culture, Ms Nseno Emiem, disclosed that the the country at large. Lake Chad, he further said, will be the third World Heritage Site in Nigeria. BIOPALT project is designed to restore the integrity of the Lake Chad Basin, stressing that they had
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NUC ACCREDITATION TEAM VISITS UNIMAID DISTANCE LEARNING CENTRE
he Vice Chancellor University of Mai- der to bring about an accurate report. duguri, Professor Aliyu Shugaba, has T informed members of the Quality As- Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Commit- surance Team from NUC that the University strictly tee, Professor Suleiman Magaji, stated the essence adheres to the rules and regulations laid down for of the visit is to carry out quality assurance assess- the Distance Learning Programme of the Universi- ment and implementation of the E-Learning Pro- ty. gramme on Economics of Centre adding that four universities are selected as pilot institutions for the The Vice Chancellor, represented by the Director programme. Professor Suleiman Magaji called on Academic Planning, Professor Michael P. Noku, the Centre’s management for cooperation during stated that the University always welcomes such the two days accreditation exercise.
Professor Michael P. Noku delivering his opening remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Representative of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Aliyu Shugaba Michael P. Noku and Professor Suleiman Magaji ( Front row, Center) flanked on the right by the visits by teams from NUC and other professional Registrar Tijjani Bukar and on the left by Dr. Jamil Mu’azu & Professor Emmanuel Camble in a group bodies and that the visit will no doubt help it to photograph to commemorate the visit correct mistakes and make things better.
Professor Shugaba further informed them that the Professor Magaji then thanked the management of Centre now has an E-Learning Laboratory that the University for the hospitality accorded to them accommodates over 250 candidates and its per- and assured them of carrying out a thorough as- manent site which is under construction will soon be sessment of the programmes in the Centre. completed. He then wished the team a successful exercise urging them to do a thorough job in or- Cont’d on page 6
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NUC ACCREDITATION TEAM VISITS UNIMAID DISTANCE LEARNING CENTRE
Cont’d from page 5
The Chairman of the accreditation Committee, Profes- sor Suleiman Magaji, making his remarks during the (L-R) Tijjani Bukar (Registrar), Professor Emmanuel visit Camble (University Librarian), Mal. Yusuf Nande (HOD VC’s Office)
he death has occurred of Hajiya Hajara Birma, the wife of the Vice T Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Professor Aliyu Shugaba.
Mrs Shugaba died at the age of 48 after a brief illness. Until her death, she was a staff of Registry Unit University of Maiduguri.
The deceased left behind her husband, Professor Prayers for the repose of the soul observed in congre- Aliyu Shugaba, five children and one grand child. gation at the burial ground The funeral prayer was observed on the 10th of July, 2019 at the University of Maiduguri Central mer Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Mamman Mosque at 2pm, according to Islamic rites. Durkwa, Former Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Professor J.D. Amin, Chief Imam of Dignitaries in attendance include the Borno State Maiduguri Central Mosque, Imam Laisu Ibrahim, Deputy Governor, Hon. Usman Umar Kadafur, for- Cont’d on page 7
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Cont’d from page 6
Chief Imam University of Maiduguri Central Professor Shugaba went further to appreciate the Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Goni Ali Gabchiya, sympathy and support of the Chairman and mem- among several others. bers of the Governing Council of the University, all
The Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Pro- security agencies, distinguished religious and commu- fessor Aliyu Shugaba, in a circular VC/SER.68/ nity leaders, heads of financial institutions, the or- Vol. VI dated 16th July 2019 expressed profound ganised private sector, unions and associations, the appreciation on behalf of the family to all distin- mass media, federal and state legislators, elders of guished personalities and organisations that stood by his family following the untimely loss of his dear wife, Hajiya Hajara Aliyu Shugaba.
He extended special appreciation to His Excellen- cy the Governor of Borno State, Professor Ba- bagana Umara Zulum (mni); the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur; For- mer Borno State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ali Modu Sheriff; His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Umar Ibn Garbai Al-Amin El Prayers for the repose of the soul observed in congrega- tion at the Vice Chancellor’s residence -Kanemi; Elder Statesman, Dr. Muhammadu Indimi, as well as distinguished emirs and chiefs from Borno, heads and representatives of academic insti- within and outside Borno State. tutions within and outside Borno State, former Vice Chancellors, staff and students of the University.
