ICT Tip Of The Week: Get Around Excel Faster With These Short Cuts

The world is a global village and ICT is the village square. 

Do things faster with increased accuracy.

Below is the list of all the major shortcut keys in Microsoft Excel.

 Ctrl + A : Selects all contents of the worksheet.

 Ctrl + B : Bold highlighted selection.

 Ctrl + I : Italicizes the highlighted selection.

  Ctrl + K : Inserts link.

 Ctrl + U : Underlines the highlighted selection.

 Ctrl + 1 : Changes the format of selected cells.

 Ctrl + 5 : Strikethrough the highlighted selection.

  Ctrl + P : Brings up the print dialog box to begin printing.

  Ctrl + Z : Undo last action.

  Ctrl + F3 : Opens Excel Name Manager.

 Ctrl + F9: Minimizes the current window.

 Ctrl + F10 : Maximizes the currently selected window.

 Ctrl + F6 : Switches between open workbooks or windows.

  Ctrl + Page up : Moves between Excel work sheets in the same Excel document.

 Ctrl + Page down : Moves between Excel work sheets in the same Excel document.

  Ctrl + Tab : Moves between Two or more open Excel files.

 Alt + = : Creates a formula to sum all of the above cells

 Ctrl + ' : Inserts the value of the above cell into cell currently selected.

  Ctrl + Shift + ! : Formats the number in comma format.

 Ctrl + Shift + $ : Formats the number in currency format.

  Ctrl + Shift + # : Formats the number in date format.

 Ctrl + Shift + % : Formats the number in percentage format.

 Ctrl + Shift + ^ : Formats the number in scientific format

.  Ctrl + Shift + @ : Formats the number in time format.

  Ctrl + Arrow key : Moves to the next section of text.

 Ctrl + Space : Selects the entire column.  Shift + Space : Selects the entire row

  Ctrl + - : Deletes the selected column or row.

 Ctrl + Shift + = : Inserts a new column or row.

 Ctrl + Home : Moves to cell A1. 

Nigerian Economy: Growth Analysis

This morning a friend of mine told me he had the opportunity of moving out of the country but refused because he has a plan here Nigeria. I began to wonder and these came to my mind.

Some of Nigeria’s major problems are tension, high poverty rate, insecurity, persistent criminal activities, poor electricity supply, unemployment, lawlessness, injustice, mismanagement of funds, corruption, to mention a few.

Though there are positive ratings and outlooks of growth, there are strong doubts about its sustainability, given the record of poor governance, the volatility of crude oil and agricultural production and pricing, and the risks posed by the inadequacies in infrastructure, energy, credit, security and political stability. Thus the economy clearly has potentials, but the capacity to harness them for sustained, optimal and efficient growth is what really matters. 

The Nigerian economy which was characterized by poor growth performance arising from inadequate plan implementation and economic mismanagement since 1970 has in the last decade witnessed an upward turn following the return of democratic governance. The macroeconomic indicators have become strong and given the current policies of fiscal consolidation and tight monetary controls, the growth outlook could be stable up to 2016. However, there are major drawbacks. The efforts to diversify the economy and develop other sectors outside petroleum have met with failure since the 1990s and there have been massive mismanagement of huge oil revenues.

There are questions about the kind of growth that has been fostered since the period of structural adjustment program, which has been unrelated to the well-being and human development of citizens. Several policy recommendations have been proffered to actualize the potentials of the economy, which include improvement in the governance of both public and private sectors by reducing the cost associated with corruption, such that funds are more optimally deployed to drive growth and development. 

In spite of the numerous setbacks in economic growth there is still a basis for optimism that the economy can still be Africa’s growth tiger considering its enormous human and natural resources. This has already started to manifest as the country is currently ranked as the fastest growing economy in Africa. Although several problems have been identified to be responsible for the economic predicament in the country, such problems are not immutable as they have been surmounted in several Asian countries. The economy can therefore rank among the top twenty in the world with time, but what cannot be clearly stated is the exact time it would take it to get there.   

