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A cybersecurity expert, Dr Adebola Folorunso, has urged entrepreneurs to be proactive in cybersecurity practices in their businesses otherwise they fall victim to cyberattacks.

Folorunso gave the advice while delivering a virtual lecture during a workshop on Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), organised by Knowledge Aid Initiative (KAI) in collaboration with Cyberspace Community Association of Nigeria in Ibadan on Saturday.

She said that cybersecurity should not be made an after thought by any serious business owners in order for such people not to regret their actions in future.

The expert, who is the co-founder of Absolute Solution Technology, said cybersecurity had become a necessity in today’s digital era for every business, irrespective of its scale.

She said that it was important for business owners to implement technological measures and practices to protect their systems, networks, and data from cyber crimes, damage, or unauthorized access.

According to her, SMEs play a significant role in most economies and are key contributors to job creation and economic growth and must therefore implement measures to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats.

“One might mistakenly think that cyber attackers would only target large corporations or government agencies; however, the realities are quite contradictory.

“SMEs are becoming increasingly targeted due to perceived weaker online security and other reasons,” she said.

The expert said that cybersecurity was crucial for SMEs based on the high risk and potential impact of cyberattacks, which could result in financial losses, damage to brand reputation and loss of customer trust.

Folorunso said that implementing effective cybersecurity measures could be challenging for SMEs owners due to lack of financial resources to invest in advanced security measures or to hire dedicated cybersecurity staff.

She said that there are various strategic measures that could be taken by SMEs owners to improve their cybersecurity posture that would not require huge finance.

Folorunso listed those measures to include regular risk assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities in their IT systems, regular training of employees, regular update of software and hardware among others.

She said that outdated systems are often targets for cyberattacks and many cyber attacks leverage known vulnerabilities in software, some of which have been patched by the software vendor but not applied by the user.

The expert said that every organisations should try as much as possible to prevent, detect and respond to cybersecurity in order to tackle cyber attacks and threats.

She said that cybersecurity should not be a one-off solution but a continuous process and essential for the longevity and success of SMEs.

“Stay vigilant, invest in the right tools, engage in regular training, and enforce strong guidelines,” she advised.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Office, Cherithpoint Education and Youth Development Initiative (CEYDI), Dr Olajumoke Akere, urged small businesses and educators to prioritize cybersecurity.

Akere said that adopting best practices to secure sensitive data and maintain operational integrity was crucial for the survival of any business.

Another expert Oyewale Oresanya told The Guardian that it is important that Nigeria focuses on breeding a new crop of cybersecurity experts that could bridge the noticeable talent gap in the country. His efforts have been dedicated to providing information and access to helping people switch careers into tech.

“We want to provide readily actionable and digestible information ready to people,” Oresanya told The Guardian. “We want to contribute to raising a band of tech dedicated problem solvers. Providing the right information is key to doing that.”

Oresanya insisted that talent gap is important challenge in the country that should not be overlooked, noting that available talent pool are not enough to protect the digital infrastructure. “It is not about having talent, it is about having enough talented hands that can do the job adequately and protect whatever infrastructure we have.”

Also speaking, the CEO of Knowledge Aid Initiative (KAI) Dr. Success Ojo, advised SMEs owners operating online to be cautious and observe some level of cybersecurity measures in order not to be a victim of cyber attack.

Ojo said that creating awareness on cybersecurity issues must be the responsibility of all and sundry for the good of the society because attackers and scammers are not relaxing and always full of different strategies.

She said that it was important for online business owners to implement necessary measures that would enable them to safeguard their businesses, earn customers’ trust and prevent loss.Oresanya insisted that talent gap is important challenge in the country that should not be overlooked, noting that available talent pool are not enough to protect the digital infrastructure. “It is not about having talent, it is about having enough talented hands that can do the job adequately and protect whatever infrastructure we have.”

An Educationist, Mrs Olajumoke Akere, has tasked the three tiers of governments to adequately fund education through good policies, specifically targeted at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

She said doing this would not only improve the quality of human resources the nation has but that it will also solve the challenges of unemployment and unemployable graduates in Nigeria.

