Babcock University in Ilisan Remo, on Friday, introduced the first comprehensive and functional statistical data analysis software called VSP (ValueStats Statistical Package), developed by the university’s Professor of Accounting and programmer, Prof. Enyi Patrick Enyi.

The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, expressed his overwhelming excitement about this groundbreaking achievement, calling the unveiling of Africa’s first homegrown statistical package a source of immense pride and a significant milestone for the continent.

Tayo made these remarks during the historic event where the software was unveiled, alongside the launch of a book titled Financial Modeling, authored by the same Professor of Accounting. The ceremony took place at the Babcock Business School Auditorium.

Represented by former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sunday Owolabi, the Vice-Chancellor also mentioned that this locally-developed statistical package would help the country save an enormous $1 billion annually.

He said, “This is no doubt a historical event, a great moment of pride for Africans because this kind of product is the first on this continent.

“The VSP statistical package is special and peculiar in its own way. All the ones we had been using before Prof Enyi Patrick Enyi came up with this innovation are foreign, imported from China, Japan, and India among others but this VSP statistical package is produced in Nigeria and it’s far better.

“There are several modules that this statistical package contained which are not in those foreign ones. And using this accounting statistical package invented by this great scholar will save Nigerians at least $1bn because the users will be buying these packages in naira which is the equivalent of $40 and so it will help ease a lot of pressure on our forex.

“People should use this package, the students, lecturers, they can even go to the YouTube to learn more about the package and they should give us feedback to know what else to add in the next version.”

The Vice-Chancellor praised Enyi as an exceptional academic and respected educator, encouraging him to stay committed to his mission of making a positive impact on the world.

The President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Davidson Alaribe, who served as the special guest of honour at the event, praised Enyi for positioning both the institute and the accounting profession on another global stage for excellence and innovation.

Alaribe, represented by Prof. Godwin Oyedokun from Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, commended Enyi for his academic achievements, noting that the institute will not only offer its support but also continue collaborating with those advancing excellence in the accounting field.

During his speech at the event, Enyi explained that the drive to develop an accounting statistical package tailored to Nigeria’s unique environment and African practices was his main source of inspiration.

“This is the first time an African is producing a statistical package. Those we were using before like SPSS from America, EV from India, and Stata too from India, we have R among others but none ever developed in Africa.

“And we are doing this to make a difference, as an academic I have always been researching and most of my research is African but many times some of these foreign packages won’t give me the result that I want, so I began to think of that statistical package that will take our peculiarities into consideration
“In those other packages you have to learn how to code them to use them but this is our own, VSP has been made to be user-friendly. We have made it menu-driven such that the menu can suggest what you want to do and you pick it up and do whatever you want to do.

“For instance after doing your analysis in the VSP, it will automatically produce your graphs for you but in others like SPSS, EV or Stata, you will have to select the graph that you want.

“It took me two years to get the software developed…and talking about cost, an average SPSS which I was using before coming up with this innovation cost me about $280 then which must be renewed annually but this one is $40 which is about N60000 and you will continue to use this until maybe we develop another version. We shall be saving our country millions of dollars with this newly developed statistical package”, he mentioned.

Enyi stated that this achievement demonstrates that with sincere and united efforts, Africans possess the ability to address their socio-economic issues.

In a surprising turn of events, Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, was arrested in France today. The arrest took place in Paris, where Durov was reportedly attending a tech conference.

Details of the Arrest

According to sources close to the situation, French authorities detained Durov under suspicion of violating European Union data privacy regulations. The exact charges have not been disclosed, but it is believed they are related to Telegram’s alleged non-compliance with certain EU privacy laws. Durov, a staunch advocate for user privacy and free speech, has been vocal in his criticism of governmental overreach in digital communications.

The French police have yet to issue an official statement, but insiders suggest that the arrest may be linked to an ongoing investigation into Telegram’s operations in the European Union. The messaging platform, known for its end-to-end encryption and commitment to user privacy, has often been at odds with governments worldwide over its refusal to provide access to user data.

Background on Durov and Telegram

Pavel Durov, often referred to as the “Mark Zuckerberg of Russia,” founded Telegram in 2013 after being ousted from his previous social media company, VKontakte (VK). Telegram quickly gained popularity due to its strong encryption and user-friendly interface, boasting over 700 million active users globally as of 2024.