There are more reasons to believe that Nigeria can overcome the unimpressive growth performance of past decades. Certain reforms that are required to facilitate growth have been undertaken. The prospects now look better than they have been in the past decades. The economic reform measures have at least reduced the distortions that characterized policy decisions at the macro level, and the economy is more open now than it was before the reforms with vastly improved access to the world market. Private sector participation in the economy has increased appreciably as government continues to divest interest from business ventures. However, micro reforms have been quite slow, but progress is gradually been made, while public services and infrastructure need to be given more

attention. The judicial system can be improved upon to make it effective and successful in enforcing laws. The extent to which these changes can be effected would depend largely on the pressure on government by civil society. 

The ultimate and more critical concern is the extent to which political reforms can be carried out in order to entrench peace and stability in the country. Democratization has taken place and individuals can now express themselves within or outside political parties, although the process of democracy is beset with unhealthy rivalries and monumental corruption by political office holders. Sustained economic growth and development ultimately depend on the success or failure of democratic process and institutions in Nigeria.     

Preparation for the Labour Market: Good Grades Are Not Enough

For most young secondary school-leavers and their parents, getting a first class in the university is the best achievement ever. In most homes, this is not even negotiable as it is a trend in the family, right from the father to the youngest. The family of Nigeria’s former finance minister and coordinator of the economy, Mrs Okonjo Iweala come to mind. She went to Harvard and gradated with the best grades and everyone in the house (her four children) followed suit. I also have a friend whose both parents are outstanding chartered accountants; he is also chattered at 20. Definitely, there are all cool stories and sounds so nice in your ears, well even to me too. However, for me there are just some clarifications to be pointed out, a few questions to be asked and a submission to be crafted.

First of all, education is a means to an end. Like I always say, no matter how awesome technology, inventions, etc may be, it remains insignificant if it fails to solve problems. The same thing could be said for education whether formal or informal. Knowledge in itself is not power, the application of it is. If this is taken, then the question is what really matters or perhaps what then is the end? if education is a means. This differs with context. However, in the situation being considered in this write-up, the end actually is competing in the labour market for a source of livelihood, fulfilment, impacting lives etc. What you want to achieve with your education is left to you, however what is common is the struggle we all need to fight in order to be reckoned with or to at least have our own share of what the economy has to offer. Definitely for any battle, struggle or problem to be solved, there are skills required. The skills required for success in the labour market as we call it, have remained what distinguishes a first class in the labour market from the other with a first class in school. It has been said times without number that, networking, communication, personal branding and the likes should be at the disposal of anyone who is competing or operating in the market. Apparently, these skills are also some form of education if you look at it from that point. What this means is that, there will also be different level of competencies (grades) like we have in the academic system for courses taken.

Simply put, success (certificates) here will also be dished out along these grades.

Having known this, wouldn’t you rather prepare for this market by taking up leadership positions in schools, attending events that boost your network and engaging in volunteering activities?

How best have you mastered these skills required to triumph in the labour market? We can help you achieve this even while in school.

2017/2018 PTDF PHD And MSC Overseas And Local Scholarship

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is a parastatal of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources established by Decree 25 of 1973 for the purpose of developing and promoting petroleum technology and for creating the manpower needs of the oil and gas industry through research and training of Nigerians.
 To ensure a steadfast implementation of this mandate, PTDF is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for Overseas and in-Country MSc and PhD Scholarships. Awarded
will be granted for studies in the 2016/2017 academic session in the United Kingdom Germany, Australia, USA and France (Grenoble INP) as well as PTDF upgraded Universities in Nigeria.

Small Businesses Done Successfully

As a matter of fact, currently over 100m Nigerians living below poverty line , this makes up about 46% of Nigerians. The situation has been made worse by current administration. However, there is always a life saver and that is helping ourselves with the little we possess.

According to Bill," Demographically, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youth can be the source of a special dynamism". I really do believe in this and explains why I have chosen this path of devoting my time to youth empowerment.

I have discovered that many of us really want to own a very big conglomerate emanating from that fantastic idea that we have inside of us. However, at most times, fund is the main reason these dreams are killed. There are many solutions to funding problem such as getting a loan, pitching to venture capitalists, getting sponsors via competitions organized by the Government such as AsoVilla. 

Most of these methods seem not enough to cater for the large volume of ideas ready to be taken to the next level. This brings us to the next question which is what is the alternative and perhaps a more practical way. The answer to this is the whole essence of this post, continue reading.

Small businesses make up over 70% of business that run the economy in Nigeria and most people who own big businesses started with other small businesses completely different from what they are currently operating. This is usually done to raise funds, create awareness, test the ground, and also to develop practical business skills.

