- July 24 2024
JAMB new information on part time ND/HND for NYSC 2024
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) held a space via the JAMB official handle on X (Twitter) on the 23rd of July 2024. During the space, JAMB released important information regarding the mobilisation of part time ND/HND students for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This announcement has significant implications for part time ND/HND candidates hoping for NYSC mobilisation 2024 and beyond. Key announcements on part time ND/HND for NYSC 2024 1. Clarification on NYSC eligibility JAMB now makes it clear that the NYSC programme is not a design for part time students. Dr Fabian, JAMB’s Public Communications Advisor made submissions pertaining to this issue. He stated that part time programmes are for individuals who possibly miss chances for full-time education and are now active in their careers or businesses. 2. Purpose of part time programmes According to Dr Fabian, part time programmes cater to those seeking formal education later in life. However, many candidates have begun opting for these programmes with the intention of receiving full-time benefits, which contradicts their original purpose. Regularisation and mobilisation of part time ND/HND for NYSC 2024 JAMB regulirisation: JAMB regularises the admissions of part time students to have their educational pursuits verified in their database. This regularisation does not imply eligibility for NYSC mobilisation. No NYSC mobilisation for part time students: Despite regularising admissions, JAMB made it clear that part time ND/HND NYSC mobilisation 2024 is not a JAMB function. The regularisation serves solely for record-keeping and verification purposes. Addressing past mobilisations Past mobilisation instances: There have been instances where part time students somehow got mobilised for NYSC. Dr Fabian emphasised that these cases were illegal and outside JAMB’s mandate. Future considerations: JAMB acknowledged the ongoing discussions and protests from part time students regarding their NYSC eligibility. Dr Fabian indicated that the issue will be reviewed, and a possible law could be enacted to officially include part time ND/HND students in NYSC mobilisation going forward. Summary notes on JAMB new information on part time ND/HND for NYSC 2024 Verification purpose: JAMB’s regularisation of part time students is for verification only and does not guarantee NYSC mobilisation. Potential legal changes: Discussions are underway to potentially allow part time NDHND students to be eligible for NYSC. JAMB’s recent announcements provide clarity on the issue of part time NYSC mobilisation 2024. Students must understand the current limitations and await any legal changes that may affect their eligibility for NYSC.
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- July 24 2024
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) 2024 PostUTME registration
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) 2024 PostUTME registration is now open for candidates who scored a minimum of 160 in this year’s UTME/DE. The registration process includes several steps which must be followed meticulously to ensure successful application. This guide outlines the necessary steps and fees involved in the registration process. Steps for registration 1. Access the PUTME Portal Go to the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) 2024 PostUTME portal at https://putme.oouagoiwoye.edu.ng/apply.php. Please be mindful of this URL to ensure you do not visit a cloned website that could possibly scam you. 2. Create a profile Use your JAMB Registration Number to create a profile. This is the first step in starting your application. 3. Fill out the application form Complete the application form with the following details: JAMB Number Surname First Name Middle Name Date of Birth Gender Mode of Entry (UTME, Direct Entry, OOU PDS 2023/2024, OOU JUPEB 2023/2024) PDS/JUPEB Number (if applicable) Telephone Number Email Address Marital Status State of Origin 4. Review your information Double-check all information provided to avoid errors, particularly your JAMB Registration Number. 5. Make payment Pay the registration fee of 2000 Naira and an additional fee of 1000 Naira. These fees are mandatory for the completion of the registration process. Important details on Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) 2024 PostUTME registration Application deadline: Tuesday, 27th August 2024 Fees breakdown Registration fee: 2000 Additional Fee: 1000 Contact information: For further enquiries or assistance regarding the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) 2024 PostUTME registration, candidates can contact the university’s admissions office through the details provided on the portal. Final thoughts on Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) 2024 PostUTME registration The Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) 2024 Post UTME registration is a crucial step for prospective students. By following the outlined procedure, ensuring all details are correct, and making the necessary payments, candidates can successfully complete their registration. Remember, adhering to the deadline and double-checking all information is vital to avoid any issues that might arise during the application process.