Durov, a Russian native, has been living in exile for several years due to his disagreements with the Russian government over issues of censorship and freedom of speech. His commitment to maintaining Telegram as a platform free from government surveillance has made him both a celebrated and controversial figure in the tech world.

International Reactions

The arrest has sparked immediate reactions across the globe, particularly within the tech community. Many have expressed concern over the implications this arrest could have on digital privacy rights and the future of encrypted communications.

“The arrest of Pavel Durov is a troubling development for anyone who values privacy and freedom of expression,” said Edward Snowden, a well-known whistleblower and advocate for digital rights. “This could set a dangerous precedent for the future of secure communications.”

What’s Next?

Durov’s legal team is expected to file for his release while preparing to contest any charges brought against him. It remains unclear how this situation will impact Telegram’s operations, especially within the European Union, where data privacy regulations are among the strictest in the world.

As this story develops, the international community will be closely watching how the situation unfolds, particularly in the context of ongoing debates about the balance between security, privacy, and government surveillance.

A recent study by the International Telecommunications Union has placed Nigeria at the forefront of digital transformation readiness, awarding it a score of 71 percent.

This evaluation, carried out in partnership with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, assessed nations on their legal, policy, and governance structures to gauge their progress toward reaching an advanced level of digital transformation, referred to as G5.

On Wednesday, the Nigeria Communications Commission announced that the report was presented by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, during an event in Abuja.

The report titled “Collaborative Regulation: Accelerating Nigeria’s Digital Transformation” presented a case study for a collaborative regulation review to assess and support Nigeria’s transition towards collaborative digital governance, evidence-based policymaking and agile regulation in the digital economy.

Nigeria’s position places it among the leading seven nations in Africa, in the same league as Germany, Finland, and Singapore, which top the global rankings.

The report also highlighted Nigeria’s strong position on the BEMECS 5G Readiness Index, reflecting the country’s preparedness for the widespread deployment and adoption of 5G networks.

Tijani, during his speech at the event, praised the ITU along with its partner organizations and consultants for bringing the report to fruition and reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication “To utilise this report as a navigational aid towards the attainment of our regulatory objectives and policies outlines towards achieving a robust digital economy.

“That is what we will continue to do as a government, ensuring that we can put ourselves in a place to have cutting-edge modern regulations in place to ensure that business is done properly in our sector and to ensure that, where possible, increase the local content of the sector as well,” he said.

He observed that the NCC has evolved over time to address the shifting nature of its role and responsibilities.

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He explained, “Fifteen, twenty years ago, NCC was just regulating the telecommunications sector; today, NCC regulates the foundation for which any economy would be prosperous.”

The report, shared with a diverse group of important industry players such as service providers, government officials, representatives from international organizations, the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly, and the Africa Telecommunications Union, among others, was also intended to enhance current cross-country benchmarks that evaluate various aspects of national policies and regulatory settings.

The features of countries’ policy and regulatory environment are assessed according to the pillars of the generations of regulation frameworks that track telecom regulatory maturity towards digital transformation readiness, designated at the G5 Advanced State of Readiness” for which Nigeria currently stands at G4.

“Nigeria’s advanced state of readiness for digital transformation is benchmarked against four critical levels of accomplishments, which include national collaborative governance, policy design principles, the digital development toolbox, and the digital economic policy agenda.

“The country’s scores across these benchmarks are impressive, with notable highlights including 91 per cent in Regulatory Capacity, 82 per cent in Market Rules, 81 per cent in collaborative governance, 76 per cent in Legal Instruments for ICT/telecom markets, and 69 per cent in National Digital Agenda Policy,” the report stated.

In a significant shift, Google has reversed its initial plan to eliminate third-party cookies, opting instead to introduce new privacy measures that aim to balance user privacy with the needs of advertisers. This decision reflects Google’s responsiveness to industry feedback and its commitment to evolving digital advertising.

The Initial Plan to Eliminate Cookies

Google’s original plan to phase out third-party cookies by 2022 was part of a broader effort to enhance user privacy. Cookies, small pieces of data stored on users’ devices, track browsing habits and are crucial for personalized advertising. However, they have raised privacy concerns, prompting Google to consider alternatives.

Why the Change?

Advertisers and marketers heavily rely on cookies to deliver targeted ads, and the elimination of cookies posed a significant challenge to their business models. The backlash from the advertising industry and concerns about the impact on small businesses led Google to reconsider its approach.

The Role of Cookies in Digital Advertising

Cookies play a pivotal role in digital advertising. They enable advertisers to track user behavior across websites, providing insights into preferences and interests. This data allows for personalized ads, which are more likely to engage users and drive sales. Without cookies, advertisers would struggle to deliver relevant ads, potentially leading to reduced ad revenue and less effective marketing campaigns.

Introducing Privacy Sandbox

To address these concerns, Google has introduced the Privacy Sandbox initiative. This initiative aims to create web standards that enhance user privacy while still enabling personalized advertising. Privacy Sandbox includes several proposals:

1. Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC): This method groups users with similar interests into cohorts, reducing the ability to track individual users while still allowing for targeted advertising.
2. Turtledove and FLEDGE: These proposals focus on enabling interest-based advertising without exposing users’ browsing behavior to third parties.
3. Conversion Measurement: This feature allows advertisers to measure the effectiveness of their ads without relying on third-party cookies.

Balancing Privacy and Advertising Needs

Google’s new approach seeks to strike a balance between protecting user privacy and supporting the advertising ecosystem. By developing privacy-focused alternatives to cookies, Google aims to maintain the functionality of personalized ads while addressing privacy concerns.

The Impact on Advertisers and Users

Advertisers will need to adapt to these new measures, potentially rethinking their strategies for targeting and measuring ad performance. However, the Privacy Sandbox provides a pathway to continue delivering relevant ads without compromising user privacy.

For users, these changes promise enhanced privacy and control over their data. They can expect a reduction in invasive tracking practices while still receiving personalized content and ads.

Google’s decision to reverse its cookie ban and introduce the Privacy Sandbox reflects its commitment to evolving with the digital landscape. This approach aims to create a sustainable model for online advertising that respects user privacy and supports advertisers’ needs.

In summary, Google’s pivot from eliminating cookies to introducing the Privacy Sandbox is a significant development in digital advertising. By balancing user privacy with the needs of advertisers, Google is paving the way for a more secure and effective advertising ecosystem. This move highlights the importance of adaptability and responsiveness in the ever-changing tech industry.

When Google announced this week that its climate emissions had risen by 48 percent since 2019, it pointed the finger at artificial intelligence.

US tech firms are building vast networks of data centres across the globe and say AI is fuelling the growth, throwing the spotlight on the amount of energy the technology is sucking up and its impact on the environment.

How does AI use electricity?
Every time a user punches a request into a chatbot or generative AI tool, the request is fired off to a data centre.

Even before that stage, developing AI programs known as large language models (LLMs) needs a huge amount of computer power.

All the while, the computers are burning through electricity and the servers get hotter, meaning more electricity to cool them.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report earlier this year that data centres in general used roughly 40 percent of electricity on computing and 40 percent on cooling.

Why are experts worried?
Big tech firms have been rushing to pack all their products with AI ever since OpenAI launched its ChatGPT bot in late 2022.

Plenty of experts are concerned these new products will cause electricity usage to spike.

This is firstly because AI services require more power than their non-AI analogues.

For example, various studies have shown that each request made to ChatGPT uses roughly 10 times the power of a single Google search.

So if Google switches all search queries to AI — about nine billion a year — it could hugely inflate the company’s electricity usage.

And most of these new services and products rely on LLMs.

Programming these algorithms is extremely intensive and usually requires high-powered computer chips.

They in turn require more cooling, which uses more electricity.

How much energy does AI use?
Before the era of AI, estimates generally suggested data centres accounted for around one percent of global electricity demand.

The IEA report said data centres, cryptocurrencies and AI combined used 460 TWh of electricity worldwide in 2022, almost two percent of total global electricity demand.

The IEA estimated that the figure could double by 2026 — the equivalent of Japan’s usage figures.

