Metro
ISSAN Calls for Collaborative Efforts to Check Rising Cyber Threats
Cybersecurity stakeholders under the auspices of Information Security Society of Africa – Nigeria (ISSAN), have called for an urgent review of the National Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2015 to meet with current realities. This is as Speakers and Panelists at the Quarter 1, 2022 ISSAN Cybersecurity Conference with the theme: “Payment Systems Platform Security” in Lagos, also made case for a robust collaboration and coordinated efforts by all stakeholders including the government to stem the rising wave of cyber threats in the nation’s payment system platforms. They reiterated the need for a Cyber Insurance Policy for the industry.
President of ISSAN, Dr. David Isiavwe, who spoke on behalf of the association, stated that as the Covid-19 pandemic is gradually easing out, organizations are now settling for hybrid way of working and providing services for customers while being mindful of the enlarged cyber threat. He noted that new forms of attacks are being contrived and implemented by criminals through various means on individuals, nation states and corporate bodies, stressing that cyber security gate keepers are not spared as large sums of money are usually at risk in every successful attack.
According to him, “What we see on the horizon is that Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks are becoming alarming; Ransomwares attacks are not relenting. There are more phishing and password targeted attacks. Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks remain a growing problem. The loss globally is colossal. In Africa, Nigeria is expected to lead in terms of estimated loss due to our size. There is therefore the urgent need to brainstorm on how to keep payment systems platforms safer,” he said.
For a way forward, Dr. Isiavwe who is also a General Manager at Ecobank Nigeria, emphasized that banks and organizations need to be proactive, keep customers educated and updated on new threats and trends in the cyber space, automate and continuously monitor their systems and infrastructure, and also place high premium on artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and data analytics.
In his keynote address, Director, Payment System Management Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Musa Jimoh commended the activities of ISSAN at enhancing a safer and secured payment ecosystem, stressing that the apex bank is committed to initiatives that would promote and enhance payment system security to check cyber fraud in the nation’s financial system. He maintained that the financial sector cannot afford to fail as the payment system is vital to the functioning of any economic system.
According to him, “Data security is important for customers and a tool for financial inclusion. Banks are the custodian of customers’ information based on trust and should therefore put structures in place to prevent breach and information theft. They should not compromise customers’ credentials as it would give cyber criminals access to defraud them.”
Jimoh further stated that the entrance of Fintechs to the financial landscape has engendered stiffer competition, noting that “all responsible officers in charge of information security in organizations should keep track and always check and see the right things are done for the entities that are allowed to connect to their infrastructure. Banks should address infrastructure deficiencies, ensure operational resilience, introduce second or multi-factor authorization, ensures banking payment infrastructure are formidable, address privacy violations, carry out end to end encryption to protect stored data, and also adhere to KYC provisions to avoid terrorism financing and money laundering,.”
In her technical presentation, Managing Director, CreditRegistry Plc, Dr. Jameela Ayedun, recommended a collaborative approach by banks, CBN, government agencies such as National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and others to enhance cyber security.
According to her, “Cyber security is the responsibility of all. The cyber criminals are still on rampage therefore we must protect our payment systems and not give anything to chance. We must educate our consumers and should not be a silent victim. The payment service providers must have the basic requirements. Government also have role to play in this regard. We should emphasize privacy and integrity of our payment systems.”
Also, in his technical presentation titled: Anatomy of the New Fraudsters – A Nigeria Perspective, Head, Growth and Partnership – West Africa, BPC Technologies, Emmanuel Obinne, observed that cyber frauds transcend borders and boundaries. He gave a rundown of different types of frauds and maintained that relevant cyber laws should be put in place to check cyber criminality.
According to him, “Fraud management is a journey and not a destination. Proper laws should be in place to punish cyber criminals. Organizations should regularly upgrade their payment systems and security to avoid vulnerability. This will also fast track authorization and authentication of transactions. Second factor authorization is also important to check fraud. The customers must constantly be educated to make them have more confidence in the payment system.”
Other Panelists at the hybrid summit apart from Dr. David Isiavwe, include Chairman, Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria (ACAEBIN), Yinka Tiamiyu; Chief Information Security Officer, Heritage Bank, Ighoakpo Eduje, and Managing Partner, Technology Advisors LLP, Basil Udotai. The session was moderated by Head, Internal Audit, FBN Holdings, Dr. Bode Oguntoke.
The Academic Board of Kogi State Polytechnic has approved the first semester results for the 2025/2026 academic session and withdrawn 229 students over poor academic performance.
