ACE TSMIP

Responsible researchers:
● ACETEL, Nigeria
○ Dr Muhtar Alhassan, National Open University of Nigeria.
○ Dr Vivian Nwaocha, National Open University of Nigeria.
● ACE SMIA, Benin
○ Prof. Eugène Ezin, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
○ Dr. Jules Dégila, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Benin.

Other partners:
● Prof Olumide Longe - (American University, Yola).
● Dr Adebukola Onashoga (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,Ogun State.
● Dr Idris Ismaila (Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.
● Private organization, university, research center...).
○ African Language Technology Initiative (ALT-I).
○ National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
○ OTI Telecom (ISP in Benin, http://www.otitelecom.com/), Benin.
○ Centre for Information Technology and Systems (CTIS, University of Lagos, https://cits.unilag.edu.ng/)
○ National Universities Commission (NUC, https://www.nuc.edu.ng/)

Title: Promoting digital transformation in West Africa: Mitigating security risks associated with increased participation in the digital learning space in a post-COVID world

Type of project: Research project (4 years)

Abstract:
This research and development (R&D) project highlights the need to promote digital transformation in West Africa with related efforts to mitigate the security risks associated with increased participation in digital learning spaces in the post-COVID world. While there is no doubt that technology has changed the way we live, work and learn, there are very real threats associated with the increased use of technology and our growing reliance on cyberspace in a post-COVID world. Conventional educational establishments are increasingly involved in using the digital space to deliver their services. At the heart of an e-learning system are the issues of secure data management and effective end-user authentication and authorization mechanisms, which are the focus of ACETSMIP's research. The growing demand for online course resources in Nigeria and the West African region has resulted in high exposure to cyber-attacks. To ensure the sustainability and security of the digital learning space, it is essential to equip participants with state-of-the-art security tools and technologies. This research aims to identify the critical cybersecurity factors at the heart of the eLearning system. In anticipation of increased deployment of eLearning techniques by other institutions in the region, this study will extend to issues such as data access and data privacy that need to be addressed for a more reliable and secure digital learning space for the West African region. Beyond the direct impact on the educational and security landscape of the West African sub-region, our efforts in this project will also have a global impact by promoting digital inclusion, cyberspace security and cyberspace education as platforms that can prepare the general public to identify and avoid risks in cyberspace, make cyberspace safer and use the dynamics of our collective synergy to impact industrial processes, develop patentable frameworks and engage public-private partnership as viable options to deliver a tested and tenable solution in the field of interest.