| Marketing & Communication
In the face of growing global threat expected to cost $10.5 trillion by 2025, stakeholders have called for a collective effort to strengthen Nigeria's cybersecurity ecosystem.
They made the call at a two-day cybersecurity workshop hosted by the BU Information Technology department in collaboration with GXT International.
The workshop, themed, "Building a Resilient Cybersecurity Ecosystem: Bridging Academia, Industry, and Organizational Practices," brought together experts to share knowledge and propose solutions to critical security challenges.
"Nigeria has an opportunity to make a significant impact in the digital age," said Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Honourable Shuaib Afolabi Salisu while highlighting the significance of cybersecurity in Nigeria’s digital growing economy.
Salisu emphasized the need for a tripartite collaboration involving the academia, industry, and government agencies to develop a robust cybersecurity ecosystem.
He proposed industrial experience for professors during their sabbatical, while students focus on solving real-life problems using Fin-Tech in their final research work.
Corroborating this position, Abdulraman Akanbi, CEO of Sycom, stressed that employers value hands-on experience over theoretical knowledge. "Cybersecurity is not just a profession; it's a mission to save the digital world," he said.
Oluwafemi Aminu, Executive Director, Momo PSB, emphasized that cyber resilience is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated action from all.
"We cannot afford to operate in silos; a unified, ecosystem-driven approach is the only way forward in today's threat landscape," he said.
Hon. Tunbosun Alake, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, said the state is doing all to ensure Nigeria takes its place in the committee of nations in terms of technology.
"We need to work together to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.
President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, commended the workshop’s timeliness and relevance.
"With the risks posed by cybercrime, this program could not have come at a better time."
The workshop also provided platform for recognition of the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Alake and others for their contribution to building Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. Others were: Senator Salisu and the Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori.