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Professor Benjamin Uzochukwu is University of Nigeria’s All Time Most Cited Researcher

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In continuation of our analysis of the issues and needs in the Nigerian higher education sector, our analyst has found that Professor Benjamin Uzochukwu is All Time Most Cited Researcher in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Professor Benjamin Uzochukwu led other academics in the University after analysis of the academics with over 1, 000 citations according to the Google Scholar. The areas of specialisations of Professor Benjamin Uzochukwu include Public Health, ?Health Systems and Policy.

Analysis indicates that the average publications of the 68 academics are 127 publications out of 8,698 articles published in the last few years. As at the time of writing this analysis, average citations of the academics are 2,122 with 21.67 as the average impact. Analysis further reveals the minimum publications as 37 published by Professor J.C Ani. These publications have been cited 2,500 times. The minimum citations, according to the analysis, is 1,005. This citation is from 65 publications of Professor Chinwuba Ijoma.

Exhibit 1: Professor Benjamin Uzochukwu [in green] among others

Source: Google Scholar, 2020; Infoprations Analysis, 2020

Despite being the leading researcher in terms of citations in the University, Professor Benjamin Uzochukwu’s publications are not more impactful [H-index=40] as those published by Professor Obinna E. Onwujekwe [H-index 44]. The four scores ahead of 40 recorded by Professor Benjamin Uzochukwu make Professor Obinna E. Onwujekwe more impactful in the global academic community. Professor Obinna E. Onwujekwe has 371 publications with 9, 602 all time citations.

Exhibit 2: Professor Obinna E. Onwujekwe is more impactful than Professor Benjamin Uzochukwu

Source: Google Scholar, 2020; Infoprations Analysis, 2020

 

The $288 Million African Exit

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The decade of 2000 was the decade of voice telephony. The 2010s was the decade of mobile internet. Today, we are in the decade of application utility where software systems would be used to fix frictions in sectors which are yet to be digitally transformed. Logistics, payment, lending, retail, etc would all evolve in Africa.

The entrepreneurs, the high priests of these movements, would receive higher calls, not from IPOs, but pure buyouts. Yes, exits would ramp out in Africa as founders and early investors begin to cash out. Yes, with lackluster public exchanges for technology companies, most exits would be via acquisitions.

Dubai-based Network International Holdings plc is acquiring  Kenya’s DPO Group, an online commerce and fintech platform in Africa, for $288 million.

—press release below

Network International Holdings plc (the “Company” or “Network International”), the leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa (“MEA”), is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to acquire DPO Group (“DPO”), the leading, high-growth online commerce platform in Africa, for a total consideration of approximately USD288 million (the “Transaction”). The consideration will be almost entirely funded through the proceeds from an equity placing representing 10.0% of the Company’s existing issued share capital, USD50 million vendor consideration shares issued to Apis Growth Fund I, managed by Apis Partners (“Apis”), USD13 million consideration shares issued to the DPO co-founders, with any small remaining balance to be funded via existing debt facilities.

DPO is the largest online commerce platform operating at scale across Africa

  • Rapid growth profile with revenue CAGR of c.40% from 2017-2019 and Total Processed Volume (“TPV”) CAGR of c.30% from 2017-2019. Revenues of USD16 million in 2019
  • Leading e-commerce and mobile money services for >47,000 merchants across high quality brands
  • Present in 19 countries across Africa with South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania representing major markets. Multiple distribution channels with on the ground presence to recruit merchants, combined with direct connectivity to acquiring banks

Strong strategic fit and growth accelerator for Network International

  • Market: consolidates and accelerates our presence in Africa, the most underpenetrated and fast growing payments market in the world. Africa expected to represent c.40% of Network International total revenue by 2024 (27% in 2019), giving us an evenly balanced business in Africa across Merchant and Issuer Solutions
  • Distribution and relationships: brings direct merchant and Mobile Network Operator (“MNO”) relationships, broadening our business in Africa across the entire payments value chain
  • Capabilities and innovation: widens our capabilities and exposure in fast growing online payments and mobile money, enabling merchants to accept a wide range of payments methods
  • Cross selling opportunities: combined incremental capabilities and solutions provide significant cross-sell opportunities to both Network International and DPO customers
  • Disciplined capital allocation: acquisition expected to be broadly EPS neutral in 2022, including integration costs. Double digit ROCE within 3-4 years, and significantly higher thereafter

DPO has seen strong current trading, following Covid-19 lockdowns

  • Digital and online payments market in Africa expected to grow at 19% CAGR [1] over the next five years and Covid-19 expected to accelerate this growth
  • E-commerce penetration in Africa is 0.3% of private consumption, versus c.5% in the United Kingdom and c.17% in China [2]
  • Following stringent lockdowns in DPO’s main market of South Africa during April:
  • DPO signed c.4,400 merchants in June 2020, an all-time high
  • TPV growth year-on-year was 27% in May (57% in constant FX) and 27% in June (49% in  constant FX)

