The telecom operator explained that several factors contribute to faster data usage, including hotspot sharing, video streaming, automatic app updates, cloud backups, and the growing adoption of high-speed internet services.

According to the company, many users unknowingly consume significant amounts of data through background activities on smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and other connected devices.

Features such as auto-play on social media platforms, automatic software updates, and cloud synchronization can continue running even when users are not actively using their devices.

MTN also noted that hotspot sharing remains one of the leading causes of unexpected data consumption. When subscribers connect multiple devices to a single data plan, activities such as video streaming, online gaming, software downloads, and system updates on those devices can quickly exhaust available data.

The operator further explained that faster internet technologies, including 4G and 5G networks, naturally encourage higher data consumption as users access more high-definition content and bandwidth-intensive applications.

Similar observations have previously been highlighted by industry stakeholders and regulators, who note that video streaming, automatic updates, and background applications are among the major contributors to increased data usage.

Speaking today at subscriber townhall meeting codenamed ‘Data on Trial’, Michael Ndukwe, a senior manager for core network implementation at MTN Nigeria, said many subscribers misunderstand how data is consumed, particularly with the increasing adoption of high-speed technologies such as 4G and 5G networks.

“We usually hear the concern that MTN is stealing my data. I’m here to take you step by step through exactly how your data is used,” he said.

According to him, using a TikTok video as an example, he said data is not consumed when a mobile device merely connects to the network or undergoes authentication checks.

The expert said significant data usage only begins when a user requests online content, such as a video, which is then delivered through the network in “packets and reassembled on the device”.

He said the network first confirms that the subscriber is registered, has an active data bundle, and is authorised to access internet services before establishing a session.

“Data is not taken from you without your action. When you stream, scroll, download or share, you are using data. It’s as simple as that,” Ndukwe said.

Ndukwe said subscribers often conclude that operators are deducting data unfairly because consumption rates on modern networks differ significantly from what users experienced on older technologies such as 2G and 3G.

He explained that faster networks are designed to support richer content and provide a better experience, resulting in greater data usage.

Also speaking at the ‘Data On Trial’ session, David Ogunshola of MTN’s information technology team, said differences between data usage records displayed on customers’ devices and those recorded by the network are normal.

He said devices typically track only user activities and application-level consumption, while the network records the entire data session, including signalling and other processes required to establish and maintain connectivity.

Ogunshola said discrepancies may also arise from different measurement standards used by device manufacturers and network systems.

According to the IT expert, these differences are usually marginal but become more noticeable as data volumes increase.

He noted that the evolution from basic mobile phones to smartphones, smart televisions, gaming consoles and wearable devices has significantly increased data consumption because modern devices are optimised to deliver higher-quality experiences.

“The more sophisticated the device, the more it is optimised for quality. If you do not adjust those configurations, the device will always try to give you the best possible experience, and that comes with higher data usage,” Ogunshola said.

Ndukwe said MTN provides tools to help customers monitor and manage consumption, including the MyMTN app, data usage alerts, and data management features that allow subscribers to set limits and restrict background activities.

“Our promise is that we continue to invest heavily in network quality to give you the best experience and ensure that every megabyte you purchase delivers the experience that you expect,” he said.

He assured customers that the company would continue investing in network infrastructure to improve service quality and ensure transparency in data billing.

Meanwhile, Blessing Banro from TECNO Mobile representing the device makers spoke on understanding smart devices and how to they help you manage your data

The clarification comes amid increasing consumer complaints regarding data consumption patterns, particularly following recent adjustments in telecommunications tariffs.

While some subscribers continue to question the accuracy of data deductions, Timi Agbaje spoke against the defence of device makers and MNOs, asking pertinent questions on behalf of the people, operators maintain that changing digital habits and increased connectivity are the primary drivers of higher data usage.

To help subscribers better manage their data, MTN advised customers to:

• Monitor data usage regularly through available tracking tools.
• Disable automatic updates when using mobile data.
• Turn off auto-play features on social media and video platforms.
• Restrict background data usage for non-essential applications.
• Review devices connected through hotspot sharing.
• Use data-saving modes where available.

