ICT ENTREPRENEURSHIP - Key to Self Reliant Economic Development.

Entrepreneurship, according to Business Dictionary, is defined as “The capacity and willingness to

develop, organize, and manage a business venture along with any of its risks in order to make a profit.” the
most obvious example of entrepreneurship is the starting of new businesses.

An Entrepreneur (Derived from the French word – Entreprendre) is “Someone who can take any idea,
whether it be a product and/or service, and have the skillset, will and courage to take the extreme risk to do
whatever it takes to turn that concept into reality and not only bring it to market but make it a viable product
and/or service that people want or need”. Simply put as a person who organizes and operates a business by
taking a financial risk. Entrepreneurial spirit is characterized by innovation and risk-raking and is an essential
part of a nation’s ability to succeed in an ever changing and increasingly competitive global marketplace.

ICT (Information Communication Technology) is defined as “The diverse set of technological tools
and resources used to communicate and to create, disseminate, store and manage information”. ICT refers to
technologies that provide access to information through telecommunication networks such as Internet, Mobile
Cellular Communication, wireless networks and other communication medium.

The ICT sector often called Telecommunication Sector in Nigeria is one of the fastest growing sectors
with more than a 34% growth increase each year, as at September 2017, the ICT sector has a $70 billion
investment running it. ICT industry contribution to Nigeria’s GDP increased from 0.5% in 2001 to 6% in
2012.With the presence of Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM), the springing up of social,
educational and commercial activities driven by ICT and the increasing awareness of ICT is on the rise in
Nigeria and it has the potential to drive the national economic growth at a steady rate.

Business Opportunities within the ICT Sector

There are lots of possible areas that a potential entrepreneur can invest his/her time and finances on within the
ICT sector in order to develop himself and others financially and also providing profitable services to customers
and clients within his locality. The following are the various business opportunities within the ICT sector
available to an Entrepreneur.

✔ Cyber Cafe
A cyber cafe is an internet service provision outlet that can be run to provide internet services to
people within its locality. The demand to stay connected to the rest of the world is rapidly on the rise and the
cost of internet connection is still on the high side when compared to the western world, this make cyber cafe an
alternative for internet users and an investment opportunity for entrepreneurs. Cyber Cafe business provide
people the opportunity to access the internet at a very low cost and make use of its services which include:
Online transactions (Flight Booking, E-shopping --- Jumia, Konga, Alibaba, ), Online registration (Jamb, Waec,
NYSC, Post-utme), provision of Bulk SMS service.

✔ IT Consultancy and Contracting [Equipment Sales, Servicing and Repairs]

Knowledge is Power. IT Consultancy deals with the provision of innovative ideas and advice to
clients on how best to use Information Technology to meet their business objectives so as to enable the growth
and sustenance of their infrastructure which altogether develops their organization and businesses. The need for
consultants is on an increasing fold yearly as more business organizations prop up and they need (1) to gain
objective advice and recommendations through the consultant’s expertise (2) Temporarily help during a one-
time project where the hiring of permanent employees is not required.
 ✔ Online Retail Shopping /Telemarketing
Telemarketing is the process of selling products and services over the telephone and related
devices while online shopping is a form of electronic commerce which allows consumers to purchase goods and
services directly from a seller with the aid of internet using a web browser. This is one of the fastest moving
businesses in the world today. There exists lots of large and profitable organizations all around the world in this
business amongst which are Konga, Jumia, OLX, eBay, Amazon, Alibaba etc
✔ ICT Training School / Skills Acquisition Center:
A skill acquisition center is a place of knowledge development where individuals are being
trained and shown how to acquire technical skills. An individual in this business area must have firstly acquired
skills on his/her own or have a team of skilled personnel and then market those skills by training people and
making them pay for it. This is another business opportunity for potential entrepreneurs as there are lots of
unskilled people, graduates and non-graduates looking for means of acquiring one ICT skill or the other before
entering the labor market. The entrepreneur makes a lot of money in this business if he has enough staff,
students and facilities for teaching and learning.
Example of ICT Training schools include Dialogue Computer Institute (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina),
Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management formerly Ibrahim Shehu Shema ICT and Business
Institute, Aptech Computer Education(Lagos, Kano, Abuja), Femtech IT School (Ilorin), New Horizon
(Lagos).