Alex De Vries, a researcher who runs the Digiconomist website, modelled the electricity used by AI alone by focusing on sales projections from the US firm NVIDIA, which has cornered the market in AI-specialised servers.

He concluded in a paper late last year that that if NVIDIA’s projected sales for 2023 were correct and all those servers ran at full power, they alone could be responsible for between 85.4–134.0 TWh of annual electricity consumption — an amount similar to Argentina or Sweden.

“The numbers I put in that article were already conservative to begin with because I couldn’t include things like cooling requirements,” he told AFP.

And he added that adoption of NVIDIA’s servers had outstripped last year’s projections, so the figures would certainly be higher.

How are data centres coping?
Fabrice Coquio of Digital Realty, a data centre company that leases its services to others, told AFP during a visit to one of its enormous facilities north of Paris in April that AI was going to transform his industry.

“It’s going to be exactly the same (as the cloud), maybe a bit more massive in terms of the deployment,” he said.

Part of Digital Realty’s latest data centre hub in Courneuve — a gigantic edifice that looks like a football stadium — will be dedicated to AI.

Coquio explained that normal computing requests could be handled by server racks in rooms with powerful air-conditioning.

But AI racks use much more powerful components, get much hotter and require water to be physically pumped into the equipment, he said.

“For sure, this requires different servers, storage equipment, communication equipment,” Coquio said.

Is it sustainable?
The biggest players in AI and data centres — Amazon, Google and Microsoft — have been trying to reduce their carbon footprints by buying up vast amounts of renewable energy.

Amazon official Prasad Kalyanaraman told AFP that the firm’s data centre division, AWS, was “the largest purchaser of renewable energy in the world today”.

AWS is committed to being a net-zero carbon company by 2040. Google and Microsoft have pledged to reach that goal by 2030.

But building new data centres and ramping up usage in existing ones is not going to help with green energy targets.

Google and Microsoft have said in recent reports that their greenhouse gas emissions have been rising in the last few years.

Google flagged a 48 per cent rise from 2019 and Microsoft a 30 percent increase from 2020.

Both have squarely blamed AI.

Microsoft President Brad Smith told Bloomberg in May the pledge was a “moonshot” made before the AI “explosion”, adding that “the Moon is five times as far away as it was in 2020”.

On Friday, Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission fined Meta Platforms $220 million for breaching data privacy regulations.

According to a statement from the FCCPC, which was acquired by The PUNCH, Meta’s data-sharing practices on Facebook and WhatsApp violated Nigerian consumer and data protection laws.

The commission, in a statement authored by acting Executive Chairman Adamu Abdullahi, accused Meta of denying Nigerian users control over their data, sharing data without permission, and misusing its dominant market position.

It said, “The Final order also imposes a monetary penalty of Two Hundred and Twenty Million U.S. Dollars only ($220,000,000.00) (at prevailing exchange rate where applicable) which penalty is in accordance with the FCCPA 2018, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (Administrative Penalties) Regulations 2020.”

The FCCPC revealed that it began its inquiry in May 2021, following indications that Meta, via its platforms, had violated the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019. These regulations were in force before the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 came into effect.

The competition watchdog observed that Meta complied with requests for documents and summons by supplying certain information.

It stated, “Meta representatives and their retained legal counsel have consistently engaged with and met investigators and analysts from the commission and the NDPC, including as recently as April 4, 2024.”

The FCCPC revealed that its probe found evidence of Meta using abusive and intrusive methods on data users in Nigeria. This involved gathering personal information without permission and applying discriminatory practices against Nigerians, among other concerns.

It observed that Meta had the chance to present its defense during the investigation before the final decision was made. The decision pertains to violations, especially concerning:

FCCPC stated, “Denying Nigerian data subjects the right to self-determine; unauthorised transfer and sharing of Nigerian data-subjects personal data, including cross-border storage in violation of then, and now prevailing law; discrimination and disparate treatment; abuse of Dominance; and tying and bundling.

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“The Final Order of the Commission mandates steps and actions Meta Parties must take to comply with prevailing law and cease the exploitation of Nigerian consumers and their market abuse, as well as desist from future similar or other conduct/practices that do not meet nationally applicable standards and undermine the rights of consumers.”