This week on Techstoriex, Nigeria’s technology landscape was shaped by major developments across education, cybersecurity, financial regulation, and digital payments. From the Federal Government exploring India’s KYAN smart class technology to alarming new data showing Nigeria now leads Africa in weekly cyberattacks, the week revealed both opportunities and vulnerabilities in the country’s digital transition.

Regulatory changes also moved into focus as the Central Bank unveiled new cash withdrawal limits set to take effect in 2026, reshaping how Nigerians interact with cash. Meanwhile, OPay strengthened its position in the fintech sector after securing two major honours at the Tech Innovation Awards, underscoring a rising demand for secure, user-centric digital finance. Together, these stories reflect a nation pushing toward innovation while navigating the risks and reforms that come with rapid technological growth.

1. FG Endorses India’s KYAN Smart Class Technology for Nigerian Schools

Nigeria may soon adopt India’s KYAN smart class system as the Federal Government evaluates its potential for nationwide deployment. Interest grew after Vice President Kashim Shettima endorsed the tool during a meeting with representatives from Schoolnet India Limited and Learnet Skills Limited in Abuja. Shettima recalled using the rugged, all-in-one device—built with a computer, camera, projector, and preloaded content—during his time in Borno State, saying it helped teachers deliver lessons even in areas with limited infrastructure.

He highlighted the need for local adaptation, noting that Nigeria’s curriculum and language patterns differ from India’s. Shettima suggested that AI could help customise the content to local requirements and urged developers to tailor the tool to Nigerian learning environments. The Ministry of Education and NITDA will now collaborate with the Indian team to refine the model for possible rollout across primary and secondary schools.

Officials from Schoolnet said KYAN was designed to work even without internet connectivity, turning any wall into an interactive teaching surface. Managing Director R.C.M. Reddy explained that the system has boosted teacher confidence in past deployments and could help standardise digital learning across rural and urban communities. Shettima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to using technology to close learning gaps and build long-term digital literacy in schools nationwide.

2. Nigeria Reports Continent’s Highest Weekly Cyberattacks

Nigeria now records the highest number of weekly cyberattacks in Africa, according to the latest “African Perspectives on Cyber Security Report 2025” by Check Point Software Technologies. The study shows Nigerian organisations face an average of 4,200 threats every week—significantly higher than Africa’s average of 3,153 and about 60 per cent above the global rate of 1,963. Analysts attribute the surge to AI-powered intrusion tools that automate phishing, impersonation, and identity theft at scale.

Check Point’s West Africa Country Manager, Kingsley Oseghale, warned that AI is now deeply embedded in criminal operations. He said attackers exploit everything from exposed identities to misconfigured cloud systems, affecting sectors such as finance, energy, telecoms, and government institutions. Oseghale argued that only a prevention-focused model combining visibility, governance, and AI-driven defence can keep pace with evolving threats.

The report links Nigeria’s spike to broader regional trends, with South Africa battling rising ransomware incidents and Kenya facing attacks on its energy infrastructure. It also notes that weak cybersecurity standards could hinder access to international markets under regulations such as the EU’s NIS2 Directive. Experts stress that Nigeria must strengthen its digital readiness—through regulation, risk assessment, and cross-sector collaboration—to keep up with the accelerating threat landscape.

3. CBN Unveils New Cash Rules for 2026

Nigerians will see major changes to cash withdrawals beginning January 2026 as the Central Bank of Nigeria introduces a new unified framework aimed at reducing cash dependence and strengthening digital payments. The policy ends the previous system that allowed monthly withdrawals of ₦5 million for individuals and ₦10 million for corporates under special authorisation. The CBN said the revision reflects current economic conditions and the need to streamline multiple directives issued over the years.

Under the new rules, individuals may withdraw up to ₦500,000 weekly, while corporate bodies will have a ₦5 million limit. Transactions above these thresholds will attract processing fees of three per cent and five per cent respectively, shared between banks and the CBN. Daily ATM withdrawals are capped at ₦100,000, with all ATM transactions counting toward the weekly total. The circular also confirms that all denominations may now be loaded into ATMs, and third-party cheque encashment remains restricted to ₦100,000.

Banks will be required to submit monthly reports on withdrawals and deposits that exceed set limits, while certain government revenue accounts and smaller financial institutions are exempt from the rules. However, earlier exemptions granted to embassies, diplomatic missions, and donor agencies have been removed. The CBN said the new framework does not invalidate every past directive but supersedes several cash policies outlined in its appendices.

4. OPay Fintech Wins Big at Tech Innovation Awards

OPay strengthened its position in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem after winning two major awards at the ninth Tech Innovation Awards in Lagos. The company was named Fintech Company of the Year and also recognised as Best Fintech in Cybersecurity, highlighting its expanding role in secure, user-focused digital payments. The event brought together some of the country’s leading tech players, with OPay earning praise for combining innovation with strong compliance and safety practices.

Chief Compliance Officer Chukwudinma Okafor said the awards validate the company’s push for safer financial transactions nationwide. He noted that OPay’s systems—from secure payment gateways to advanced fraud-prevention tools—are built to inspire user confidence. Okafor added that the recognition reflects the dedication of both the internal team and millions of customers who rely on the platform daily.

OPay’s Chief Commercial Officer, Elizabeth Wang, said the company’s recent “Security Vote Campaign” helped many Nigerians better understand in-app safety features and account protection. She explained that user education is central to OPay’s long-term strategy, especially as fintech competition increasingly prioritises trust over speed alone. The dual awards underline the company’s commitment to strengthening cybersecurity across the financial ecosystem as digital finance continues to expand.