HOW TO START A CYBER CAFE BUSINESS CENTER

As we discussed above, a cyber cafe provides an avenue where people who do not have proper computer
and internet facilities, visit to have access to a private computer for an allotted time. Each and every computer
has an internet connection, and the users have to pay charges to the cafe manager for the time spent on the
computer. The size of an internet cafe can vary form a small room having 10 computers to a huge room with a
hundred computers.
 REQUIREMENTS
1. Hardware:
The hardware requirements for operating a cyber cafe business are important factors to be put in place
when considering the acquisition of equipments, reason been that, each device PC, Server, Modem or Access
Point must be able to provide a guaranteed level of service to meet the needs of your customers. The following
are the examples of hardware needed in a cyber cafe and some specifications:
 Client PCs: These are devices (Personal Computers mostly Desktops) the customer uses to access the
internet, in order to provide a reasonable quality of service to your customers, it is recommended you
meet the following minimum requirements; (a) Dual Core, Quad-Core Pentium, or Celeron Processor
(b) 320gb Hard Drive (c) 15-inch display Monitor (d) 2gb Ram (e) 150 mbps network card --- Very
important (f) other important accessories such as, Keyboard, Mouse, CD Rom etc. Branded computers
such as HP, Dell, Zinox are recommended because they are more reliable than unbranded or assembled
ones. These devices can be gotten as fairly used (Tokunbo) instead of purchasing them new.
 Server PC: The server is a high end network device (node) that is used to service client request on a
network, here the server does the function of allocating time-based access to the client PCs based on
some criteria defined in its database, it is also used to log events happening on the network and for
accounting purposes. Putting all these factors into consideration means that the requirement for the
server PC should exceed that of Client PCs by atleast a factor of 3. Supposing each client PC has a ram
of 2gb, the server should atleast have a 4gb ram or 6gb for smooth running of the network, a
100/1000mbps network card is recommended, and a minimum of 500gb hard disk drive.
 Networking Devices and Nodes: These devices help to create a connection between server and client
PCs and the include Routers, Switches etc. It is recommended that the switch should be able to
accommodate more than 20 devices i.e a 24-port switch, and the router should have wireless capabilities
so that is can double as an access point.

2. Power Requirement:
All devices within a cyber cafe ranging from PCs to machines (printers, photocopiers, etc) to Switches to
Electric Fan or Air Conditioner to light bulbs are powered using electrical energy, therefore there is need for
constant power supply during business periods to ensure smooth running of the cafe. An alternative to the
epileptic power supply of the energy industry is the use of Generator. A medium sized generator should be a
minimum requirement to power most of these devices together.

3. Internet Connectivity speed:

This requirement is always one of the most attractive to customers because a slow network can lead to
the loss of valuable customers from the cyber cafe but the faster the rate of data transfer on the network, the
more they enjoy the quality of service been offered them. Therefore an entrepreneur should put this factor into
high consideration. It is recommended that a minimum bandwidth of at least 500 Kilobits/second (kbps) be
made available to each client PC, this gives each PC a minimum download speed of 62.5 KBps but the higher
the better.

4. Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An Internet Service Provider is a company that provides individuals and organizations access to the
internet and other related services. An ISP serves as the gateway to the internet, examples include Spectranet,
Swift (Lagos), MTN, Glo, 9mobile, Airtel (Nationwide). therefore it is necessary to choose an ISP with better
signal strength based on your locality, quality of service, high speed connectivity and affordable subscription
package that suite your business goals.
 Important Tips To Get Started On Your Cyber Cafe Business