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- July 24 2024
Exclusive: Risevest in talks to acquire Kenya’s Hisa
Risevest, the Nigerian fintech startup that gives users access to global investments and Nigerian stocks, is in talks to acquire Hisa, a Kenyan startup that allows users access to US stocks. If the deal goes through, the acquisition will enable Risevest, founded in 2020, to expand to Kenya. It will be the Nigerian startup’s second acquisition after it acquired digital trading startup Chaka in September 2023. “It’s still an ongoing conversation,” one person with direct knowledge of the deal said, with two other sources sharing that talks began in late 2023. While the terms of the potential acquisition are unknown, Hisa, which raised $250,000 in pre-seed funding in 2022 from angel investors like Ham Serunjogi and Majid Moujaled, was valued at $5 million post-money. “We’re always discussing with other companies to see where potential alignments can be created, but for now, nothing is concrete with Hisa yet,” Eke Urum, Risevest’s founder and CEO, told TechCabal in a statement. Hisa did not immediately respond to a request for comments. Acquiring Hisa will allow RiseVest to gain market share in Kenya without registering a new entity and obtaining new licences. Founded in 2020 by Eric Asuma, Hisa is licenced by the Capital Markets Authority of Kenya (CMA) and the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). Fintechs that offer global investing opportunities to Kenyans are relatively new, with Hisa and Ndovu being the most visible, with the market long dominated by commercial banks that often have investing arms. “The market is there based on the numbers and I believe working with a local team might be the best chance of cracking it,” a RiseVest executive who asked not to be named so he could speak freely told TechCabal. Risevest is backed by Ventures Platform and Techstars and is thought to have around 600,000 users. Have you got your early-bird tickets to the Moonshot Conference? Click this link to grab ’em and check out our fast-growing list of speakers coming to the conference!
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- July 24 2024
How to accept or reject 2024 admission without JAMB SIM card
JAMB has earlier made it clear that you can only accept or reject admission in 2024 using the USSD codes 55019 or 66019 from your JAMB registered phone number. But misplacing your SIM card or having it damaged can hinder you from remotely managing your admissions in the 2024 exercise. In light of this, recent provisions by JAMB offer solutions for individuals facing this issue just as you can now check your UTME result by printing your original 2024 JAMB results slip. Here’s how to proceed to accept or reject your 2024 admission without your SIM: Visit JAMB approved centers https://www.jamb.gov.ng/1. Locate a JAMB recognised center: Identify a JAMB-approved centre or an accredited CBT centre. These centres can assist you in the process. 2. Carry necessary Identification: Ensure you bring valid identification documents, such as your JAMB registration slip and a valid ID card. 3. Request assistance: Inform the centre’s personnel that you need to accept or reject your admission. Accept JAMB admission 2024: Steps to follow To accept JAMB admission 2024 without a SIM card, follow these steps: Visit the centres: Centres can be busy, so early visits help avoid long queues. Provide your JAMB details: Give your JAMB registration number and other required information to the personnel. Confirm your admission status: The personnel will check your admission status and proceed to accept JAMB admission 2024 on your behalf. Receive confirmation: Ensure you get a printed confirmation of the action taken. Reject JAMB admission 2024 If you wish to reject JAMB admission 2024 without your SIM card, these steps are essential: Inform the personnel: Clearly state that you intend to reject the offer. Verify your details: Provide necessary details, including your registration number and ID. Confirm rejection: The centre’s personnel will handle the rejection process for you. Get documentation: Obtain a printed document confirming the rejection. Important conisiderations Check center availability: Not all centres may offer this service daily. Confirm availability before visiting. Prepare for fees: Some centres might charge a fee for the service. Have some cash ready. Keep records: Maintain all documents provided by the centre for future reference. To manage your admission status without a SIM card, visiting an accredited JAMB centre is the only way out. Ensure you follow these steps diligently to accept JAMB admission 2024 or reject it as needed.
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- July 24 2024
Netflix and bill? Streaming giant increases price of premium plan to ₦7,000
Netflix, the world’s largest paid video streaming service, has raised the price of its monthly subscription packages for Nigerian users, the second time the company is updating its pricing in 2024. The premium plan, which offers an ultra-high-definition picture and four screens, will now cost ₦7,000 ($4.40), up from ₦5,000 ($3.14), according to a notification sent to customers seen by TechCabal. The standard plan has also increased from ₦4,000 ($2.51) to ₦5,500 ($3.46). The mobile plan now costs ₦2,200 ($1.38), while the basic plan will now cost ₦3,500 ($2.20). The review is in response to the naira devaluation. US users pay $15.49 for the standard plan and $22.99 for the premium plan, respectively. UK users pay £10.99 for the standard plan and £17.99 for the premium plan. Netflix didn’t immediately respond to a request for comments. The streaming giant last reviewed prices for Nigerian users in April 2024. The standard plan rose from ₦3,600 ($2.26) to ₦4,000 ($2.51). While the basic plan remained at ₦2,900 ($1.82), the premium plan was hiked to ₦5,000 ($3.14) from ₦4,400 ($2.76), and the mobile plan was increased from ₦1,600 ($1.01) from ₦1,200 ($0.75). At the time, Netflix cited a broader strategy to revise its subscription fees across various regions. In the past year, Netflix has adjusted prices in its key markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. The new increase comes as Nigeria grapples with rising inflation and a cost of living crisis. With declining spending power and a shrinking middle class, payments for streaming services will become less of a priority for most Nigerians. Despite being Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria is a small market for Netflix—accounting for 10.5% of total subscribers in Africa, according to Omdia Research, a tech research-based firm. In November 2023, Netflix lost its market leader status in Africa to MultiChoice’s Showmax. Have you got your early-bird tickets to the Moonshot Conference? Click this link to grab ’em and check out our fast-growing list of speakers coming to the conference!
