CYSEI, ICET host cyber security workshop for Niger Officials

The Cyber Security Education Initiative (CYSEI), in partnership with the International Centre for Emerging Technology (ICET) at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, organised a one-day “capability building workshop on cyber security skills for some officials of the Niger State Government.”

The workshop, held last Tuesday at the New Lecture Theatre, School of Information and Communications Technology (SICT), Main Campus, Gidan Kwano, was part of the activities to mark the ongoing 2023 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM).

The event aimed to sensitise critical stakeholders and the general public on the need to bridge the knowledge gaps in cybersecurity and safeguard cyberspace for effective service delivery that guarantees economic growth.

Speaking at the workshop, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, called for the need to deploy emerging technology as a tool for combating cyber crimes and promoting the digital economy in Nigeria.

epresented by the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Oladiran K. Abubakre, the Vice-Chancellor explained that the university, as the first higher educational institution in the country to establish the Department of CyberSecurity Science, is committed to supporting the ongoing strive by the federal government and other critical stakeholders in ensuring the safety of the nation’s cyberspace.

Thus, the management’s decision to approve the establishment of ICET in the university

Highlighting the relevance of the digital economy to a country’s national growth and development, Prof. Kuta said that, as a new trend globally, the digital economy holds huge potential in the area of job creation for the teeming unemployed youths in the country. Adding to that, it is a trend that cannot be shied away from.

In a goodwill message at the occasion, the Commissioner of the Niger State Ministry of Communications Technology and Digital Economy, Hon. Suleiman Isah, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Sadiq Abubakar, assured that the state government is willing to partner with FUT, Minna, through his ministry with a view to achieving its mandates, which include the deployment of ICT in service delivery and job creation for Nigerlites, among others.

The Commissioner pointed out that cybercrimes go beyond just financial crime on the internet as they also include unauthorised disclosure of confidential information in the public domain, adding that civil servants ought to take note of that in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director, ICET, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Nicholas S. Iwokwagh, asserted that the rapid technological advancements have necessitated a huge demand for data protection, privacy, and security professionals.

“Cybersecurity professionals and cyberspace experts are most needed today in our country, and the demand is expected to grow even more in the coming years,” he added.

Lamenting the huge challenges in securing cyberspace in the country, Prof. Iwokwagh explained that service providers always have difficulties in protecting their databases from the activities of bloggers, such as data thefts, system hacks, internet fraud, ransomware attacks, data breaches, and phishing, among others, which not only jeopardise the credibility, productivity, and corporate reputations of these organisations but also incur penalties and sanctions. Adding to that, this menace is unacceptable and calls for urgent remediation measures.

Also speaking, the HOD, Department of CyberSecurity Science, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Dr. Isma’ila Idris, who was the keynote speaker at the occasion, pointed out that a secured digital infrastructure is foundational to clients’ trust, innovation, and economic growth.

“Cybersecurity instils trust in the digital ecosystem. In an economy where personal and financial data flow freely, individuals and organisations need assurance that their information is protected. Without this trust, the digital economy would falter, hindering economic growth and deterring potential participants,” he added.

Dr Idris further stressed the need for continuous enhancement of cybersecurity measures and the development of a policy framework that would allow for user education and reorientation on online safety, as well as the enactment of data protection laws to mitigate the risk associated with data and information theft.

Highlighting the consequences of a successful cyberattack, the keynote speaker argued that the devastating effects are not only limited to financial losses but also result in the loss of customer confidence and even a threat to national security.

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