Financing and structure

  • DPO Co-Founders incentivised and aligned through rollover of USD13 million of their DPO ownership into Network International shares (the “Co-Founders Consideration Shares”) and a two year holding period (from the point of acquisition signing)
  • Acquisition consideration to be almost entirely financed through proceeds from a 10% equity placing, USD50 million vendor consideration shares issued to Apis (subject to a three month lock-up from the point of acquisition completion), and the Co-Founders Consideration Shares, with any small remaining balance funded by existing debt facilities
  • Completion of the Transaction is expected in Q4 2020, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory and anti-trust

Simon Haslam, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“We are excited by the proposed acquisition of DPO, the leading high-growth online commerce platform operating at scale across Africa. Africa is a vast and diverse continent, representing the world’s most underpenetrated, nascent and fast growing payments markets, where we have seen recent signs of an acceleration in those trends. DPO will further consolidate our presence in Africa, strengthen our position across the entire payments value chain and accelerate our growth. This acquisition will widen our capabilities across online, mobile and alternative payments; bring an extensive and diverse range of direct merchant relationships to our business; and provide a wider range of solutions for our existing customers. We look forward to bringing our two businesses together and welcoming DPO’s colleagues into our group. Together, we have a powerful combination to accelerate digital payments across our regions and deliver significant shareholder value.”

Huawei Picks the Smartphone Prize

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Most parts of the world have been pushing to cage Huwaei

Huawei has overtaken Samsung as the world’s largest shipper of smartphones, on a quarterly basis, virus or no virus. This happened despite U.S. sanctions which forced Huawei to phase out Google services for  its own Harmony operating system, Canalys reports. How do you handle China? Nothing seems to be working for Washington!

Huawei shipped more smartphones worldwide than any other vendor for the first time in Q2 2020. It marks the first quarter in nine years that a company other than Samsung or Apple has led the market. Huawei shipped 55.8 million devices, down 5% year on year. But second-placed Samsung shipped 53.7 million smartphones, a 30% fall against Q2 2019.

Huawei is still subject to US government restrictions, which have stifled its business outside of mainland China. Its overseas shipments fell 27% in Q2. But it has grown to dominate its domestic market, boosting its Chinese shipments by 8% in Q2, and it now sells over 70% of its smartphones in mainland China. China has emerged strongest from the coronavirus pandemic, with factories reopened, economic development continuing and tight controls on new outbreaks.

Of course Samsung has a double play. It may no longer be the world’s smartphone king, but its Q2 profits were up 23% due to strong demand for its memory microchips. The company explains: The Memory Business saw robust demand for cloud applications related to remote working and online education as the impact from COVID-19 continued, while demand for mobile was relatively weak.”

Best Career Options for CompTIA Network+ Certification

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Do you have a CompTIA Network+ certification in your possession or are you looking forward to getting one? The main reason any individual tries to gain more qualifications is to build their career in the sphere they have passion for. In terms of IT, candidates opting for the Network+ badge are those who have the aim to have top-notch skills in networking. So in this post, we will be giving you an idea about the career options available after being CompTIA Network+ certified. 

https://www.certbolt.com/ 

What is the Network+ Certification?

CompTIA offers its credentials in the four main categories Core, CyberSecurity, Infrastructure, and Additional Professional. Network+ is a certification that comes under the Core category. It makes sure that you have the ability to:

  • Create stable and functioning networks;
  • Handle various network devices;
  • Segment network traffic using elements like routers and switches;
  • Find the most suitable network configuration for an organization;
  • Ensure the security of networks, and work according to the standard protocols
  • Troubleshoot issues in networks;
  • Help build virtualized networks
  • https://www.certbolt.com/comptia-a-plus-exam-dumps 

To earn this qualification, you have to pass the N10-007 exam. It is a 90-minute assessment that consists of MCQ, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. You can pass this test by scoring a minimum of 720 on a scale of 100-900.

https://www.certbolt.com/comptia-a-plus-practice-test 

Career Options for Network+ Certified Professionals

Having a CompTIA certification gives you many benefits. It validates your skills, makes you stand out in a crowd of interviewees, and presents you as a valuable asset to any organization. But the most prominent among them is the career opportunities you get. Here’s a list of job roles you can apply for with the Network+ certification:

https://www.certbolt.com/comptia-certification-dumps 

  • Junior Network Administrator ($48,428)  

A Junior Network Administrator is responsible for implementing and maintaining an organization’s network. 

  • Computer Technician ($47,000)

As a Computer Technician, your work is to set-up hardware and software and maintain various peripheral devices.

  • Network Field Technician ($59,297)    

Network Field Technicians deal with all things related to networks like installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting them.

  • Help Desk Technician ($42,000)

A Help Desk Technician provides technical assistance for problems related to computer systems, software, and hardware.