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- July 24 2024
TechCabal Daily – Zimbabwe digs into lithium
In partnership with Share this newsletter: Lire en Français اقرأ هذا باللغة العربية Good morning Before you dive into today’s edition, please take a minute or two to move TC Daily from your Promotions folder into your Main/Primary folder so you don’t miss any of our important coverage. On mobile, click the button on the top-right corner and select “Move”, and on desktop, just drag and drop this email. Thank you! In today’s edition Mercury will close accounts of Nigerian startups on August 22 Zimbabwe to cash in on lithium rush Capital invests $850,000 in two African agritech startups Nigeria directs telecoms to conduct billing audits The World Wide Web3 Events Banking Mercury will close accounts of Nigerian startups on August 22 Mercury Bank caused an uproar yesterday after announcing that it will no longer provide banking services to its customers in 37 countries, including Nigeria. The San Francisco-based digital bank that became a lifeline for African startups after Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse, cited “recent changes in how it determines account eligibility” as the sole reason it is parting with customers in these countries. According to Mercury, these users have only 30 days to find another bank to move their funds—which looks like an unrealistic timeline to move large sums of money from one bank to another, bearing in mind the multi-layered process to go through verification, compliance, and proof-of-fund processes. Founders with Mercury accounts have reacted to the impromptu change on X, slamming Mercury for poor customer service. But for Nigerian founders, the wound cuts deeper. Ngozi Chukwu reported for TechCabal that, “Banks like Mercury have become very important to Nigerian tech startups that raise dollar funding from foreign and local investors.” It is tougher for these founders as receiving foreign payments, or making payments abroad has historically been a hassle. Tried methods in the past with neobanks like PayPal have only led to restrictions due to “local financial regulations”. Despite the mounting frustrations, affected users have swung into action, switching to alternative banking providers like Verto, Cleva or Raenest. One banking-as-a-service founder in Nigeria even rallied founders to build the “Mercury for African businesses” in his post. Other African countries were also affected: The 13 affected African countries include Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, and Zimbabwe. Many are on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Greylist, adding to compliance concerns. Read Moniepoint’s 2024 Informal Economy Report 7 out of 10 informal business owners borrow money for their business. Click here to find out more about Nigeria’s informal economy and credit. Big Tech Zimbabwe to cash in on lithium rush Lithium, the lightweight metal powering our tech-driven world, is in high demand. From smartphones to electric vehicles, this critical mineral is a key component in rechargeable batteries. The majority of lithium is currently sourced from brine deposits in South America’s “Lithium Triangle”—Chile, Argentina, Bolivia—and from hard rock mines in Australia. As the global push for electrification accelerates, the hunt for new lithium reserves is intensifying. Zimbabwe digs in: Zimbabwe is aiming to cash in on the lithium boom. State-owned Kuvimba Mining House has inked a $310 million deal with unnamed British and Chinese investors to build a lithium concentrator at the Sandawana mine. This facility will be the first step in turning raw ore into lithium compounds, which are further processed into battery-grade materials. The facility is expected to be operational within 18 months, with annual production set at 600,000 tons of lithium concentrate. The agreement is also set to conclude after six years, aiming to solidify Zimbabwe’s position in the global lithium supply chain. Currently, Zimbabwe exports unrefined lithium concentrate, primarily to China for final processing. The new concentrator aims to add value to the country’s mineral resources and create jobs. Kuvimba is also exploring partnerships for its gold mines, seeking $150 million to expand operations. While the project promises economic benefits, it remains to be seen if Zimbabwe can navigate the complexities of mining and processing lithium while ensuring environmental sustainability. Collect payments anytime anywhere with Fincra Are you dealing with the complexities of collecting payments from your customers? Fincra’s payment gateway makes it easy to accept payments via cards, bank transfers, virtual accounts and mobile money. What’s more? You get to save money on fees when you use Fincra. Get started now. Funding Village Capital invests $850,000 in two African agritech startups Africa has 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land. For decades this land has not been put to good use. The continent remains a net importer of food due to challenges faced by small-holder farmers who produce most of its food. These farmers need more access to credit for seeds and fertilizers to boost production. They also struggle with an inability to sell their produce due to poor