By Priscilla Campbell,
Minna
The Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, has purchased 40 high technology and state-of-the-art computer equipment to aid its fight against cybercrimes.
The Vice-Chancellor of the FUT, Professor Abdullahi Bala, disclosed this while commissioning laboratories at the university’s main campus, Gidan Kwano.
He explained that the computers would be used to power the Digital Forensic Laboratory and Malware Laboratory in the Department of Cyber-security at the institution.
According to him, the new laboratories would help in enhancing the capacity of the university to contribute its quota in combating cybercrime in the institution, state, and the natíon.
The VC said, “These laboratories would give us the platform that allows us to reach out to other organizations, institutions and security organizations that will collaborate with us in terms of national security.
“The Laboratories are coming at the right time although it is long overdue but it is better late than never. We however still need to do a lot more work to further improve our capacity and enable us to address the major economic crimes in the country.”
Bala added that with the presence of the Laboratory, FUT, Minna could better deliver the curriculum of cybersecurity and the students exposed to real-life dynamics in cybersecurity.
Contributing, the Dean, School of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) in FUT Minna, Professor Nichol Iwokwagh, noted that with the present spare of cyber attacks, the essence and value of a programme for cybersecurity was of great necessity. Iwokwagh also stated that the two newly commissioned laboratories were made possible with a partnership with some organizations, saying, “with the new equipment, the Department of Cybersecurity in the FUT, Minna will be more effective and our students better trained in the dynamics of cybersecurity.”