Akere, who is the Director of Jsay Prevarsity, stated this during the Career Day celebration entitled: ‘‘Empowering Future Innovators: The Vital Role of STEM in Shaping Tomorrow’s Workplace. organised by Jsay Prevarsity in Ibadan.Empowering Future Innovators: The Vital Role of STEM in Shaping Tomorrow’s Workplace’ organised by Jsay Prevarsity in Ibadan, Oyo State.

She said it was imperative of the government and policymakers, to provide the necessary infrastructure, funding and policies to promote STEM education in Nigeria.

According to her, as Nigerians embrace the opportunities of the 21st century, it is clear that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are not just areas of study but the foundation upon which the future is being built.

Akere said that the nature of work in the next few years would drastically change, and involvement of technology would be at a faster pace than ever before.

She said the future workplace would demand skills that are based on critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation.

“The World Economic Forum predicts that more than 65% of children entering primary school today will end up in jobs that don’t even exist yet. The world is changing, and so must we,” she said.

Akere said that awareness must be created for students to know and take advantage of the broad range of career opportunities in STEM.

She emphasised that STEM wasn’t just about being a doctor or an engineer but there are countless emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, data science, robotics, and environmental engineering.

Akere called on schools and parents to expose students to opportunities in STEM education early enough for them to develop interest and confidence in pursuing STEM careers.

“Parents, school have a critical role to play in shaping career choices for students to fully understand the evolving job market and the importance of STEM.

“I urge you to take a closer look at the future job market. The traditional career paths we are used to may not be the ones that provide security in the future,” she said.

Akere urged schools not to just equip students with the knowledge but also the hands-on experience they need to succeed in those fields.

She called on students not to be afraid to explore and experiment with technology, science, and mathematics. “Learn about the world of coding, robotics, environmental science, build your knowledge and as well learn how to collaborate, communicate, and solve real-world problems.

“These are the skills that will make you indispensable in the workplace of tomorrow,” she said.
She said Jsay Prevarsity, has the vision to equip students for success in tertiary education and to ensure their global relevance, and it remained dedicated to helping students realize their full potential in the STEM field.

By Guardian Nigeria

Akere made the call during the organisation’s recently concluded virtual digital programme, which was designed to equip young graduates and aspiring professionals with essential digital marketing skills and career readiness.

She emphasised the critical role governments can play in fostering structured internship opportunities, which she described as vital for bridging the gap between education and employment.

“Governments can establish subsidised internship programs by partnering with organisations to co-fund initiatives, ensuring financial sustainability for businesses while providing fair compensation for interns,” Akere said.

She also highlighted the importance of: Policy Development: Instituting policies that mandate structured internships in public and private sectors.

Training Investments: Supporting hubs and training centers to provide specialised skills in fields such as digital marketing, artificial intelligence, and technology.

Akere stressed that investing in youth not only addresses unemployment but also builds a globally competitive workforce capable of driving innovation and shaping the future of the nation’s economy.

She further encouraged private organisations to play an active role in reducing the employability gap by collaborating with educational institutions and initiatives like CEYDI to identify and nurture talent.

“Private organisations should invest in mentorship programs that pair interns with seasoned professionals to provide both technical skills and career guidance,” Akere noted.

She also called for initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion by supporting interns from underrepresented communities and providing resources for sustainable workforce growth.

Akere concluded by calling on governments, corporate bodies, and other stakeholders to take decisive action in supporting structured graduate internships, which she said were essential for unlocking the economic and creative potential of the nation’s youth.

During the event, Mrs. Olajumoke Akere also addressed “Impostor Syndrome Faced by New Employees and Career Starters,” equipping attendees with strategies to overcome self-doubt and thrive professionally.

Her talk provided practical insights and motivational tools to help participants confidently navigate their early career journeys.

The virtual digital programme also featured other insightful sessions, including a keynote address by Dr. Oluseye Ojo, Director of Zachsam Consulting USA, who spoke on “Working with Global Teams.”

Dr. Ojo shared strategies for excelling in multicultural work environments and navigating cross-border collaborations.

A highlight of the event was the Digital Marketing Challenge, where interns showcased their creativity and strategic thinking while winners were recognised with awards for their outstanding performance, underscoring the transformative impact of structured training and mentorship.

The program brought together accomplished speakers, dedicated interns, and innovative activities that demonstrated the vast potential of youth in the digital era.