I. Create a Business Plan:

A business plan is a written document that describes the nature of the business, its sales and
marketing strategy, financial capabilities and projected profit and loss statement. A business plan provides a
road map that gives directions on how to achieve the business goals and objectives. Having a business plan is
the first step in creating a business, and it is very important as it provides a thoroughly deep understanding on
how to go about the business.
II. Choosing a Location:
The location of an Cyber Cafe really matters a lot as it is necessary to situate the business in a
highly lucrative location such as close to or within the premises of higher institutions because of the constant
demand for internet access, within active part of a city (commercial hub) where patronage increases constantly.
III.Buy the right Equipment:
Based on the requirements identified in the above section it is very important to get the right
equipments so as to ensure the smooth running of the business. There are three classifications of equipments (a)
Computer Systems (b) Network connectivity devices [switches, routers, scanners, printers etc] (c) Internet
Devices [Access Points, Modem]
IV. Set up a Local Area Network :
A Local Area Network is a network that exists within a small geographical area and an example
is a cyber cafe network. To properly interconnect devices together to avoid problem and hiccups on the network
it is recommended that the business owner requests for the service of a skilled technician, this allows you to get
devices properly configured and connected to each other and to the internet while minimizing the trouble of
network connectivity due to errors.
V. Purchase an Internet Management System:
After setting up the network, and the systems are all fully connected, it is important to get an
Internet Management System i.e a timer software to create and assign time-based access to the internet for your
customers, it also help in the accounting of the business operation as the software provides network monitoring
features to enable the business owner know and streamline bandwidth usage to maximize profit.
VI. Determine Your Service Charge Rate:
This is also a very important factor as it deals with how you can attract and retain customers
while ensuring that loses aren’t incurred business operation. The charge rate is one that flexible as it put the
business needs (goals & profit rate), customers and employees into consideration. This charge rate is the means
for generating income for the business and it shouldn’t be to high to scare away customers or too low to kill the
business. In determining the service charge rate, it important to compare with your competitors’ prices and use
them as reference guide.
VII. Promote your Cyber Cafe
There is need for good marketing and promotional strategies such as advertisements, promos
such as special free internet days etc. This helps in spreading the fame of the business and attracts lots of
customers.
VIII. Retain Customer
Once the business is up and running, a strategy should be put in place to retain customers as
well as attract new ones, for example discounts should be given to loyal customers, there is need for feedback
information from users of the cafe service so that proper adjustments can be made quickly to address
dissatisfied customers.
IX. Other tips include but not limited to; Regular Maintenance of Hardware and Software, Provision of
medium of entertainment for customers (snack meals, TV etc).
 IT Consultancy & Contracting [Equipment Sales, Servicing and Repairs]
The field of Information Technology has a wide range of computer support specialties and there is
constant demand for highly skilled technicians who are able to design, configure, maintain, troubleshoot
computer networks for clients such as organizations, schools, and individuals. IT contractors are self-employed
experts or specialists within the field with necessary skills to address the above challenges, they help create
networks, run tests, perform maintenance, correct problems, carry out other tasks associated with hardware and
software and provide internet-related help to their clients. The benefits of being an IT contractor are numerous
in that one is his own boss, can work flexible hours, receives more pay than a salaried staff etc. Although there
are risks involved, it is worth venturing into.
To become successful in this field one has to gain relevant skills that are in hot demand within the
market place, as more organizations such as Banks, Hospitals, Oil Firms etc usually outsource highly skilled
technical personnel to help design, install, configure and sometimes manage their IT infrastructure. This
provides lots of avenues for one who is skilled to venture into IT Consultancy & Contracting Business.

The following are the marketable technical skills related to Networking for entry level technicians:
✔ Fundamentals of Computer Hardware, Repairs and Maintenance.
✔ Knowledge of Operating Systems such as Windows 7,8,10, Linux OS, Mac OS [Installation,
Troubleshooting and upgrading].
✔ Basic Networking Knowledge; OSI Model, IP Addressing, Networking devices (PnP Switches, Routers,
Access Points), Network Cabling etc
✔ Networking Devices Configuration, Troubleshooting, Upgrading and Maintenance (Cisco Routers,
Switches, Access Points etc)
✔ Server Administration which includes (Installation, Configuration, Troubleshooting and Upgrading) for
the following Server Operating systems (Windows Server, Ubuntu Server, Kali Linux etc)
✔ Database Administration skills using MySQL, Oracle Database etc
✔ Web Development using various programming languages such as HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, etc
✔ Industry Related Certifications such as CCNA, CompTIA A+, CCENT, MCSE etc

Based on the scope of this program, we’ll look at Network Cabling and if time permits we’ll take about Server
Administration.

NETWORK CABLING
An integral aspect of Networking is how devices are connected to each other physically, there are several
communication medium type basically categorized into two classes, Wired or Wireless. A wireless connectivity
medium uses Radio Waves and some type of hardware such as Antenna & Receiver, to transmit between
devices. A wired connectivity medium uses some industrial standard cables such as Twisted Pair, Coaxial,
Optical Fiber, etc to connect devices within the network. For the purpose of this course we’ll be looking at
three Physical Media types and in conclusion focus solely on one of them.