Industry analysts at the Data on Trial session by MTN Nigeria are of the view that the growing popularity of video content, cloud services, remote work applications, and connected devices is reshaping internet consumption patterns across Nigeria, resulting in higher average data usage per subscriber than in previous years.

RTX Spark, unveiled on Monday by Jensen Huang, chief executive during a keynote in Taipei ahead of the Computex technology conference, brings about a shift in how computers are used, moving away from traditional software-based workflows towards systems that can carry out tasks through AI agents.

“The PC is being reinvented,” Huang said. “For forty years, you launched apps. Click. Type. With RTX Spark and Microsoft Windows, you ask, and the PC does the work.”

RTX Spark is designed as a superchip built for what Nvidia describes as the “era of personal AI agents”. It combines a Blackwell-based GPU with a Grace CPU, delivering up to 1 petaflop of AI performance and 128GB of unified memory. 

Nvidia says this setup is intended to support complex AI tasks running directly on the device rather than in the cloud.

The company explained that the chip will allow users to run large language models locally, including systems with up to 120 billion parameters, while also handling demanding creative and gaming workloads. These include editing high-resolution video, generating AI video content, and running advanced 3D rendering tools.

Nvidia said RTX Spark systems will support Windows PCs built for what it calls “personal agents”, software that can carry out tasks across applications. The company is working with Microsoft to integrate the technology into Windows, including new security features designed to control how AI agents operate on a device.

Microsoft chairman and chief executive Satya Nadella said the collaboration aims to expand access to advanced computing tools. “Our goal is to deliver unmetered intelligence to every home and every desk with Windows,” he said.

The companies noted that the new Windows platform will include tools that allow users to manage what AI agents can access, how data is handled, and when information is processed locally instead of being sent to the cloud.

RTX Spark also targets creators and developers as Nvidia said the chip can support 90GB 3D scene rendering, 12K video editing, and AI-assisted design work. Users will be able to run high-end gaming titles at 1440p resolution with frame rates above 100 frames per second.

Adobe is among the companies adapting its software for the new system. It is reworking Photoshop and Premiere to take advantage of the hardware, with expected performance gains in AI tools such as generative editing and video expansion features.

Shantanu Narayen, Adobe’s chair and chief executive, said the changes would speed up creative work. “The best creative work in the world happens in Adobe tools from Adobe Firefly to Photoshop and Premiere, and the expansion of our partnership with NVIDIA and Microsoft will make those experiences faster and more powerful than ever,” he said.

Other software and gaming companies are also involved, including Blackmagic Design, Blender, ComfyUI, OTOY, and Xbox, all of which said they are preparing support for the new platform.

Hardware makers are preparing devices around the chip. Nvidia said laptops and compact desktops will be produced by companies including ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft Surface and MSI, with Acer and GIGABYTE also expected to join later. The first devices are scheduled for release in the autumn.

RTX Spark systems are expected to come in slim laptop designs and compact desktops aimed at both professionals and consumers. Nvidia said laptops will feature lightweight builds, OLED displays and all-day battery life.

With the launch, Nvidia is going beyond its traditional graphics chip business into full PC system design. Analysts say the move places the company in closer competition with Intel, AMD and Apple in the personal computing market.

Keyboards were found to host an average of 237 bacteria colonies, with some even reaching up to 970 colonies making them dirtier than a toilet seat, according to a study by CloudZero.

With many now returned to work after the festive break, millions could be exposing themselves to these bacteria unknowingly.

 To help, the experts at London rubbish removal company Clear It Waste have revealed vital advice for cleaning laptops, mouses, and keyboards, as millions neglect cleaning these high-touch surfaces.

Josh Clarke on behalf of Clear It Waste also provides advice on the importance of cleaning tech and what to do if you need to dispose of old office equipment.

Experts urge workers to clean these common office items

Keyboard: average of 237 bacteria colonies

Keyboards are a staple of day to day work for many workers, but they could be hosting hundreds of bacteria such as mould and staphylococcus spp / micrococcus spp. Staphylococcus can cause infections, whilst mould can negatively impact health, causing respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and irritation. Searches for ‘how to clean laptop keyboards’ have soared by over 5,000% in the past week alone.