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By Laolu Elijah, Ibadan

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CherithPoint Education and Youth Development Initiative (CEYDI), Dr Olajumoke Akere, has said the country’s future is dependent on the ability of the youths to acquire digital literacy.

This digital literacy, according to her, will unlock several opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Akere said this during the 2024 Literacy Day organised by CherithPoint Education and Youth Development Initiative in Ibadan.

Digital literacy, she stressed, is more than learning how to use technology but also extends to empowerment, creativity, and connection.

The digital literacy expert called on all tiers of government and other stakeholders to adequately equip youths with the needed tools to build a better future for themselves, the country, and the world in general.

Similarly, she advised millions of youths in the country to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to them, saying the digital world was vast and full of possibilities.

“Whether you want to start a business, solve community problems, or pursue a career in technology, the skills you learn today will be your stepping stones,” Akere tells the youth”.

She called on educators and professionals to continue their vital roles in nurturing the youths, saying the future of the country depends on the education and empowerment of the youth on digital literacy.

“At CherithPoint, we have seen how digital literacy can transform lives, empower young people to access information, connect with others globally, and create innovative solutions to challenges in their communities. 

She called on educators and professionals to continue their vital roles in nurturing the youths, saying the future of the country depends on the education and empowerment of the youth on digital literacy.

“At CherithPoint, we have seen how digital literacy can transform lives, empower young people to access information, connect with others globally, and create innovative solutions to challenges in their communities. 

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IBADAN – An Educationist, Mrs Olajumoke Akere,says adequate funding and good policies formulation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education by government and other stakeholders will guarantee future job opportunities in Nigeria.

Akere,who is the Director of Jsay Prevarsity, stated this during the Career Day celebration organised by Jsay Prevarsity in Ibadan,the Capital City of Oyo State.

The celebration titled “Empowering Future Innovators: The Vital Role of STEM in Shaping Tomorrow’s Workplace.

The educationist advised government and policymakers to provide the necessary infrastructure, funding and policies to promote STEM education in Nigeria.

According to her, as Nigerians embrace the opportunities of the 21st century, it is clear that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are not just areas of study but foundation upon which the future is being built.

Akere said that the nature of work in the next few years would drastically change and involvement of technology would be at a faster pace than ever before.

The educationist said that the future workplace would demand skills that are based on critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation.

“The World Economic Forum predicts that more than 65% of children entering primary school today will end up in jobs that don’t even exist yet. The world is changing, and so must we,” she said.

Akere said that awareness must be created for students to know and take advantage of the broad range of career opportunities in STEM.

She emphasised that STEM wasn’t just about being a doctor or an engineer but there are countless emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, data science,robotics, and environmental engineering.

Akere called on schools and parents to expose students to opportunities in STEM education early enough for them to develop interest and confidence in pursuing STEM careers.

“Parents, school have a critical role to play in shaping career choices for students to fully understand the evolving job market and the importance of STEM.

“I urge you to take a closer look at the future job market. The traditional career paths we are used to may not be the ones that provide security in the future,” she said.

Akere urged schools not to just equip students with the knowledge but also the hands-on experience they need to succeed in those fields.

The educationist further called on students not to be afraid to explore and experiment with technology, science, and mathematics.

“Learn about the world of coding, robotics, environmental science, build your knowledge and as well learn how to collaborate, communicate, and solve real-world problems.

“These are the skills that will make you indispensable in the workplace of tomorrow,” she said.

The director said Jsay Prevarsity with vision to equip students for success in tertiary education and to ensure their global relevance, remained dedicated to helping students realize their full potential in STEM field.

See original post

By Laolu Elijah, Ibadan

A cybersecurity expert, Dr Adebola Folorunso, has advised owners of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the country to use strong and reliable technological measures to protect their data from pervasive cyber crimes.

Folorunso said this while delivering a virtual lecture at a workshop on “Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)” organised by Knowledge Aid Initiative (KAI) in collaboration with Cyberspace Community Association of Nigeria in Ibadan.

She urged business owners to be proactive about cybersecurity practices in their businesses and not make it an afterthought in order not to fall victim to cyberattacks.

To avoid falling victim to cybercrime, the expert, who is the co-founder of Absolute Solution Technology, advised owners of SMEs to do regular risk assessments in order to identify and address vulnerabilities in their IT systems.

She also tasked them with engaging in regular employee training and updating software and hardware, among others.