  • Junior System Engineer ($57,391)    

The responsibilities of a Junior System Engineer are to maintain systems and infrastructures of a system.

  • System Engineer ($71,000)

A System Engineer manages and monitors all the systems installed in an organization and handles system management tools. 

  • Network Support Specialist ($60,200)

The job of a Network Support Specialist is to test, evaluate, maintain, and troubleshoot networks.

  • Network Field Engineer ($65,864)   

Network Field Engineers implement, configure, and assess network protocols at customer sites.

  • Network Analyst ($59,994)

The job of a Network Analyst is to design layouts, implement, and manage network components.

https://www.certbolt.com/comptia-a-plus-practice-test-dumps 

The average salaries for each position obtained from PayScale.com are mentioned within brackets.

https://www.certbolt.com/comptia-a-plus-practice-test-questions 

Conclusion

As you can see from what was discussed above, having the CompTIA Network+ certification can open up many doors for you to further your career in IT. And you only have to take one test to earn it! So if you feel like a network-related job is best for you, start working towards your goal right away! Doing so will only affect you positively!

Gabriel Olarenwaju Akinyemi Deserves Admission with His UTME Score

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Some days ago, many national newspaper headlines bore the story of Mr. Gabriel Olarenwaju Akinyemi, who wishes to study Pharmacy. The story of Mr. Akinyemi is spectacular because he is already 60 years old and has been striving to pass JAMB and gain admission. According to reports, JAMB Sunday Bulletin of 26th July, 2020, recounted that Mr. Akinyemi is unhappy with his 2020 UTME score because it was 161, which could not fetch him his desired course of study in University of Lagos, his school of choice.

The low score of Mr. Adeyemi did not deter him from pursuing his dream. Instead of losing hopes, he went back to the JAMB State office in Ekiti State to make enquiries on the next UTME registration exercises. This makes it obvious that he is ready to do everything within his power to achieve his dream of becoming a pharmacist, or even a university graduate.

The story of Mr. Adeyemi may sound weird to many Nigerians, who believe that people at a certain age should quit the pursuance of their dreams and allow the younger generation to achieve that for them. It will be more shocking for some of us to learn that Mr. Adeyemi resigned from his job as a Court Registrar at Ekiti State Judiciary in 2017 just because he wanted to go back to school. Another strange thing about Mr. Adeyemi’s story is that he sat for his SSCE and passed them in flying colours. It was shortly after he received his O’level results that he resigned from his job so he can pursue his dream of furthering his studies and becoming a pharmacist.

According to Nigerian Tribune, Mr. Akinyemi had the opportunity of speaking with Ekiti State Coordinator of JAMB, Mr. Abdulhakeem Abdulhameed, to whom he revealed his desire to obtain a degree certificate. He told the State Coordinator that he had always had the desire to go to school but couldn’t because of financial challenges. According to him, he dropped out of school after his primary education because his parents couldn’t train him further. Right now he seriously desires to be a university graduate.

There might be so many other people like Mr. Akinyemi out there, who either desire to go back to school, or have already done so. I could remember when I was running a programme with National Open University (at their Dutse Alhaji study centre), I met a grandma that could barely walk. I chatted her up and found out she was studying Law. She noticed the awe her ambition had on me and told me, “You never stop learning, even at old age.” Mr. Akinyemi’s desire to seek for knowledge just brought back the memory of my encounter with a probable octogenarian.

I tried all my best to find the contact of Mr. Akinyemi (even if it’s an email address) so I can use my little voice to grant him an audience but I couldn’t. All that JAMB did was write a sketchy story about him to fill up their Sunday Bulletin without doing anything further for him. JAMB did not say if he will be given an admission waiver, nor did they call for stakeholders to sponsor his ambitions. Right now, the only thing Nigerians know is that a sexagenarian wants to write JAMB so he can study Pharmacy, and that’s all. His story ends there.

I think JAMB Ekiti State Office should seek out Mr. Akinyemi and give him more opportunity to make himself known and heard. Who knows, Ekiti State University may decide to grant him the chance to study Pharmacy with that score. Even the University of Lagos may bend their admission processes for him. Who even knows if there are people that might desire to sponsor the man through school? Since JAMB obviously has his details, they can reach him or speak for him. That’s my opinion, though.

From the information JAMB Sunday Bulletin gave, Mr. Akinyemi lives at Obafemi Awolowo Academy, Fajuyi, Ado-Ekiti. Obviously there are people reading this that might know the place or even know the man. Those that can locate him should advise him to also consider part-time programmes, even though it is obvious that Papa wants to test campus life. But if none of these schools wants to give him a chance, he has options of part-time programmes.

Please, whatever it takes, Mr. Gabriel Olarenwaju Akinyemi should not be made to re-sit UTME; it can discourage him and others like him.