Telecom
Education Priorities to Help Young People Shape Africa’s Future
By: Juan Visser, Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, International Education,
Today’s young people are navigating a world that is changing fast. From advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology to the impacts of climate change and global politics, they’re preparing not just to face uncertainty, but to shape what comes next.
Juan Visser, Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, International Education
How effectively they do this will depend in part on their education, which has a crucial role in equipping students with the skills, knowledge and behaviours to thrive in the future.
Education is always evolving, but at this time of profound global change, we must keep asking ourselves if it is keeping pace. That’s what prompted the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment to undertake a large-scale research study with over 3,000 teachers and almost 4,000 students across 150 countries, including in Africa, to find out how they are experiencing education today.
Several priorities emerged in the Preparing Learners to Thrive in a Changing World study, highlighting a high degree of common thinking among students and teachers globally about where more action is needed in education to help students be ‘future-ready’.
1. Subject knowledge should be valued more in the AI era – not less
In an age where AI can deliver information within seconds, attitudes to the importance of subject knowledge are shifting.
When presented with a list of skills categories, knowledge and values, both teachers (81%) and students (73%) considered subject knowledge to be critical for students’ next step in education, but subject knowledge was the least selected option by both teachers and students when considering what is important for life beyond education.
This suggests that subject knowledge is often seen as a short-term asset for passing exams or progressing to higher education, rather than a lifelong asset. However, AI is not a shortcut to knowledge – and a solid foundation of subject knowledge is critical in helping students spot misinformation and use AI effectively.
To thrive, students need future-ready competencies such as adaptability and critical thinking – and here, subject knowledge and skills go hand in hand. We need to help students see that subject knowledge is something concrete they will draw on in the future, enabling them to assess information critically and make informed decisions.
2. Help students develop stronger self-management skills
Developing self-management skills – such as the ability to focus, prioritise tasks and regulate behaviour – emerged as a critical factor in helping students prepare for the future and adapt to changes in how we live and work. These skills can also solve some of the challenges created by digital technology, helping students to set boundaries for device use. While technology is embraced as a benefit to both teaching and learning, 70% of teachers said digital distraction and reduced attention span are challenges that technology creates in preparing students for the future. Students also voiced concerns about how their use of technology might affect them, with 66% worrying that they get distracted easily and 59% worrying about excessive screen time.
In Africa, the situation is complicated by inconsistent digital access. Many students are limited in opportunities to use technology to support learning, while those who have access, particularly via personal mobile devices, face the same struggle with distraction, such as access to social media, that students across the world are grappling with.
It’s clear that students would benefit from having more opportunities to practise self-management in school, not only to strengthen their focus but also to build resilience and help them deal with stress and anxiety. If students feel better able to manage themselves today, we are empowering them to manage new situations in the future.
3. Create safe and structured places to practise communication skills
Technology has transformed how we communicate with each other, yet the need to communicate effectively in person is not diminished. The research found that both teachers and students view communication skills, including social skills and empathy, as critical for future success.
However, the research also showed that concerns about getting communication wrong – which can be amplified in online spaces – are holding students back, with 61% of teachers saying fear of judgement is a challenge in helping students develop their interpersonal skills. Interviews with students also revealed that they may avoid disagreement due to fear of social repercussions, such as being the ‘lone voice’ or facing social judgement.
Schools can help students overcome these fears by creating a safe environment where they can develop their communication skills and build meaningful relationships.
Africa’s multilingual and diverse cultural contexts offer unique opportunities for developing communication skills.
Many African educational traditions emphasise oral communication, storytelling, and collective knowledge sharing, which support the development of communication skills in a context that students can relate to.
The tradition of active participation in African oral storytelling engages the audience, inviting them to ask questions, interact, and share their thoughts.
By incorporating African oral storytelling traditions into the curriculum, educators can create more inclusive, engaging and culturally relevant learning environments and help students develop key skills in listening, critical thinking and empathy.
4. Help students recognise when and how they are developing vital skills
With so much change in the world, it is perhaps not surprising that the research revealed students feel underprepared for the future. Only 48% of students feel prepared for their next step in education, and 45% for their future beyond it.
We also asked teachers to reflect on how well prepared they feel their students are for their futures. 67% feel students are well prepared for their next step in education, and 59% say students are well prepared for life after education.
These findings have profound implications for workforce development across Africa, where youth unemployment remains high despite growing economies.
If students don’t recognise their own readiness, they may not pursue opportunities they’re actually qualified for.