Keyboards should be wiped down weekly, with a deep clean done every 1-2 months. Always unplug your keyboard before cleaning.

To clean it, simply wipe it down with a microfiber cloth to remove surface grime, especially if you snack at your desk. For a deeper clean, use a slightly moist cotton swab with a very mild cleaning solution to cleanse the keyboard surface.

Be sure not to allow any liquid to get into the keyboard. Finally, use a dry cloth to gently wipe it down and ensure the keyboard is dry. Remember that immersing your keyboard in water or any other fluid is dangerous and not advised.

Mouse: average of 408 bacteria colonies

Similarly to the keyboard, a mouse should be wiped down weekly, and deep cleaned monthly, as over 400 bacteria colonies were found on the mouse according to CloudZero’s study, including Bacillus spp.

This bacteria is often harmless, but some species of Bacillus can form spores, enabling them to survive in harsh environments.

To clean a mouse, ensure it is off and unplugged, and do a weekly wipe down with a slightly damp cloth to remove surface oils and grime. Once a month, take a microfibre cloth and use a small amount of mild cleaner or disinfectant to wipe away bacteria. Use a dry microfibre cloth to ensure your mouse is completely dry before use.

Laptop: average of 645 bacteria colonies, with some devices harboring over 3,000 colonies

The average laptop hosts over 600 colonies of bacteria, with some even being found to harbour thousands. Laptops should be cleaned monthly to avoid this bacteria build up.

To do so, take a diluted computer-safe cleaning solution on a microfibre cloth, and gently wipe down the laptop, being sure to avoid using excessive liquid as this could seep in and damage internal components.

Use a dry microfibre cloth to remove any cleaning solution and dry off the laptop thoroughly.

Then, utilise a can of compressed air to blow any remaining dust out of the keyboard.

Be sure to spray this gently into the keyboard, or the canister could release a large amount of air, damaging the internal components.

Once the dust and debris are gone, use a sanitising wipe across the keys and touchpad to kill germs and bacteria and ensure this is all thoroughly dry before turning the device back on.

Josh Clarke on behalf of London rubbish removal company Clear It Waste states:

“Cleaning your laptop or keyboard goes beyond keeping it germ free. It also ensures that you reduce the risk of clogged keys which can get stuck over time with grime, dust, and food residue, limiting typing ability.

“If this is not fixable you may need to dispose of this. If you need to dispose of old, broken tech, be sure to treat this as WEEE waste. Take your tech to local recycling centres or consider using store take-back schemes when buying new items. Alternatively, arrange collection by a licensed carrier for larger quantities, ensuring items go to an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF) for proper handling of hazardous WEEE materials. Incorrect disposal of WEEE waste results in environmental contamination, can cause health risks, and a significant loss of valuable raw materials. This could also lead to potential legal penalties.”

More on the study is available here.

The startup said the efforts is towards redefining quality and customer satisfaction in Nigeria’s technology retail and services sector,

The firm, known for consistently delivering premium devices and IT support, is raising the bar by coupling its products with extended warranty options and comprehensive after-sales support.

More than just a hardware supplier, MENXTT Technology NG operates as a fully online IT service firm, bridging the gap between businesses and customers, whether corporate entities or individual buyers. The company’s core mission is to take technology directly to clients, eliminating the stress and complexity often associated with sourcing, deploying, and maintaining IT tools.

“At MENXTT, we believe buying a phone or laptop shouldn’t feel like a gamble,” said Anthony Emeka Nwosu, director of Communication and Customer Retention at MENXTT Technology NG. “That’s why we’re offering USA-spec smartphones with guaranteed quality, extended warranties, and structured after-sales support. We’re not just in the device business,  we’re in the trust business.”

Nwosu explained that the decision to import and supply USA-standard smartphones stems from a deep understanding of market frustrations.

“Nigerians are tired of substandard phones and zero accountability. We’ve built MENXTT to be the exact opposite — dependable, responsive, and quality-driven. When you buy from us, you’re not alone. We follow through with support, warranty, and expert care.”