infrastructure and market information; and wastage of food produced due to lack of proper storage and transportation. Agritech isn’t getting enough attention: While tech-driven agricultural startups have put up a fight against these challenges, they have done so with very little funding. Agritech startups on the continent received 4.4% ($95.1 million) and 8.6% ($59.9 million) of the total funding raised in 2021 and 2020 respectively. Village Capital, a global nonprofit organisation focused on early-stage investment is giving two agtech startups new ammunitions to keep in the race. The organisation has backed Aquarech (Kenya) and Coamana (Nigeria), two African tech agritech startups. Both startups will receive $350,000 and $500,000, respectively. What Aquarech does: The startup operates as a B2B and B2C company which offers fish farmers a buy now pay later solution (BNPL) for fish feed. Aquarech also provides training and other precision agriculture tools that help fish farmers learn about best practices and improve incomes. Coamana’s goal: Coamana provides a marketplace, Amana Market, where farmers and traders can sell their products, get loans, and access real-time market prices and purchase requests. Coamana and Aquarech are Village Capital’s latest investments in Africa. The firm which has invested in over 150 startups globally made this investment as part
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- July 23 2024
How to print your original 2024 JAMB results slip
Getting the original 2024 JAMB results print slip requires visiting specific centres. Unlike previous years, students cannot print these slips remotely or at any cybercafe. The service is exclusively available at JAMB CBT centres and accredited locations, costing 2000 naira. Here’s a step-by-step guide. Printing at an accredited centre 1. Go to a JAMB approved centre: Locate a nearby JAMB CBT centre or an accredited centre. Only these places can assist you in printing your JAMB original results 2024. 2. Bring necessary documents: Ensure you have your JAMB registration slip and a valid identification document. 3. Request the service: Approach the personnel and place your request. Pay the required fee to print JAMB original results Prepare payment: The service to get the 2024 JAMB original results costs ₦2000 fee naira. Have the exact amount ready. Make the payment: Pay the fee directly at the centre. Some centres might accept cash, while others could prefer bank transfers or POS payments. Complete the process Provide your details: Give your JAMB registration number and any other required information to the personnel. Verify information: Ensure the details entered are accurate before proceeding. Receive your results slip: Once processed, the centre will carry out the results printing for you. These slips are not just any kind of slips; they contain electronically verifiable data. Important points to note Check for errors: Immediately verify your printed result slip for any discrepancies. Address any issues with the centre personnel. Final thoughts on how to print your JAMB original results 2024 slips The printed JAMB original results 2024 slips hold electronically verifiable data crucial for tertiary institutions. This data ensures the authenticity of your results, helping institutions verify them efficiently and accurately. Printing your original 2024 JAMB result slip demands adherence to specific steps at designated locations. Ensure you follow the outlined procedure to print JAMB original results 2024 properly. This approach ensures you receive an accurate and legitimate result slip essential for your academic pursuits.
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- July 23 2024
Nigeria raises benchmark rates by 50 basis points
Faced with intense pressure to control inflation, Nigeria’s Central Bank has raised its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 26.75%. The decision, while in line with market expectations, indicates a decision to maintain a hawkish stance. The median estimate of four economists in a TechCabal survey expected the 12-member monetary policy committee led by Governor Olayemi Cardoso to raise interest rates by 50 basis points to 26.75%. The monetary policy committee decided on a rate hike on the basis of persistent food inflation despite three consecutive hikes. “The committee was mindful of the effect of rising prices on household and businesses and expressed its resolve to take necessary measures to bring inflation under control,” said Olayemi Cardoso, the Central Bank chief at the press briefing of the committee meeting. “It re-emphasises a commitment to the bank’s price stability mandate and remains optimistic that despite the June 2024 uptick in headline inflation, prices are expected to moderate in the near term.” According to Cardoso, these decisions were hinged on the success of the monetary policy in addition to other measures by the fiscal authority to address food inflation. The CBN chief said the MPC committee would continue to tighten rates, as a key tool in addressing inflationary pressures. *This is a developing story Have you got your early-bird tickets to the Moonshot Conference? Click this link to grab ’em and check out our fast-growing list of speakers coming to the conference!
