IXPN anniversary programme targets resilient networks and technical talent
The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria has begun a month-long 20th anniversary programme focused on local interconnection, network resilience and technical skills. Activities include student visits to data centres, IPv6 training, a women-focused forum and an industry meeting on peering and infrastructure development.
The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria has launched a month-long programme to mark its 20th anniversary and focus attention on the country’s digital infrastructure needs. The programme, themed “20 Years of Building Nigeria’s Internet”, will bring together students, network operators, data-centre companies, regulators and other stakeholders. IXPN said the activities would examine the development of Nigeria’s internet infrastructure and the skills required for future growth.
Established in 2006, IXPN provides a neutral platform through which internet service providers, telecommunications operators, content providers, data centres and other networks exchange traffic locally. The arrangement reduces the need for domestic traffic to use international routes. Chief Executive Officer Muhammed Rudman said the anniversary would recognise the organisations and partnerships that helped develop internet interconnection while preparing a new generation of technical professionals.
About 100 students from ICT-related programmes across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones will participate in the Student Internet Infrastructure Discovery Programme. They will learn about internet exchanges, network operations, service providers and data centres, and visit facilities operated by Open Access Data Centres, Rack Centre and Digital Realty. IXPN will also work with the Nigeria IPv6 Council and AFRINIC on capacity building for network operators, engineers, universities and other technical stakeholders.
A women-focused forum will address participation in network engineering, data centres, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, DNS, IPv6 and internet governance. The programme includes a Nigeria Peering and Interconnection Forum and an archive documenting the sector’s development. It will end with an awards dinner in Lagos on October 30.
Rudman said rising demand from cloud computing, artificial intelligence, streaming and fintech made stronger interconnection, network resilience and technical investment necessary.
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