Located at 8a Oje Imeviani Street, Julie Estate, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, MENXTT offers a robust catalog of services including IT procurement, tech support, website and landing page development, and software deployment, all accessible via its online platform.

“We are a tech solutions partner, not just a seller. From laptops to computer accessories, from software to complete IT infrastructure — we deliver technology where and how you need it. We take the worry off your shoulders,” Nwosu added.

The company’s digital-first approach makes it easy for customers across Nigeria to browse, order, and receive products or services without visiting a physical store. Whether you’re a business setting up new systems or an individual upgrading your gadgets, MENXTT simplifies the process with “IT Solutions To Go.”

And just when you thought they had hit a ceiling, ASUS decided that you deserve all three in one device–a gaming tablet that thinks it’s a laptop but secretly wants to be a desktop.

The ROG Flow Z13 (2025), a machine that refuses to be labelled. With the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor and Radeon 8060S Graphics, this device handles AAA gaming, AI tasks, and content creation while still being light enough to toss into a backpack. 

It’s ASUS’ equivalent of giving a sports car wings and telling it to fly. After a week of testing this machine to its limits, here’s what I found.

Design – A Practical Build

ASUS took inspiration from the 20th-century Space Race, carving the high-density aluminium alloy chassis with precision CNC machining. 

This results in a sleek and durable design that weighs only 1.2kg without the keyboard and 1.59kg with it. The kickstand opens to 170 degrees, enabling flexible usage, whether in gaming, working, or binge-watching Netflix.

A unique RGB-lit window at the back reveals the machine’s internals, adding to its futuristic look. Unlike traditional laptops, the keyboard is detachable, giving it an ultra-portable form factor. 

However, for those who are used to a full-size mechanical keyboard, the smaller keycaps and touchpad might take some getting used to.

Connectivity

Despite its compact size, the Flow Z13 doesn’t skimp on ports. You get:

• 2x USB-C (USB4 + DP 2.1 + PD 3.0)
• 1x USB 3.2 Type-A
• 1x HDMI 2.1
• 1x microSD Card Reader (UHS-II)
• 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack

For a device this small, the dual USB4 ports supporting Thunderbolt eGPUs (like the XG Mobile external GPU) is a massive plus for serious gamers and creators.

Performance and Portability

The ROG Flow Z13 GZ302EA I tested was powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, a 16-core, 32-thread processor capable of handling AAA gaming, creative workloads, and AI tasks. 

Combined with the Radeon 8060S Graphics, this device delivers gaming performance comparable to some dedicated GPUs while consuming less power.

Memory & Storage

ASUS built the Z13 with 32GB LPDDR5X 8000 on board RAM and 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage. A unique feature is the unified memory design, which allows the system to dynamically allocate RAM between the CPU and GPU, optimising performance based on the task at hand.

Gaming Performance

With integrated Radeon 8060S Graphics, the Flow Z13 isn’t just for casual gaming—it’s built for serious play. I tested a range of games, and here’s how it performed:

While the performance is commendable for an integrated GPU, users looking for higher FPS and ray tracing might want to pair it with an external GPU (XG Mobile).

AI & Content Creation

Thanks to AMD’s XDNA AI Engine, the Z13 can handle AI tasks like running local LLMs (large language models) with DeepSeek R1. It also breezes through video editing, music production, and 3D rendering, making it a solid choice for content creators.

Cooling – Smart and Efficient

One of the biggest challenges with high-performance tablets is cooling, and ASUS has tackled this with:

• A stainless steel & copper vapor chamber
• 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans
• Ultra-thin cooling fins

These allow the CPU and GPU to stay cool even under full load. While the device does get warm during long gaming sessions, it never became uncomfortably hot, and the fans remained quieter than most gaming laptops.

Display – 180Hz of Smoothness

The 13.4-inch 2.5K ROG Nebula Display is one of the interesting features of the Flow Z13.

• 180Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth gameplay
• 3ms response time reduces motion blur
• Pantone Validated & Dolby Vision support for colour accuracy
• 500-nit brightness makes it usable outdoors

Whether for gaming, video editing, or general productivity, the 16:10 aspect ratio touchscreen is a joy to use. The Gorilla Glass DXC coating also helps reduce glare while improving durability.