The decision was taken at the Board’s meeting held on May 12, 2026, in Lokoja and chaired by the Rector, Professor Salihu Sanusi Avidime, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the acting Coordinator of Public Relations and Protocols, John Amos Onimisi.
The meeting had in attendance principal officers, deans, heads of departments and other members of the Academic Board, who deliberated on key academic issues affecting the institution.
Onimisi said the results were approved following a rigorous verification exercise conducted by the Academic Board Central Results Verification Committee.
He explained that the committee thoroughly reviewed and authenticated submissions from various departments to ensure accuracy, fairness and compliance with the polytechnic’s academic regulations.
“The committee’s report subsequently served as a critical guide in the Academic Board’s deliberations and final decisions on the results,” he stated.
The Rector was said to have commended members of the committee for their diligence, professionalism and commitment to maintaining academic standards in the institution.
The Board said the withdrawal of the 229 students is aimed at upholding academic excellence and preserving the integrity of certificates issued by the polytechnic.
It added that the decision is in line with existing academic regulations, and intended to promote discipline and encourage better academic performance among students.
Comedian and actor, Ayo Makun aka AY, has recounted the final moments of actor Alex Ekubo before his death on May 11, 2026.
Ekubo reportedly died from complications following liver failure, having been diagnosed with stage four liver cancer in 2024.
AY, who was reportedly present at the hospital, said Ekubo was smiling at the time of his death.
He described the loss as difficult to accept and reflected on their shared experiences in the film industry over the years.
The comedian stated that he witnessed the grief of family and friends at the hospital, expressing shock at the actor’s passing.
AY added that Ekubo would be remembered for his contributions beyond film and public recognition.
“Some losses do not feel real no matter how many times you try to process them. Still struggling with the reality that you are gone, Alex.
“From the laughter to the conversations, the random moments, the brotherhood, and all the memories we shared in this industry. This one hurts deeply.
“I was there. I saw you still smiling even in death. I saw the tears from friends and family. And honestly, a part of me is still in shock. Rest well my brother. You will be remembered beyond the lights, the cameras, and the fame,” AY wrote.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on Monday, released the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cut-off marks approved by universities across Nigeria for the 2026 admission exercise.
The cut-off marks were announced following the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.
According to the approved list, Pan-Atlantic University fixed the highest minimum cut-off mark at 220.
Several institutions, including the University of Benin, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Covenant University, Air Force Institute of Technology, and Obafemi Awolowo University, adopted 200 as their minimum benchmark.
JAMB stated that the approved figures represent the minimum thresholds for admission consideration.
The Board noted that institutions may still set higher requirements for competitive courses such as medicine, engineering, pharmacy, and law.
Below is the full list of universities and their approved minimum UTME scores for the 2026 admission exercise:
Pan-Atlantic University – 220
Air Force Institute of Technology – 200
Covenant University – 220
Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta – 200
Obafemi Awolowo University – 200
University of Benin – 200
University of Ibadan – 200
University of Lagos – 200
University of Nigeria, Nsukka – 200
Lagos State University of Science and Technology – 195
Lagos State University – 195
Lagos State University of Education – 185
Afe Babalola University – 180
Ahmadu Bello University – 180
Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun – 180
Nigeria Police Academy – 180
Nigerian University of Technology and Management – 180
Shanahan University – 180
University of Abuja (Yakubu Gowon University) – 180
University of Ilorin – 180
University of Jos – 170
Augustine University – 170
Babcock University – 170
Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia – 170
Federal University, Lafia – 170
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology – 170
Nasarawa State University – 170
BITS University, Bwari – 170
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University – 160
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University – 160
Admiralty University of Nigeria – 160
African Aviation and Aerospace University – 160
Ajayi Crowther University – 160
Al-Hikmah University – 160
Bamidele Olumilua University – 160
Bayero University, Kano – 160
Bells University of Technology – 160
Caleb University – 160
Chrisland University – 160
Dominion University – 160
Emmanuel Alayande University of Education – 160
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta – 160
Federal University of Education, Pankshin – 160
Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo – 160
Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti – 160
Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi – 160
First Technical University – 160
Imo State University – 160
Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management – 160
Karl Kumm University – 160
Kwara State University – 160
Landmark University – 160
Lead City University – 160
Modibbo Adama University – 160
Nnamdi Azikiwe University – 160
Olabisi Onabanjo University – 160
Osun State University – 160
Plateau State University – 160
Redeemer’s University – 160
Summit University – 160
Tai Solarin University of Education – 160
Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery – 160
University of Ilesa – 160
AbdulRasaq Abubakar Toyin University – 150
Adamawa State University – 150
Adeleke University – 150
African School of Economics, Abuja – 150
