This was the focus of the inaugural webinar hosted by DIniti8tive in partnership with the Quality Education Development Associates (QEDA), themed “Connectivity and the Cost/Integrity of National Examinations in Nigeria.”

Moderated by Esther Adegunle, associate director for Business and Economic Growth at DAI, the session examined four critical issues: the role of connectivity in exam fairness, the economic and social costs of exam-day glitches, policy and technology innovations, and the launch of DIniti8tive’s policy advocacy platform for education reform.

Delivering the opening remarks, Dr. Dara Akala, international development expert and former executive director of the PIND Foundation, emphasized that while Nigeria has made strides in digitalization, challenges remain in education.

“Connectivity gaps, rising telecom costs, and weak ICT infrastructure risk excluding millions of students, especially in rural and underserved communities. This transition must be fair and inclusive,” he said.

The keynote address was delivered by Chief Osita Chidoka, former minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, who championed Nigeria’s digital readiness.

He cited JAMB’s CBT success as proof that large-scale digital reforms are possible.

“Over the last decade, Nigeria has undergone a silent digital revolution, from banking to voter registration. The key question is: can we deliver fair, accessible, glitch-free digital examinations for every Nigerian child? The answer depends on political will and sustained innovation,” Chidoka asserted.

Chidoka also shared his experience digitizing processes at the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), including accident reporting, e-ticketing, and staff promotion exams, stressing that digital systems thrive when backed by leadership and infrastructure.

Also speaking, Dr. Fidelis Ekom, co-founder and Managing Partner of DIniti8tive, reiterated the group’s commitment to advocacy and collaboration.

“Today we interrogated a subject that touches the core of educational equity in Nigeria, connectivity and the cost and integrity of national examinations. Together, we’ve examined the realities: the infrastructure gaps, the economic and social toll of exam-day glitches, and the risk of leaving millions of children behind as we transition to full CBT systems.

“Nigeria does not need to disrupt existing systems like JAMB and WAEC. We must expand their capacity, reinforce their integrity, and ensure inclusivity. Every child deserves a fair chance to prove their potential, no matter where they live.

“But more importantly, we have spotlighted solutions: Strengthening connectivity and infrastructure to reach underserved communities; leveraging technology and EdTech innovations that are low-cost, inclusive, and scalable; ensuring shared accountability frameworks where exam bodies, parents, students, and schools co-create solutions, and fostering bold partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society that can truly move us from plans to performance,” Ekom said.

Stakeholders, including representatives from WAEC, NANS, NAPTAN, NAPPS, parents, legal experts, and EdTech innovators, contributed to the discussions, underscoring the need for public-private partnerships to strengthen exam systems.

As next steps, DIniti8tive announced plans to produce a post-event policy brief, share digital advocacy tools, and launch pilot projects that improve exam connectivity, fairness, and reliability ahead of the 2026 CBT deadline.

The post DIniti8tive | QEDA: Nigeria’s Education Stakeholders Push for Inclusive Digital Exams ahead of 2026 CBT Rollout appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

While social media platforms typically set age restrictions, they may not always align with a child’s readiness to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.

Ethan Bennet from Sonin, a UK app development company, shares some helpful information parents should consider when questioning whether to allow their children to use social media.

How Do You Decide When To Allow Your Child Onto Social Media?

What is my child’s maturity level?

Assessing your child’s maturity level is crucial. Some children may demonstrate greater emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills, making them better equipped to handle the challenges of online interactions.

Does my child understand the risks of using the internet?

Understanding online risks is another essential consideration. Your child should grasp concepts like privacy settings, cyberbullying, and digital footprint management before engaging in social media activities.

How will I supervise my child’s activity online?

Supervision as a parent plays a pivotal role in guiding your children’s online experiences. Monitoring their interactions and setting boundaries can mitigate potential risks.

Ethan says, ‘However, fostering open communication between you and your child is equally important. Discussing internet safety and responsible digital citizenship empowers children to make informed decisions and seek help when needed.’

Does it matter how other parents and children are navigating their technology?

When deciding when to allow your child to use social media, as a parent, you may face pressure from others with different perspectives or timelines. However, it’s essential to prioritize what’s best for your own child based on their unique needs and readiness.

Ethan advises, ‘Resisting peer pressure allows you to stay true to your values and make informed decisions that align with your family’s circumstances.

Ultimately, every child develops at their own pace, and you as a parent should trust your instincts and judgment rather than succumbing to external pressures.’

Advice And Resources

Numerous resources are available to assist you in making the decision as to when your child is ready for social media apps.

The website Common Sense Media offers reviews and recommendations tailored to children’s ages, helping parents choose age-appropriate apps and set guidelines for online usage.

Ethan’s other tips to consider when navigating the issue of your child and social media are:

• Keep all devices in a shared space or living room. If they use social media, you can easily keep an eye on their activity.
• Utilize parental controls on apps and web browsers to limit and restrict your child’s access to inappropriate content.
• Have open conversations with your children about their online safety. Creating an open dialogue and establishing trust will help your child understand that the goal is to protect them, not invade their privacy.

Ethan concludes,

“Children’s ability to handle using social media apps is all about readiness, understanding, and ongoing communication between the child and their parent. As a parent, empowering your child with knowledge and guidance ensures they maneuver the digital world safely and responsibly”.

[Featured Image Credit]

The post Kids Using Social Media: Is There a ‘Right Age’ to Start? appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.