In his closing remarks, Professor Shugaba concluded by saying “May the Almighty Allah reward you abundantly”
May Jannatul firdausi be her final abode and may Allah grant the family the solace and fortitude to bear the loss. Ameen.
Distinguished personalities felicitate with the family at the Vice Chancellor’s residence
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NUC ACCREDITATION TEAM VISITS UNIMAID DISTANCE LEARNING CENTRE
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Sub-Committee on Information and Com-
munication Technology (ICT) charged with A the responsibility of developing the Unimaid ICT Policy Document has recommended a change of nomenclature in respect of the Computer and ICT Centre of the University. This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Sub- Committee, Professor M. I. Ahmed, who is also the Director Instructional Technology Centre, University of Maiduguri, during the submission of the final report to the Director Computer and ICT Centre, Professor Babagana Gutti. Professor Ahmed reit- Professor M. I. Ahmed (Left) handing over the ICT Sub-Committee’s report to the Director Computer erated that the proposal for a change of nomen- and ICT Centre, Professor Babagana Gutti (Right) clature for the Computer and ICT Centre becomes necessary as a result of the ongoing development While receiving the report on behalf of the Uni- of a legislative framework that will serve as versity ICT Committee, the Director Computer and guidelines in the administration of ICT services in ICT Centre, Professor Babagana Gutti, revealed the University. The sub-committee thus deemed it that “this is the first ICT policy document pro- pertinent to seize this opportunity to propose a duced for the University since its establishment, befitting identity to replace the existing nomencla- stressing that the document will provide the nec- ture “Computer and ICT Centre”. essary guidelines in upgrading the infrastructure and improving on the services of the Centre”. Other members of the Unimaid ICT Policy Commit- tee include Dr. Sule Tagi, Mrs. Maryam Zubairu, Professor Gutti went further to say, the ICT policy Dr. Maimadu Barma Mutai, Dr. Zainab Bala Mo- document would not have come at a better time, hammed and Suleiman Umar. recalling his recent discussion with the University management on the need to vigorously improve
on ICT infrastructural deployment in the institution.
Earlier in his remarks, Professor Ahmed elucidat- ed the modus operandi adopted by the sub- committee in order to efficiently deliberate, inter- act and strategize on the discharge of its as- signed responsibilities through both physical and virtual meetings. The Chairman disclosed that the committee (R-L) Dr. Sule Tagi, Dr. Maimadu Barma Mutai, Sulei- worked tirelessly beyond the call of duty to de-
man Umar and Abubakar Mustapha witnessing the velop an ICT policy document that will serve as a submission of the Sub-Committee’s report Cont’d on page 13
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reference document in the acquisition, deployment, Cont’d from page 12 usage and optimization of ICT resources in the in- the University ICT Committee”. He reiterated that stitution. He went on further to say: “In an effort to the committee has a lot to tap from his experi- accomplish the primary term of reference and to ences. produce an all-encompassing ICT legislation for the University, the sub-committee surpassed the Dr Tagi said the ICT Sub-committee did a time frame specified in the sub-committee’s letter thourough job in the amalgamation of conglomer- of appointment”. Professor Ahmed said the sub- ates of legislations that hinge on the use of ICT committee covered extensive legislative frame- infrastructure as a reference document for the works that outline the principles, strategies and University. He thanked the Director Computer goals envisioned to govern the development, im- and ICT Centre for the confidence he reposed in plementation, adoption, monitoring, evaluation and the Sub-Committee and pledges to be of service application of information and communication tech- in similar delegations in the future. nology in the University of Maiduguri. He went fur- The visit culminated with the submission of two ther to say that “the ICT policies covered in the document are in no way exhaustive but will serve bound copies of the Sub-Committee’s report to as the reference document on ICT standards and the Director Computer and ICT Centre followed envisioned to provide the rationale, prudence and by a group photograph to commemorate the philosophy to guide the planning, acquisition, de- event. velopment, utilization, deployment, maintenance and disposal of ICT resources in the University of Maiduguri”. Professor Ahmed conveyed apprecia- tion of the Sub-committee to the University ICT Committee for finding it worthy to serve the Uni- versity in this capacity. Professor Gutti commended the efforts of the Sub- Committee and promised to make use of the docu- ment, adding that he will consult key stakeholders before transmission to Senate for recommendation to Council for approval. In his closing remarks, Dr. Sule Tagi applauded the Director Computer and ICT Centre for his visionary Members of the ICT Sub-Committee in a group pho- leadership in steering the administration of the tograph with the Director and staff of the Computer Centre and his wisdom in the selection of the Sub- and ICT Centre , University of Maiduguri Committee team to execute such a herculean task. Dr. Tagi in his own words said “as an insider, being
a member of the University ICT Committee for quite a while, I urged the management of Comput- er and ICT Centre to co-opt Professor Ahmed on
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he Vice Chancellor University of members of the host community.