Dr Folorunso noted that with the rate of cybercrime, business owners should endeavour to protect their systems, networks, and data from cybercrime, damage, or unauthorised access. 

According to her, SMEs play a significant role in most economies and are key contributors to job creation and economic growth. They must therefore implement measures to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats.

Folorunso said this while delivering a virtual lecture at a workshop on “Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)” organised by Knowledge Aid Initiative (KAI) in collaboration with Cyberspace Community Association of Nigeria in Ibadan.

She urged business owners to be proactive about cybersecurity practices in their businesses and not make it an afterthought in order not to fall victim to cyberattacks.

To avoid falling victim to cybercrime, the expert, who is the co-founder of Absolute Solution Technology, advised owners of SMEs to do regular risk assessments in order to identify and address vulnerabilities in their IT systems.

She also tasked them with engaging in regular employee training and updating software and hardware, among others.

Dr Folorunso noted that with the rate of cybercrime, business owners should endeavour to protect their systems, networks, and data from cybercrime, damage, or unauthorised access. 

According to her, SMEs play a significant role in most economies and are key contributors to job creation and economic growth. They must therefore implement measures to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats.

“One might mistakenly think that cyber attackers would only target large corporations or government agencies. However, the realities are quite contradictory.”

The expert said that cybersecurity was crucial for SMEs based on the high risk and potential impact of cyberattacks, which could result in financial losses, damage to brand reputation, and loss of customer trust. 

Admitting that implementing effective cybersecurity measures could be challenging for SMEs owners due to a lack of financial resources to invest in advanced security measures or to hire dedicated cybersecurity staff, she added that various strategic measures could be taken by SMEs owners to improve their cybersecurity postures that would not require huge finances.

In addition, she pointed out that outdated systems are often targets for cyberattacks, and many cyberattacks leverage known vulnerabilities in software, some of which have been patched by the software vendors but not applied by the users.

The expert said that every organisation should try as much as possible to prevent, detect, and respond to cybersecurity in order to tackle cyber attacks and threats.

Ojo said that creating awareness on cybersecurity issues must be the responsibility of all and sundry for the good of society because attackers and scammers are not relaxing and are always full of different strategies.

She said that it was important for online business owners to implement necessary measures that would enable them to safeguard their businesses, earn customers’ trust, and prevent losses.

See original post

IBADAN – An educationist, Mrs Olajumoke Akere, says adequate funding and good policies formulation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education by government and other stakeholders will guarantee future job opportunities in Nigeria.

Akere,who is the Director of Jsay Prevarsity, stated this during the Career Day celebration organised by Jsay Prevarsity in Ibadan,the Capital City of Oyo State.

The celebration titled “Empowering Future Innovators: The Vital Role of STEM in Shaping Tomorrow’s Workplace.

The educationist advised government and policymakers to provide the necessary infrastructure, funding and policies to promote STEM education in Nigeria.

According to her, as Nigerians embrace the opportunities of the 21st century, it is clear that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are not just areas of study but foundation upon which the future is being built.

Akere said that the nature of work in the next few years would drastically change and involvement of technology would be at a faster pace than ever before.

The educationist said that the future workplace would demand skills that are based on critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation.

“The World Economic Forum predicts that more than 65% of children entering primary school today will end up in jobs that don’t even exist yet. The world is changing, and so must we,” she said.

Akere said that awareness must be created for students to know and take advantage of the broad range of career opportunities in STEM.

She emphasised that STEM wasn’t just about being a doctor or an engineer but there are countless emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, data science,robotics, and environmental engineering.

Akere called on schools and parents to expose students to opportunities in STEM education early enough for them to develop interest and confidence in pursuing STEM careers.

“Parents, school have a critical role to play in shaping career choices for students to fully understand the evolving job market and the importance of STEM.

“I urge you to take a closer look at the future job market. The traditional career paths we are used to may not be the ones that provide security in the future,” she said.

Akere urged schools not to just equip students with the knowledge but also the hands-on experience they need to succeed in those fields.

The educationist further called on students not to be afraid to explore and experiment with technology, science, and mathematics.

“Learn about the world of coding, robotics, environmental science, build your knowledge and as well learn how to collaborate, communicate, and solve real-world problems.

“These are the skills that will make you indispensable in the workplace of tomorrow,” she said.

