International Desk: A Cybersecurity Expert’s Perspective on the Russia-Ukraine War.

Report By: Oluwatobi Adeleke

London— In a recent appearance on Ogun State Television’s (OGTV) program “International Desk,” Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola provided a sobering analysis of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, framing it as a crucial learning opportunity for Nigeria and Africa. Speaking from his position as Nigeria’s first Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management, Professor Ademola argued that the war’s lessons extend beyond traditional warfare into the realms of digital security and national sovereignty.

The interview, hosted by Mojisola Solaja, saw Professor Ademola challenge the initial widespread belief that the conflict would be a quick victory for Russia. Instead, he described the war as “entrenched,” with no clear end in sight. He highlighted that while Russia continues its offensive, Ukraine’s resilience boosted by support from European allies, is a testament to its commitment to its sovereignty.

Professor Ademola strongly cautioned against a “transactional” approach to peace, which would involve Ukraine ceding territory to Russia. He argued that such a move would not bring lasting peace but would merely delay future aggression. For him, a sustainable solution must be “principled,” respecting Ukraine’s status as a sovereign nation and rejecting any attempt by Russia to redraw borders through force.

Furthermore, the professor brought to light the significant global impacts of the conflict, with particular relevance to African nations. He noted that the war has disrupted global supply chains, leading to a 50% increase in fertiliser costs and a major spike in wheat prices. These factors directly affect Nigeria’s agricultural sector and food security, underscoring the interconnectedness of global events.

In his area of expertise, Professor Ademola used the interview to sound a clear alarm about the rising importance of cyber warfare. He explained that the conflict is being fought not only with missiles and troops but also through digital attacks on critical infrastructure. He praised the young people of Ukraine for using their digital skills as a powerful tool of defence, a point he believes Nigeria must take to heart.

Professor Ademola’s message to Nigeria was a powerful call to action. He stressed that a lack of investment in cybersecurity leaves our nation vulnerable. He highlighted that many of the talented young people behind sophisticated cyber tools are of Nigerian descent, yet their skills are often developed abroad. To counter this, he proposed creating cybersecurity hubs in every local government area across the country. This, he suggested, would foster local talent and build a robust, homegrown defence against digital threats, ensuring that Nigeria is not caught unprepared in the evolving landscape of global conflict.

His appearance on OGTV served as a timely reminder that Nigeria must not only observe global conflicts but also learn from them, particularly by empowering its youth and investing in technology to secure its future.