I have done a few small businesses and still working on some too, I will give straight information about Barbing Salon and Keke Napep with pictures. There is also room for live inspection, questions offline and other consulting on what I have done. I also created a new whatsapp group for small businesses too for a few real persons who are interested in doing real life businesses.

Barbing.

Barbing is very lucrative and you start making money right from the day it starts. On the mainland, it is quite cheap to set up. I will keep updating this post as I remember more information from my experience. For now, Items you need are:

1. Rent a very cheap shop, barbing is a service that is not tied to only the rich. Just like food, it is a necessity and not luxury.

2. Clippers Original clippers will cost you about 9,000 for 2 pieces which I recommend.

3. Chairs-

4. Mirrors

5. Sliding Doors

4. Posters

What Makes Me A True Nigerian

Many years ago, as fate will have it, there came a Nation consisting of people of diverse backgrounds and discrepancies.

Since then, many things evolved. Our various cultures have been adulterated, our food types have been replaced with western foods and our music are now old fashioned.

However, something was passed on and for 100 years, it remain unaltered. I have something which am sure my forefathers had and that is my Language. Our numerous unaldulterated languages truly identify us as Nigerians.

In our various localties, We speak them as they were spoken by the people before us. And that is why in Nigeria today, ethnicity remains paramount, not for discrimination but for acknowledgement and ensuring continuity of originality.

This makes me a true Nigerian!

What about you?

Everything You Need To Know About World Bank Paid Internship For Graduates

The World Bank Group Internship offers highly motivated and successful individuals an opportunity to improve their skills while working in a diverse environment. Interns generally find the experience to be rewarding and interesting.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the internship, candidates must possess an undergraduate degree and already be enrolled in a full-time graduate study program (pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD with plans to return to school in a full-time capacity). Generally, successful candidates have completed their first year of graduate studies or are already into their PhD programs.

Interns will gain exposure to the work of the World Bank Group in the hopes that some will be interested in returning to the Bank for a career after completing their studies. The Bank Group pays an hourly salary to all interns and, where applicable, provides an allowance towards travel expenses.

This internship typically seeks candidates in the following fields: economics, finance, human development (public health, education, nutrition, population), social science (anthropology, sociology), agriculture, environment, private sector development, as well as other related fields. Fluency in English is required. Prior relevant work experience, computing skills, as well as knowledge of languages such as French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese, and Chinese are advantageous.

Internship Benefits

The Bank Group pays an hourly salary to all interns and, where applicable, provides an allowance towards travel expenses. Interns are responsible for their own living accommodations. Most positions are located in Washington, D.C. (some positions are offered in country offices) and are a minimum of four weeks in duration.

The Bank Group’s Internship is offered during two seasons, and applications are accepted during the following periods:

Summer Internship (June–September)

The application period for the Summer Internship is December 1–January 31 each year.

Winter Internship (December–March)

The application period for the Winter Internship is October 1–31. All applications MUST be submitted online. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

 Application Details

The application checklist is meant to facilitate your application experience.

• Ensure that you use either Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Internet Explorer 10 or higher as your browser version.
• Please make sure that you are connected with a reasonable bandwidth of internet connection without any network/firewall restriction.
• You will be asked to register for an account and provide an email address.
• You must complete your application in a single session and will be able to submit it only if you have uploaded all the required documents and answered all the questions (all questions marked with an asterisk-*- are required).
• Please complete the application within 45 minutes to avoid the system timeout.
• Provide the most current contact information.Ensure that you have correctly spelled out your email address, since this will be our main channel of communication with you regarding your candidacy
• Ensure that you have correctly spelled out your email address, since this will be our main channel of communication with you regarding your candidacy.

Remember to enter your complete phone number (country code + city code + number).

Please do not enter any special characters (“-<>&#” etc.) in any of the application fields.  Try not to copy and paste any characters/text from Microsoft Words.

Please attach the following documents (mandatory) before submitting:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Statement of Interest

Proof of Enrollment in a graduate degree

Note:

 Each file should not exceed 5 MB, and should be in one of the following formats: .doc, .docx, or .pdf

Please make sure that the filenames of the documents that you are attaching do not contain any special characters, such as “-<>&#” etc.  PDF files are the best files to upload.

Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any further changes/updates