*The Nigerian Communications Commission states the indigenous initiative will help to build capacity in the tertiary institutions, and promote the country’s contribution to the pool of technologies in use in the communications ecosystem

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As part of the Commission’s support to the advancement of local technology-based research innovation, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the 2023 Telecommunications -Based Research Innovation from academics in tertiary institutions in the West African country.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC as the telecoms sector regulator in Nigeria supports, among other things, telecommunications-based innovations and research that are practical, locally realisable, and have clear potential of developing the telecommunications industry from tertiary institutions across the country.

The Commission, in a public notice published Friday, February 24, stated pursuant to this objective,  the Commission invites proposals from academics in tertiary institutions to submit research proposal in any of the research topics stated below.

The NCC noted: “It is envisaged that the initiative will help build capacity in the tertiary institutions and promote Nigeria’s contribution to the pool of technologies in use in the communications industry.

In regard to the specific areas of Research/Research Topics for 2023 applications, the Commission in order to improve the quality of the submissions, it has included the specific topics in each of the “focus areas of research” that should addressed in the responses to this Request for Proposal.

These include the following:

Development of sensors for smartcity applications such as traffic management systems, smart parking, smart grid, smart homes, smart institutions and smart network management.

Innovative Smartcity applications for Broadband penetration

Areas including but not limited to smart parking, smart grid, smart home, smart institutions, smart network management, etc.

Use Case

Smart network management: This could include applications such as network optimisation tools for improving efficiency and capacity, as well as cybersecurity solutions for protection against threats.

Smart parking: This could include applications such as real-time parking availability information, dynamic pricing for parking spots, and smart parking garages with automated vehicle guidance.

Smart grid: This could include applications such as real-time monitoring and control of electricity distribution, integration of renewable energy sources, and demand response systems for managing energy usage.

Smart public services: This could include applications such as online portals for accessing government services, as well as connected systems for managing public utilities and infrastructure.

Public safety and emergency response: This could include applications such as connected cameras for public surveillance, emergency notification systems, and real-time crime mapping tools.

2. Use of Telecommunication networks in Identity Management and Location Tracking via National Identity Numbering (NIN) and Artificial Intelligence.

Design and development of a system to track, locate, and monitor operations using the National Identity Number.

Use Case

Identity verification and authentication: This could include research on how to use National Identity Numbering (NIN) and other identity information in combination with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to accurately verify the identity of users.

Location tracking and privacy: This could include research on how to use telecommunication networks and AI to track the location of users in a way that respects their privacy and complies with relevant regulations.

Integration with other systems: This could include research on how to integrate NIN and location tracking capabilities with other systems, such as financial transactions, transportation networks, and emergency services, in order to provide a seamless and secure user experience.

3. Design and implementation of efficient solar mobile phone/battery charger.

Design and development of an effective solar charger to provide a clean alternative to the regular high carbon emitting sources of energy.

Use case

Solar charger for electric vehicles: This project could focus on developing a solar charger that is capable of charging electric vehicles, such as electric cars and e-bikes. The charger could be designed with a high-capacity battery and a fast charging capability, as well as a durable and weather-resistant enclosure.

Solar-powered home energy system: This project could focus on developing a comprehensive solar-powered energy system for homes.

The system could include a large solar panel array, a battery storage system, and an inverter for converting the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used by household appliances.

The system could also include a smart energy management system for optimising energy usage and minimising waste.

Solar-powered drone charging station: This project could focus on developing a solar-powered charging station for drones that is able to recharge the batteries of multiple drones simultaneously.

The station could be designed with a solar panel array, a battery storage system, and multiple charging ports.

It could be used in a variety of applications, such as agricultural surveying, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring.

4. Research leading to commercial production of high capacity battery for telecommunications equipment

Development of an effective high capacity battery to provide to be an alternative source of power for telecommunications equipment.

Use Case

Solar-powered portable generator: This project could focus on developing a portable solar generator that is able to produce electricity from sunlight and store it in a battery. The generator could be designed with a rugged, weather-resistant enclosure and multiple outlets for powering various types of electronic devices.

It could be used in a variety of settings, such as outdoor events, construction sites, and disaster relief efforts.

Solar-powered off-grid microgrid: This project could focus on developing a small-scale, decentralised energy system that uses solar panels and batteries to provide electricity to a community or group of households that are not connected to the grid.

The microgrid could be designed to be scalable, so that it can be easily expanded as the energy needs of the community grow.

5. Design and implementation of an Artificial Intelligence based predictive maintenance solutions for telecommunications infrastructure

AI-driven predictive systems with robust algorithms, and machine learning techniques to predict the future condition of telecoms infrastructure based on historical data and trends. Operators can use data-driven insights to monitor the state of equipment and anticipate failures to proactively fix problems of telecommunications hardware.

Use Case

Predictive maintenance for telecom towers: This project could focus on developing an AI-based system for predicting when telecom towers will require maintenance, such as inspections, repairs, or upgrades.

The system could analyse data from sensors on the towers, as well as external data sources, such as weather patterns, to identify potential issues and schedule maintenance before problems occur.

Predictive maintenance for telecom switching equipment: This project could focus on developing an AI-based system for predicting when telecom switching equipment, such as routers and switches, will require maintenance. The system could analyse data from sensors on the equipment, as well as data from the equipment’s performance logs, to identify potential issues and schedule maintenance before problems occur.

Predictive maintenance for telecom cables: This project could focus on developing an AI-based system for predicting when telecom cables will require maintenance, such as repairs or replacements.

The system could analyse data from sensors on the cables, as well as data from the cables’ performance logs, to identify potential issues and schedule maintenance before problems occur.

6. Development of Cybersecurity solutions to curb cyberattacks

Telecommunication operators handle essential infrastructure, therefore a cyber-attack can have a huge and far-reaching impact.

This should proffer cybersecurity solutions to protect all the users from infected files, malware, and digital attacks which lead the users to access private sensitive information of users.

Use case

Machine learning-based intrusion detection: This project could focus on developing a machine learning-based system for detecting cyberattacks in real-time.

The system could analyse network traffic data and use patterns and anomalies to identify potential attacks, and then alert security personnel or take automated countermeasures.

Cybersecurity risk assessment and management: This project could focus on developing a framework for assessing and managing cybersecurity risks, including identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating the likelihood and impact of potential attacks, and implementing appropriate controls.

Secure software development: This project could focus on developing best practices and tools for securely designing, building, and testing software, in order to reduce the likelihood of vulnerabilities being introduced into systems. This could include techniques such as code review, static analysis, and penetration testing.

Meanwhile, the Terms of Reference (TOR’s) for this year’s submissions “should be developed clearly stating that the research topics must lead to production of commercially viable prototype and capable of contributing to the development of the telecommunications industry,” said the NCC.

According to the Commission, the project cost should not exceed a maximum of Fifteen Million Naira (N15, 000,000.00) only, while it “reserves the right to review this maximum amount.”

For further and comprehensive details of the areas of technology-based Research Innovation Topics for the 2023 applications, please click >> HERE.