Battery Life – Better, But Still Needs Work

The 70Wh battery in the 2025 model is a noticeable improvement over the previous model’s 56Wh unit. However, given its powerful hardware, you shouldn’t expect all-day battery life.

The 200W fast charger gets the battery from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes, and USB-C PD charging means you can use a portable power bank on the go.

Audio – Surprisingly Good for a Tablet

The quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos produces clear and immersive audio. It’s loud enough for gaming and movies, and the AI noise-cancelling microphone ensures crystal-clear voice calls. While bass isn’t as deep as full-sized laptops, the overall sound quality is better than most 13-inch devices.

Software & Features

Armoury Crate

ASUS’ Armoury Crate software allows customisation of performance modes:

• Silent Mode – For quiet operation, ideal for office use
• Performance Mode – Optimises power for gaming without excessive noise
• Turbo Mode – Maximises CPU and GPU speeds for heavy workloads
• Manual Mode – Allows full fan and power customisation

Game On & Stay Covered: Exclusive Perks with Your ASUS ROG Purchase!

A one-month subscription to PC Game Pass is included, giving access to over 100 high-quality games.

For added peace of mind, ASUS Perfect Warranty (APW) covers accidental damages up to $250. Register your product within 90 days of purchase to secure your benefits.

And don’t forget to join the ROG Elite Rewards Program! Register your product to earn points, unlock exclusive game codes, ROG wallpapers, and more: ROG Elite Rewards.

Scenario Profiles

Automatically adjusts performance, fan speed, and lighting based on the application in use.

Finally – A Beast in a Small Package

The 2025 ROG Flow Z13 is an engineering amazement, successfully merging laptop-level power with the portability of a tablet. 

While integrated graphics limit gaming at ultra-high settings, the powerful Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, gorgeous display, and premium build make it one of the best portable gaming and creative devices out there.

Who Should Buy It?

Gamers who want a portable powerful device

Content creators needing a high-performance tablet

AI & data enthusiasts looking for on-device LLM capabilities

Professionals needing a flexible 2-in-1 device

Who Should Skip It?

Hardcore gamers who demand RTX-level graphics (unless paired with an XG Mobile GPU)

Budget buyers, as this device is premium-priced

Final Score: 8.5/10

The ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is one of the most powerful gaming tablets available today. If ASUS bundles an external GPU option at a lower cost, this could easily be the ultimate hybrid gaming machine…See more HERE: https://bit.ly/GZ302TechEconomy.

As the AI industry builds-out a massive new infrastructure to train AI models and offer AI services (inference), there are important implications related to data storage.

First, storage technology plays important roles in the cost and power-efficiency of the varied stages of this new infrastructure.

As AI systems process and analyze existing data, they create new data, much of which will be stored because it’s useful or entertaining.

And new AI use cases and ever more sophisticated models make existing repositories and additional data sources more valuable for model context and training, powering a cycle where increased data generation fuels expanded data storage, which fuels further data generation – a virtuous AI Data Cycle.

It’s important for enterprise data center planners to understand the dynamic interplay between AI and data storage.

The  AI Data Cycle  outlines storage priorities for AI workloads at scale at each one of the six-stages.  Storage component manufacturers, such as Western Digital, are tuning their product roadmaps in recognition of these accelerating AI-driven requirements to maximize performance and minimize TCO.

Let’s take a quick walk through the stages of the AI Data Cycle: 

Raw Data Archives, Content Storage: Raw data is collected and stored from various sources securely and efficiently. The quality and diversity of collected data are critical, setting the foundation for everything that follows.

Storage needs: Capacity enterprise hard disk drives (eHDDs) remain the technology of choice for lowest cost bulk data storage, continuing to deliver highest capacity per drive and lowest cost per bit.

Data Preparation & Ingestion: Data is processed, cleaned, and transformed for input to model training. Data center owners are implementing upgraded storage infrastructure such as fast data lakes to support preparation and ingestion.

Storage needs: All-flash storage systems incorporating high-capacity enterprise solid state drives (eSSDs) are being deployed to augment existing HDD based repositories, or within new all-flash storage tiers.

