Author and accomplished newspaper editor/ journalism prizeman, Dayo Oketola, is set to embark on an international book tour taking off on November 15 with a book reading and signing event in Abuja.
 
Oketola has authored a book titled, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens’, presented to the public on September 17, 2024, at the Muson Centre in Lagos during an Exaugural Lecture marking the end of his tenure as Editor, The PUNCH. 

The book was unveiled by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other dignitaries.
 
The author expressed heartfelt gratitude on the incredible support and accolades that have followed the release of the book and announced an international book tour, beginning in Abuja and continuing to Lagos, Akwa-Ibom, Delta, as well as the UK, US, and Canada, among other locations.
 
He said, “The book reading and signing event, hosted by RovingHeights Bookstore in Abuja, will mark the start of the international “Catalyst Book Tour.” This tour will include readings, book signings, fireside chats, and interviews, serving as a platform to share insights from my 20 years in journalism while celebrating my contributions to the telecom industry’s knowledge base. It will also provide a chance to connect with friends, colleagues, critics, and fellow book lovers, both locally and internationally.”
   
Speaking on the book, the author explained that the 352-page compendium structured into 14 chapters celebrates remarkable industry achievements while critically addressing the persistent gaps that hinder its full potential.
 
He said,  “Blending personal narratives with meticulous industry analyses, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens’ offers a profound exploration of Nigeria’s telecommunications evolution,  which began with the introduction of GSM in 2001, to the vibrant and competitive industry we witness today.  It also highlights the bold initiatives that opened the sector to private investment, leading to over $70 billion in capital inflow and the creation of over 500,000 jobs in over 20 years.
“From emphasising how advancements in telecommunications, fintech, and infrastructure have catalysed Nigeria’s national development, the book delves into strategic planning and governance, showcasing successful projects that highlight the importance of foresight in harnessing technology for societal growth. Through real-life stories and case studies, readers will witness the transformative power of innovation in various sectors, from agriculture to education, among others.”

In the chapters dedicated to inclusivity in technology, the author confronts the marginalisation of vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs) and women. By exploring initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, the book advocates for equitable access to technological advancements, emphasising the need for diverse voices in shaping the digital future.

According to Oketola, the book further examines the roles of regulatory agencies in shaping the telecoms and fintech sectors. It identified both the successes and failures of existing regulatory frameworks, shedding light on how these have influenced industry innovation and equipping readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities at play in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. 
The author equally investigates the operational challenges faced by NigComSat-1R, Nigeria’s multi-million dollar communication satellite, while looking into the future by examining the government’s initiatives aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s digital economic potential through broadband expansion, infrastructure development, and the rise of 5G technology.
According to him, the book is a collector’s item for ICT sector stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, lecturers, STEM students, university libraries and those interested in understanding the dynamic intersection of technology, policy, and social impact in Nigeria.
 

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Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has announced the approval of N600 million for the payment of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for Senior Secondary Three (SS3) students in the state for the 2024/2025 academic year.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, during a press conference held on Tuesday in Lokoja.

He stated that the allocated funds will cover the examination fees for a total of 18,734 students in public schools across Kogi State.

According to Jones “The state government will be paying the sum of N600 million for the WAEC fees. The payment is in line with the Free Examination Fee for Pupils in Public Schools Law enacted by the state government in 2023.”

Jones highlighted that this initiative aligns with existing legislation mandating the government to bear the costs of examination registration fees for students in public primary and secondary schools.

In January 2024, the Kogi State government announced plans to institute a policy making the payment of external and internal examination fees-free. This policy aligns with the state’s commitment to free education

Under the same free education framework, the Kogi State Government, in line with its policy under former Governor Yahaya Bello, released N115 million to cover the cost of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration fees for 15,033 students in public schools across the state.

In November 2023, Governor Bello approved the immediate disbursement of N497 million for the payment of the 2023 WAEC examination fees for students enrolled in public schools.

This disbursement not only fulfils the administration’s recent commitment to implementing the “Zero Out-of-School Policy” in the region.

Prioritizing educational growth 

Jones noted that since 2016, the Kogi State government has prioritized education, allocating 30% of its budget to this sector.

“The aim of this is not just to lessen the burden of fees on the parents but also to reduce the out-of-school children in Kogi,” he said. 

Jones also shared encouraging statistics regarding student enrollment.

“In 2023/2024 registration, the state government enrolled over 15,000 students for the examination. In 2024/2025, the state is enrolling 18,734 students for WAEC across the 21 local government areas,” he said.  

This increase in enrollment indicates a significant trend, as more students are choosing to attend public schools instead of private institutions.

He reiterated the Ododo administration’s commitment to drastically reducing the number of out-of-school children in Kogi State, stating that the government aims to keep this number to a minimum.

Furthermore, he urged principals and school heads to collaborate closely with the ministry to ensure a seamless registration process for the benefit of the students and the state’s educational growth.

While the commissioner expressed optimism about the future of education in Kogi State, he also issued a stern warning to school principals.

“The government will come down heavily on any school principal who tries to shortchange the system,” he stated 

The Ogun State Government has shut down Obada Grammar School, Obada, Idi-Emi over the death of an SS2 student of the school, Monday Arijo.

This followed the arrest and suspension of the teacher allegedly responsible for the death of the student on Friday last week as a result of corporal punishment.

The principal of the school, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo, who was earlier issued a query for allowing corporal punishment to be used on the pupil against the established rules and regulations in the state, has also been suspended.

This was according to a statement sent by Mr Lekan Adeniran, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov Dapo Abiodun to journalists on Tuesday.

The statement partly read, “The closure of the school was based on the directive of the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, who has also directed that a panel should be set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.

“The governor has promised that those liable by the outcome of the investigation will be made to face the full wrath of the law”.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology were also said to have visited the family of the late student.

The visit was to offer condolences to the family and express the Ministry’s sorrow over their loss as well as collect first-hand accounts of the incident for a thorough investigation.

The government’s delegation includes the Director, the Secondary and Higher Education Department in the Ministry, the Principals General, Egba and Yewa Divisions, the Zonal Education Officer, Imeko Afon, representatives of ANCOPPS, Ogun State President, Trade Union Congress and the Ogun State Chairman of ASSUS.

The Principals General, Egba and Yewa Divisions as well as the Director of Education, Secondary and Higher Education, who spoke during the visit, expressed their heartfelt condolences even as they pledged the support of the state government to the family during this challenging time.

The officials assured the family that a thorough investigation would be launched to determine the facts surrounding the incident and that accountability would be pursued.

They reiterated the government’s commitment to learners’ safety, the creation of a more supportive school environment, and justice for the bereaved family over the sudden death of their son.

The DPO, Idi-Emi, assured the family that the situation around the ugly incident would be unraveled to the core, and justice would be served. He assured them of the safety of their wards in the school.

A condolence letter to commiserate with the bereaved family over the loss as well as a cash gift of N500,000 were handed over to the representative of the deceased family.

The officials were received by the family who expressed their grief and shock at the sudden loss of their child.