Maiduguri, Professor Aliyu Shugaba, Professor Shugaba, while mourning the demise of T has described Late Professor Edith Late Professor Anaso, described her death as a Chinwe Anaso as an astute scholar whose re- colossal loss to the University and beseeched God search works have remained outstanding and con- to grant her entire family and the University com- tinued to be reference points to other researches. munity the fortitude to bear the great loss.
The Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Until her death, she was a lecturer with the De- Director Academic Planning of the University, Pro- partment of Biological Sciences. Born on 10th Sep- fessor Michael P. Noku, made the assertion at a tember 1955 in Ibagwa, Nsukka Local Govern- valedictory session for the Late Professor on Fri- ment Area of Enugu State, she was an indigene of day, 28th June, 2019 at the El-Kanemi Hall of the Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area, University. Anambra State.
In farewell remarks by the Dean, Faculty of Sci- ence, Head of Department of Biological Sciences, Chaplain, Chapel of Grace University of Maidu- guri and her next of kin, they all extolled the vir- tues of Late Professor Anaso - as a pious, gener- ous, God fearing and kind-hearted woman who
(R-L) Professor Michael P. Noku (Representative the Vice Chancellor), Aisha Chiroma (Representative of the Registrar), Professor R. Badejo and Mr. M. Ndirbulla
He said Late Professor Anaso remained humble, welcoming and accommodating in her pursuits, stressing that she was known as a lover of peace and a beacon of unity having spent the larger part of her life in the northern part of the country, Professor W. Sodipo delivering his valedictory address
adding that she had no hindrance in blending with the diverse ethnic groups on campus and among (Cont’d on page 16)
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stance produced by living things or found in nature brahim Iliya is a professor of natural prod- that possesses pharmacological or biological char- uct chemistry in the Faculty of Pharmacy, acteristics. The professor of natural product chem- University of Maiduguri. He delivered his istry described his area of research as multidisci- I th inaugural lecture, which is the 76 of such lecture plinary and that it relates to many of the sciences series in the University of Maiduguri on the 30th of - such as molecular and cellular biology, synthetic May 2019 where he stressed the importance of and analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnol- ogy, pharmaceutical sciences, taxonomy, microbi- ology, agriculture, proteomics, genomics and metabolomics.
In the course of his lecture, Professor Iliya de- scribed the important role played by natural products for thousands of years in health care sys- tems. He cited examples of ancient civilizations such as the Sumerian, Egyptian, European, Chinese and the Mediterranean culture who had used nat- ural products as medicines for thousands of years. He classified three main sources of drugs – name- Professor Ibrahim Iliya, Faculty of Pharmacy, ly, serendipity which include luck and observation University of Maiduguri of side effects; natural sources which are made of plants, animals, mineral sources and structured in- natural products as sources of bioactive com- vestigation (focused or random studies). He went pounds. further to highlight how drugs such as penicillin and Professor Iliya said several chemical substances anticoagulants (coumarins) were found by luck and have been produced by nature and can be used minoxidal (hair growing cream) acetyl salicylic as medicines, dietary supplements, spices, agricul- acid-aspirin (antiplatelet aggregation) and senidi- tural pesticides and herbicides. Additionally, he fil (viagra) were found by observation of side ef- said they may be used as insect repellents, at- fects. He also gave a brief account of how drugs tractants and are of taxonomic importance to such as captopril (antihypertensive agent), oestro- both animals and plants. gen, which is used for menopausal syndrome, and
He defined natural product as a chemical sub- (Cont’d on page 16)
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FROM HERBS TO DRUGS – PROF. ILIYA (Cont’d from page 15) insulin were obtained from animals. Professor Iliya maillard reaction inhibition and prevention of elucidated how Captopril, a drug from a Brazili- diabetes complications as well as anticancer, anti an pit viper venom, has been exploited to lower -HIV/AIDS, melanogenesis (skin lightening) and the blood pressure of patients. Another example anti-oxidant activities. of drugs from animals, he said, is the urine of pregnant horse which is found to be rich in oestro- gen and used in the treatment of menopausal syn- dromes. The lecturer carried his audience through (Cont’d from page 14) phytochemical studies on the stilbenoids constitu- will not only be missed by her family but the Uni- ents of five species of Gnetum namely G. african- versity community as a whole. um, G. gnemon, G, gnemonoides, G. latifolium and