AI Model Training: It is during this stage where AI models are trained iteratively to make accurate predictions based on the training data.

Specifically, models are trained on high-performance supercomputers, and training efficiency relies heavily on maximizing GPU utilization.

Storage needs: Very high-bandwidth flash storage near the training server is important for maximum utilization.

High-performance (PCIe® Gen. 5) and low-latency compute optimized eSSDs are designed to meet these stringent requirements.

Inference & Prompting: This stage involves creating user-friendly interfaces for AI models, including APIs, dashboards, and tools that combine context specific data with end-user prompts.

AI models will be integrated into existing internet and client applications, enhancing them without replacing current systems.

This means maintaining current systems alongside new AI compute, driving further storage needs.

Storage needs: Current storage systems will be upgraded for additional data center eHDD and eSSD capacity to accommodate AI-integration into existing processes.

Similarly, larger and higher performance client SSDs (cSSDs) for PCs and laptops, and higher capacity embedded flash devices for Mobile Phones, IoT systems, and Automotive will be needed for AI-enhancements to existing applications.

AI Inference Engine:  Stage 5 is where the magic happens in real-time. This stage involves deploying the trained models into production environments where they can analyze new data and provide real-time predictions or generate new content.

The efficiency of the inference engine is crucial for timely and accurate AI responses.

Storage needs: High-capacity eSSDs for streaming context or model data to inference servers; depending on scale or response time targets, high-performance compute eSSDs may be deployed for caching; High-capacity cSSDs and larger embedded Flash modules in AI-enabled edge devices.

New Content Generation: The final stage is where new content is created. The insights produced by the AI models often generate new data, which is stored because it proves valuable or engaging. While this stage closes the loop, it also feeds back into the data cycle, driving continuous improvement and innovation by increasing the value of data for training or analysis by future models.

Storage needs: Generated content will land back in capacity enterprise eHDDs for archival data center storage, and in high-capacity cSSDs and embedded Flash devices in AI-enabled edge devices.

A self-perpetuating cycle of increased data generation

This continuous loop of data generation and consumption is accelerating the need for performance-driven and scalable storage technologies for managing large AI data sets and re-factoring complex data efficiently, driving further innovation.

Ed Burns, research director at IDC noted, “The implications for storage are expected to be significant as the role of storage, and access to data, influences the speed, efficiency and accuracy of AI Models, especially as larger and higher-quality data sets become more prevalent.”

There’s no doubt that AI is the next transformational technology.  As AI technologies become embedded across virtually every industry sector, expect to see storage component providers increasingly tailor products to the needs of each stage in the cycle.

Nigeria’s economic cases such as inflation, high exchange rate, lack of forex, tariffs, etc., have been increasingly fuelling the prices of laptops over the years. Then, currency devaluation, and government policies further exacerbate the situation.

Also, with the more pronounced embracement of technology and the trend of remote working since covid-19 pandemic, laptops remain a popular in-demand tool, serving as a better alternative to tablets and smartphones. 

According to online checks, the average cost of a laptop ranges between N130,000 and N150,000. However, several features such as storage size, RAM, quality, sleekness, processing power, RAM capacity, hard disk capacity, operating system, optical storage type, display type and size touchscreen, fingerprint, etc., usually determine the cost of laptops. 

Nigeria’s Laptop Market 

Despite some of the issues associated with the Nigerian laptop market, it is a promising one with significant potential for growth. Dealers and vendors that can navigate the challenges and offer high-quality, affordable laptops are likely to stay afloat in the market.

According to reports from Statista, revenue in Nigeria’s laptops segment is projected to be US$2.22bn in 2023, while the market is expected to grow annually by 8.71% (CAGR 2023-2028). 

Research Director with IDC’s Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers, Nabila Popal, stated, “With increasing costs and ongoing challenges in consumer demand, OEMs are quite cautious about 2023.

“While there is finally some good news coming out of China with the recent reopening, there is still a lot of uncertainty and lack of trust, which results in a cautious outlook.

“However, we remain convinced the global market will return to growth in 2024 once we are past these short-term challenges as there is a significant pent-up refresh cycle in developed markets as well as room for smartphone penetration in emerging markets to fuel stable long-term growth.”