The director said Jsay Prevarsity with vision to equip students for success in tertiary education and to ensure their global relevance, remained dedicated to helping students realize their full potential in STEM field.

See original post

Dr. Mrs Olajumoke Akere celebrates 20 years of impacting, helping and working with Youths to achieve their dreams.

In Celebrating 20 years of working with young people, Olajumoke Akere rolls out;

1. ₦200,000 worth in scholarships for secondary school students

Quantity – 5 JSS 3 and 5 -SSS 3 students
APPLY NOW

2. ₦200,000 challenge for 4 outstanding Tech /Entrepreneur projects

APPLY NOW

3. 20 units of 20gb data

4. 20 free copies of her latest book “The Gold in You”

Under her Joint Support for Africa Youth Trust.

HURRAY ! HURRAY!

Dr. Mrs Olajumoke Akere celebrates 20years of impacting ,helping and working with Youths to achieve their dreams.
As a benefactor of the impact of this Noble call, we humbly request a Testimonial on the effect that any of her work has made in your life either in video, audio or write up.

We also request your presence at the ceremony ( Webinar).
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86272714687
Date:1st July 2020
Time: 4:00pm

We look forward to a favourable response.

Thank you.

You can leave your Testimonials in the comments section below.

An educationist, Mrs Olajumoke Akere, has called for building of infrastructure that will enable Nigeria adopt digital learning strategies to beat the challenges of COVID-19.

Akere made the call in Ibadan on Wednesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on the impact of COVID-19 on international admissions and study plans.

She stated that while schooling had stopped in Nigeria due to the lockdown occasioned by COVID-19, the developed countries had continued schooling virtually through the use of technology.

Also, E-learning: Lagos govt to meet telecoms providers on data subscription.

Akere, the Director of JSAY Prevarsity, an educational Consult, said: “When COVID-19 started, especially the lockdown in Nigeria, many students applied to study abroad.

“We had to tell them that they would need to continue their application and then start the school online because what is happening outside the country is that COVID-19 did not affect their education.

“There wasn’t a time that they stopped school, especially for post-secondary students. Many of our students outside the country confirmed this to us.

“What obtains in the developed countries was that many of them from time had combined both physical teaching with virtual learning leveraging on technology.

“They were already used to that before the start of COVID-19, so it was easy to move all learning activities online.”

She further said that most of their students outside the country that were supposed to have graduated in May had done their graduation.

” For those newly admitted into 100 or 200 level, they have continued their education. I am glad to inform you that many of them are through with their first semester.

“They are in their summer now and will resume at the right time. But that is not the case in Nigeria, especially in public institutions.

“We run international examinations, Cambridge A level, IGSCE and some other international examinations, and all these exams have maintained their calendar,’’ she said.

Akere said JSAY had been able to leverage on technology as well to complete the semester virtually and students had completed the May/June 2020 session.

“Since COVID-19 did not affect schooling outside the country, Nigeria ought to embrace technology in the education sector.

“Our inability to leverage on technology caused the setback when COVID-19 came as Nigeria was unable to go digital fully and engage students of all categories in online schooling.

“The pandemic has now made most people to move into the digital world. Since this is a global issue, we should also ensure that our schools and learners have global relevance and gain a competitive edge.

“This will make them to be able to compete internationally and to do what others are doing in other climes,” Akere said.

She, however, commended government for putting in place measures to curtail the spread of the virus as well as providing palliatives.

The educationist further said that for the palliatives to be more impactful, government could partner with network providers to reduce their rates so that it would be easy for students and education professionals to leverage on technology.

“The earlier the country enters into digital learning, the better because COVID-19 from what we have heard would not disappear anytime soon.

“This would help in getting examinations done as well as all that is necessary for academic advancement of students.

“It will also support public university education, especially as the pandemic has added to the numerous challenges bedeviling our universities.

“It has affected students’ academic calendar and how they will continue their education.

” We should be able to move in a direction whereby school duration and learning activities are not hampered by COVID-19 or any other challenges in the future.

“So being able to adopt a virtual schooling system will be of great advantage to the nation’s educational system.

“Our students are able to move with what is happening overseas because we also went digital in our learning,” she said.

Edited By: Edwin Nwachukwu/Mufutau Ojo) (NAN)