G. parvifolium which he said resulted in the isola- The Late Professor Anaso joined the service of the tion of sixty eight stilbene derivatives, amongst University on 22nd May 2000 and became a pro- which are forty-four new compounds and in the fessor in the year 2009. Meanwhile, Late Profes- phytochemical studies of the methanol extract of sor Edith Chinwe Anaso was buried on the 12th of the stem and root of a cultivated Wilwitchiamira- July 2019 in Awka North, Awka, Anambra State, bilis; he also reported the isolation of twenty one according to Christian injunctions. Highlights of the stilbeniod amongst which are twelve new com- valedictory session were prayers of peace and pounds. harmony observed by the assistant Chaplain of the Chapel of Grace, Rev. Sunday Daniel. He went on further to explain how they screened many plants extracts and pure compounds for
(L-R) Professor Abdullahi H. Godowoli, Professor Dauda Dr. Ifeanyi Anaso delivering vote of thanks on behalf Iliya, Professor Ibrahim A. Njodi and Professor Aliyu of the Anaso family Shugaba
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he Computer Professionals Registration in attendance due to official engagement outside Council of Nigeria (CPN) held its 2019 the country. T Information Technology Professionals’ He went further to express the Vice Chancellor’s th th Assembly on the 26 and 27 June 2019 at Sher- profound gratitude to the leadership of CPN for aton Hotel Abuja with the theme ‘Digital Infra- inviting him to the 2019 Professionals’ Assembly. structure: Defining the Next Step’. He reiterated the significance of CPN as a regula- The Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Pro- tory agency of government charged with the re- fessor Aliyu Shugaba, was a guest of honour at sponsibility of quality assurance in computer pro- the occasion where he was represented by the fession in the academia and industries in Nigeria. Director, Instructional Technology Centre, Profes-
sor M. I. Ahmed. He said University of Maiduguri is an operator In a goodwill message, Professor Ahmed extend- and indeed a stakeholder in the profession since a ed the Vice Chancellor’s apologies for not being Department of Computer Science is on the verge of take-off in the institution.
In his closing remarks, Professor Shugaba called on the CPN Council to consider using Kanem Suites at Utako for their future Professionals’ Assembly, as- suring them of optimum satisfaction at a discount- ed rate.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Peter Amangbo, former Group Managing Director/CEO Zenith Bank Plc., represented by the Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Umar S. Ahmed, shared his thoughts on defin- ing the next step for digital infrastructure from a financial services perspective to stimulate conver- sations on what the Council and information tech- nology practitioners should be doing to proffer solutions to the prevailing challenges and to con- Professor Aliyu Shugaba trol emerging opportunities. Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri (Cont’d on page 18)
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(Cont’d from page 17) Mr. Amangbo said the financial services sector is of monumental proportion, enabled by the conver- undergoing significant structural and paradigmat- gence of the physical environment and digital ic shift that is altering and redefining the financial space driven by ubiquitous connectivity, virtual landscape and the global economy. reality, artificial intelligence, robotics and cloud He elucidated how bank-led digital financial ser- computing, combining to enable the “Internet of vices are transforming banking from a physical Things”. place to a digital space.
However, the keynote speaker observed that sys- tem downtime and the incidences of failed trans- actions remain a major concern for customers, fi- nancial institutions and regulators since the advent of electronic banking in Nigeria.
Mr. Amangbo further highlighted the findings of Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) on the number of failed transactions arising from ter- minal and network issues standing at roughly 11 million in 2018.
The speaker observed that though about 295 mil- lion transactions were successfully processed, the Mr. Peter Amangbo, former Group Managing Director/ number of unsuccessful PoS transactions that re- CEO Zenith Bank Plc. sulted in debits from customers’ account created
some measure of uneasiness between customers The need to create enabling environments for en- and their banks. trepreneurship and development of start-ups Mr. Amangbo reiterated that issuer and switch through progressive regulation of sector players challenges also led to failed ATM and web trans- was observed to be key.
actions just as they negatively impact interbank The Professionals’ Assembly was concluded with a transfers. gala night at the banquet hall of Sheraton Hotel In his final thoughts, the keynote speaker ob- Abuja. served that the new era is going to witness shifts
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