Macroeconomic Issues 

Nigeria’s fluctuating exchange rate and rising inflation have been some of the microeconomic factors affecting the cost of laptops. 

In 2015 Naira exchanged from ₦199 to $1, and a 9 percent inflation rate. Currently, the inflation rate is 22.04 percent, while the exchange rate today is N460 to $1. 

Analysis of the inflation figure from 2015 to date shows that the country’s inflation ballooned to approximately 131.16%. Laptops sold for N100,000 in that same year are currently sold between N200,000 to N250,000. 

One of the laptop vendors in Lagos who spoke to TechEconomy on the condition of anonymity confirmed that the HP 2000, a laptop that was in high demand as of 2013 was out of stock. “This type of laptop is no longer in vogue,” he said.

HP 2000 laptop in 2014 was sold for N50,000, the price ballooned to N77,000 – N85,000 in 2020. Today, laptops of such a model can be regarded as the old-school type of laptop with so much weight. 

Due to Nigeria’s reliance on oil exports and susceptibility to changes in the world oil market, devaluations of the Naira have been a fairly frequent occurrence. Several times during its history, Nigeria has depreciated its currency. 

The Naira underwent a devaluation in 2020. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) devalued the Naira from 307 to N360 per US dollar in March of that year, a 15% decrease.

IDC’s Senior Research Manager, Fouad Charakla, said countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Turkey have recently experienced devaluations of their local currencies against the U.S. dollar.

He said this raised the costs of imports, including those of personal computing devices, and will negatively impact demand in the aforementioned countries. 

However, “despite these challenges, some massive education deals are expected to be delivered in both Pakistan and Egypt this year, while a large government deal is expected to be delivered in Nigeria,” Fouad said.

Forex Scarcity & Shipping 

Regardless of the several assurances and interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make forex available to importers and stabilize the local currency in the last three years, it has achieved little success.

The pressure on the naira has persisted as many Nigerians scurry to find dollars to pay for imports. Many importers have been compelled to turn to the black market as a result of the CBN’s inability to meet demand on the official market, which has led to price increases.

The challenge of forex and naira fluctuation also extends the shipping cost. The cost of shipping raw materials and goods keeps increasing which eventually falls back on the buyer

“Without foreign exchange, people cannot place Form M and without Form M they cannot place orders and this will have a ripple effect on the economy.” President of the Shippers Association of Lagos State, (SALS), Jonathan Nicol.

OEMs and Covid-19 Effects

OEMs ran out of supply as a result of the closure of Chinese manufacturing during the height of the Covid-19 outbreak, which caused a scarcity of computer chips. The laptop and car industries, among others, were severely impacted by this shortfall. 

Every link in the value chain was impacted by the chip supply disruption, which also led to a scarcity of laptops, cell phones, and other electronic products. 

Following the local government’s directive, several manufacturers, including Foxconn Technology Group, a significant iPhone assembler for Apple Inc., said they were ceasing operations in Shenzhen.

Only a few paid-up orders were already being recalibrated for distribution in April/May or June of the following year, 2021, while the world’s computer Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) acknowledged that there were no simple remedies or quick ways out of the shortage.

As a result of the ordeal, manufacturers had to cope with supply chain disruptions for devices made by companies like HP, Lenovo, Dell, and Asus, among others, demand eventually exceeded supply, particularly in a nation like Nigeria.

BusinessDay market survey shows that prices of new laptops rose from 30 percent to 138 percent between the time Covid-19 cases were reported in March and October. 

The price of an HP Notebook – 15- (Intel Pentium Gold 4417U) increased by 47 percent to N133,000 from N90,000, while the price of a normal HP Standard laptop rose by 18.2 percent to N65,000 from N55,000. More so, the price of a laptop brand known as Lenovo Idealpal rose by 113.3 percent from N75,000 to N160,000.

HP250G7 Intel Celeron laptop increased by 40% to N105,000 from the end of March’s price of N75,000. Similar to this, over the same period, the cost of a laptop with the model number Intel Core I3,8GB rose by 10.4%, from N480,000 to N530,000.