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- July 23 2024
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max 2024 specifics
Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 16 series will also include the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Their launch is currently touted to be scheduled for September 2024. For the iPhone industry, the new models will offer advanced features, impressive specifications, and a significant leap in battery capacity for the Pro Max variant. iPhone 16 Pro Max specifications The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers the following features: Display: 6.9″ OLED with a brighter, clearer presentation Design: Thinner bezels for a more immersive experience Processor: A18 Pro Chip for enhanced performance Memory: 8GB RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking Camera: 48MP Ultra Wide and 5x Telephoto lenses for superior photography Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 for faster internet speeds Battery: 4,676 mAh, the highest ever in an iPhone, nearly reaching the 5,000 mAh benchmark typical in many Android devices Other features: USB-C port, Capture button for quick photo access, and Apple Intelligence integration Price: Starting at $1,199 The Pro Max’s battery stands out, significantly surpassing the capacities of its predecessors. This improvement brings it closer to the robust batteries that have long characterised many Android models. Here’s a comparison of previous iPhone battery capacities: 1. iPhone 15 Pro Max: 4,422 mAh 2. iPhone 15 Plus: 4,383 mAh 3. iPhone 13 Pro Max: 4,352 mAh 4. iPhone 14 Pro Max: 4,323 mAh 5. iPhone 15: 3,349 mAh 6. iPhone 14: 3,279 mAh 7. iPhone 15 Pro: 3,274 mAh iPhone 16 Pro specifications The 16 Pro, although impressive, faces criticism for its battery capacity: Display: 6.3″ OLED with a brighter display Design: Thinner bezels for a sleek look Processor: A18 Pro Chip for top-tier performance Memory: 8GB RAM for efficient multitasking Camera: 48MP Ultra Wide and 5x Telephoto lenses for high-quality photos Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 for enhanced wireless performance Battery: 3,355 mAh, comparable to older models like the iPhone 13 Pro Max Other Features: USB-C port, Capture button for quick photo access, and Apple Intelligence integration Price: Starting at $999 Despite its many strengths, the iPhone 16 Pro’s battery capacity closely mirrors that of older models, such as the iPhone 13 Pro Max. This similarity may disappoint users who expect significant battery improvements in new releases. Moreover, the gap between the 16 Pro’s 3,355 mAh battery and the Pro Max’s 4,676 mAh capacity is notably large, highlighting a missed opportunity for the Pro variant. Final thoughts The iPhone 16 2024 lineup may be a new step forward for Apple, but in actuality and compared to Android contenders, it offers minimal improvement over past models. Apple’s latest offerings will likely continue to drive competition in the smartphone market, especially with the impressive specifications of the iPhone 16 Pro Max specifications
Read More- July 23 2024
Village Capital invests $850,000 in two African Agtech startups
Village Capital, a VC firm focused on seed-stage startups, has backed Aquarech (Kenya) and Coamana (Nigeria), two African tech agritech startups. Both startups will receive $350,000 and $500,000, respectively, as part of Village Capital’s Reducing Inequalities Investment Facility, backed by FMO’s MASSIF Fund. Aquarech is a B2B and B2C company and offers fish farmers a buy now pay later solution (BNPL) for fish feed. The startup also provides training and other precision agriculture tools that help fish farmers learn about best practices and improve incomes. Hafsah Jumare launched Coamona in 2018 to help digitize farmer management processes. Through its marketplace products, Amana Market, farmers and traders can sell their products, get loans, and access real-time market prices and purchase requests. The startup uses agent networks to onboard farmers and traders into its digital marketplace. The real-time market prices and purchase requests provided on the app allow farmers to make informed decisions about when and where to sell their produce, ensuring they get the best possible crop prices. Coamona and Aquarech are Village Capital’s latest investments in Africa. The VC firm has invested $1.6 million across three startups on the continent. The investment comes as more tech-driven agricultural startups on the continent are bridging the gap between farmers, consumers, and businesses in the agricultural sector. “Village Capital is thrilled to invest in Coamana to catalyze its efforts in building the digital infrastructure for agricultural trade markets across Africa. This investment will drive greater price transparency, efficiency, market linkages, and access to finance,” shared Kavon Badie, Investment Officer at Village Capital.
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