Physical Media Types

Coaxial Cable:
Coaxial cable has two wires of copper, the core wire lies in the center and it is made of solid
conductor. The core is enclosed in an insulating sheath, while the second wire is wrapped around over
the sheath encased by an insulator sheath. The entire cable is covered by plastic cover. The structure of
coaxial cable provides a good shield against noise and crosstalk and allows it to carry high frequency
signals than that of twisted pair cable, providing high bandwidth rates of up to 450mbps. Three
categories of coaxial cables exist which are, RG-59 (Cable TV), RG-58 (Thin Ethernet), and RG-11
(Thick Ethernet). Coaxial cables are terminated using BNC or BNC-T connector.
 Optical Fiber Cable:
A fiber-optic cable is made of a glass core covered surrounded by cladded glass with lower
refractive index and the entire cable is protected by a plastic jacket (sheath), this media transmits using
light signals propagated through the core which are converted into binary values at the remote end. Light
waves propagate through the core and are confined to the core until they reach the other end of the cable.
This cable comes in mode types and we have, MultiMode Fiber (MMF) {50 microns in diameter –
thickness of human hair} –[designed for short distances]--, Single Mode Fiber (SMF), {8 – 10 microns
in diameter}--[designed to cover long distances]--. Optical Fiber Cable provides lots of advantages
which includes greater transmission distances covered, higher bandwidth, not susceptible to EMI
or crosstalk, difficult to tap into (Eavesdrop).

Twisted Pair Cable:

This media consists of several copper wires surrounded by insulators and is designed to
transmit electronic signals. Two insulated wires are twisted together to form a pair. The twisting of the
wires protects against Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) or
Crosstalk. A typical Ethernet cable consists of multiple twisted pairs housed within a protective jacket.
Twisted-Pair cables are available in Unshielded Twisted-Pair (UTP) --[Easier to implement, slightly
cheaper, more widely used]-- and Shielded Twisted-Pair (STP) --[less susceptible to EMI and RFI, this
is achieved by using a thin foil to wrap around each pair of twisted wires.]--.

Twisted-Pair Connection modes:

Standard twisted pair cable for Ethernet networks has four pairs of color coded insulated wires, and the
colors used are, [white/orange. Orange, white/green, Green, white/blue, Blue, white/brown, Brown]. There are
two industrial standard pin configurations for connecting twisted-pair copper cable, they are T-568A Standard
and T-568B Standard. T-568A pin configuration settings are [white/green. Green, white/orange, Blue,
white/blue, Orange, white/brown, Brown] arranged between Pins 1–8 of the RJ-45 connector, while T-568B
pin configuration settings are [white/orange. Orange, white/green, Blue, white/blue, Green, white/brown,
Brown] arranged between pins 1-8 of the RJ-45 connector.

Straight Through:
A Straight Through cable is used to connect “unlike devices” --different devices-- e.g switch to router,
switch to computer, hub to router etc. Using either of the two pin configuration standards, each pin number is
connected directly to the other pin number on the RJ-45 connector.
Cross Over:
A Cross Over cable is used to connect “like devices” – the same devices -- e.g router to router, switch to
switch, pc to pc, router to computer. Cross Over cable pin configuration is the combination of T-568A standard
on one RJ-45 connector and T-568B standard on the other RJ-45 connector.

Roll Over:
A Roll Over cable is used when connecting a computer to the console port of a switch, router and any
other device with a console port. This cable type is used for console connection to the device which allows the
configuration of such a device.
 TOOLS FOR NETWORK CABLING

PROCEDURES FOR CRIMPING ETHERNET CABLES

Preparing the wire for crimping

Step 1: Separate the wire pairs by untwisting each pair individually trying to keep the pairs together to
make it easier to find them. The wire pairs should be untwisted all the way down to the end of the jacket to aide
in the crimping process.
Step 2: Place the wires in the order based on the Pin Configuration standards (T-568A or T568B). The
ends will become uneven because some of the wires cross over other wires. The ends will be trimmed before
crimping.
Step 3: Grab the wires at the jacket keeping all of the wires in the same configuration and then flatten
them out into a straight line. When looking at the flat line of wires they should read the same from left to right
as the configuration above. If you are having a problem getting the wires straightened out you can run them
over a flat edged (not rounded) table pressing them against the edge.

Step 4: Use the wire cutters to trim the tips of the wires to make them even.

Crimping the wires into the RJ45 plug

Step 1: Ensuring the wires are in the same order as in the last section, push the wires into the RJ45 data
plug until the ends go all the way up into the top of the plug. The crimping process pushes sharp connectors
onto the wires breaking the coating to make contact with the copper wire inside. These connectors are near the
front of the jack at the ends of the wires.
Step 2: Insert the RJ45 data plug into the crimper then, using constant pressure until the crimper clicks,
release the crimper. You can do this a couple of times to make sure the end is crimped onto the cable.

Terminating the other end of the cable

Follow the same steps from the previous two sections to terminate the other end of the cable. Do not try
to terminate both ends at the same time because of the process of pushing the jacket into the RJ45 data plug.

Testing your terminated cable

Testing your cable after crimping is important to make sure that the communications between the end
device and the network are correct. Each end is plug into corresponding port on the cable tester and the tester is
powered on to detect whether correct or incorrect cable termination.