However, it is projected that earnings volatility will decrease in 2023 based on research done by JP Morgan Research. The strong price power of the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is to blame for this, which has led to more stability and growth overall.

A more lucrative year for the industry is anticipated as a result of this stability, which is also anticipated to increase supplier profits momentum.

OEMs anticipate a normalization phase in terms of demand, which is a typical event when exiting an era of exceptionally high demand and low supply.

China as the Biggest Exporter 

Ambassador of China to Nigeria H.E. CUI Jianchun, wrote in an article titled “China-Nigeria Cooperation in the New Era,” that Nigeria’s trade reached 25.68 billion USD, rising 33.3% year on year, and Nigeria’s exports to China reached 3.04 billion USD, rising 22.4% year on year.

Currently, Nigeria is China’s third largest trading partner in Africa, and China is Nigeria’s largest source of imports. Nigeria imports laptops from many different nations, including China, the US, Japan, South Korea, and Europe. 

However, China now accounts for more than 80% of all laptop imports into Nigeria, making it the country’s primary supplier in recent years. This is mainly because a lot of Chinese producers offer inexpensive laptops that are excellent for Nigerian consumers’ and enterprises’ wants and budgets. 

High-quality computers are additionally sold to Nigeria by nations including the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Europe, however at a greater cost.

In classrooms and lecture halls, lessons have increasingly been complemented by digital tools and platforms. Technology can and must be used to provide opportunities for all and bring about a future that is better and brighter than today.

The rapid shift to digital teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has provided a lot of opportunities for innovation and creativity.

This isn’t to downplay experiences of disruption and hardship, but the acceleration of technology and the rise of digital learning have brought positive changes within education.

Improved availability and quality of information

Technologies impact is perhaps best visible in the learning process. Not only is it easier to find any information online, but the information now comes in different formats.

In addition to e-books and websites, podcasts, photos, infographics, videos, and even video games can be very useful.

All these educational formats are available online, but also in traditional classrooms thanks to teachers who use technology to considerably improve their lectures.

We have seen a significant digital upskilling of both students and staff. With technology, educators are no longer limited to textbooks or traditional ways of face-to-face learning.

By using other resources such as video, audio and interactive learning, students have many different ways to learn.

Teachers can create digital teaching materials, videos, and slide decks, then provide access to students and caregivers to review on their own time.

Since the start of lockdowns, Microsoft Teams itself has undergone several enhancements to enrich the student learning experience.

In the same way, teams within organisations collaborate using the platform, key features were incorporated into the educational version to empower the same collaboration among students and teachers. For example, educators were able to organise their students into assignment groups so they can work together on the same work and experience the power of teamwork first-hand.

What digital tools are needed?

What we have learned was that the critical ingredient to successful hybrid and remote learning was having the right technology in place.

Laptops, PCs, mobile devices, webcams, headsets, and other software solutions are just some of the tools that have supported learners throughout this period.

Thoroughly considering why technology should be chosen and how it integrates with learning can help parents choose which technology is most valuable or crucial to teaching and learning.

When selecting hardware, one crucial decision is choosing between a hand-held or portable device, such as a tablet or a laptop computer. Likewise, schools that have used Google Workspace for Education or other educational platforms will benefit from devices and software that is compatible with them.

Building on our digital investment

Technology within the educational ecosystem can provide opportunities for children to improve their digital literacy.

Building towards a strong foundation of digital literacy will help students succeed in the classroom throughout their schooling and readies them for the digital economy regardless of the career journey they take.

The introduction of technology in schools and at home to complement learning will be important to closing the gap between our current situation and where we need our future graduates to be.

The world of technology was already changing, with the World Economic Forum estimating that 65% of children entering primary school today will end up working in completely new jobs that do not yet exist.

It is essential to continue our investment in people so that their confidence and digital literacy continue to grow.

This exposure to technology and growing digital literacy can lead to future careers in artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing and other professions that do not exist today.

With the current accelerated shift towards digitisation, it’s amazing to think about what the education of tomorrow will look like.

Technology may not replace traditional learning methods, but it does have its place in modern-day education and should be included as much as possible.