The underestimation may arise because students do not always see the skills they are developing alongside subject knowledge, nor do they understand how their school experiences can translate into future success.
To counter this, educators need to signpost students through their learning so they recognise the skills they are developing and understand how these skills may serve them in the future.
This will give them a stronger belief that they are prepared for the future and empower them to shape it.
Measuring impact: focusing on outcomes
With just under five years remaining to realise the 2030 education targets set by the United Nations, it is crucial that investments in education directly impact the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Learning quality remains a major concern, and most countries are off track to meet education targets for access, completion and learning outcomes. In sub-Saharan Africa, upper-secondary school completion rates are hovering at 28,9%, far from the targets identified in 2015.
Many African education systems face resource constraints, making every investment count. The move from measuring inputs to focusing on outcomes is key to accelerating progress.
Initiatives like the HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship also provide a space for policymakers to strengthen the skills, knowledge and network needed to drive digital transformation in education systems.
The future of African education depends on embracing both the challenges and the unique opportunities presented by technology, evolving skill sets, and the continent’s rich cultural diversity.
Accelerating digital education is vital in Africa, but at the same time, educators must help students develop the skills and knowledge to use technology wisely.
By prioritising subject knowledge as well as skills development, strengthening self-management and communication skills, and helping young people to recognise all the ways in which they are prepared, educators can help empower them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Telecom operators in Nigeria recorded a sharp decline of 33,153,633 subscribers in three years (May 2023 – April 2026), according to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) latest industry statistics.
According to the telecom industry statistics, the figure showed that 4,270,285 of mobile subscribers were lost between May 2023 (220,931,688) and April 2024 (216,661,403), while the sector had repeat of the negative record with a huge drop of 46,338,623 subscribers between May 2024 (219,005,878) and April 2025 (172,667,255).
There was a significant positive increase between May 2025 (172,474,626) and April 2026 with 187,778,055 subscribers as of the latest figure issued by NCC.
The period recorded a huge increase of 15,303,429 subscribers.
In May 2023, when the current government came into power, the telecom sector had 220,931,688 subscribers. But as at April 2026 which marks exactly three years, the sector has a record of 187,778,055 subscribers.
This indicates a decline of 33,153,633 subscribers during the period under review.
Overall, according to the NCC’s figures, MTN, the largest operator with a subscriber figure of 88,675,062 as at April 2023, was a major factor in the statistics.
It gained 7,716,357 subscribers during the period under review which currently pulls 96,391,419 subscribers as at April 2026, while Airtel which had 60,331,845 subscribers in April 2023 recorded an increase of 4,338,173 subscribers, bringing its current subscriber base to 64,670,018.
On the flip side, Glo, which was trailing MTN with an impressive figure of 60,927,963 subscribers, suffered a massive loss of 37,749,366 subscribers. The development reduced its figure to 23,178,597 it currently has.
In the same vein, T2 (formerly 9mobile) which was accommodating 13,403,345 subscribers in May 2023, lost 9,865,324 subscribers.
The network, according to NCC’s April 2026 statistics, has only 3,538,021 subscribers on its base.
Despite the sharp decline recorded in the period, market stability has slowly returned.
Latest NCC figures indicate that by early 2026, telcos had started recovering lost ground, even rolling out large-scale compensation programmes to over 75 million customers due to poor network quality.
The reduction in the telcos’ active subscriptions between 2023 and 2026 can be attributed to the disconnection of SIMs that were not linked with the National Identification Number (NIN) as mandated by the government.
The development resulted in the decline of subscriptions for mobile services in the country.
During the period which witnessed the impact of foreign exchange (FX) unification and the removal of the premium motor spirit subsidy, the biting economic pressures reduced consumer purchasing power which led many Nigerians to give up multiple or redundant SIM cards to cut back on monthly data costs.
The service providers lost most subscribers as a result of the Federal Government, through the industry regulator, relevant agencies and institutions like banks which came up with poicies that demanded Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) updates and verifications. A change in the minimum age requirement for SIM registration (from 16 to 18 years) also contributed to a decline in gross new connections.
During the period, the industry regulator, NCC, issued new guidelines to telecommunication companies, directing them to deactivate phone lines unused for six consecutive months for Revenue Generating Event (RGE).
The new rule took a toll on the telecom operators, as many subscribers who are using more than one phone line could not be able to retain the others due to the harsh economic environment of the country.
According to the regulator, “A subscriber line may be deactivated if it has not been used, within six months, for a Revenue Generating Event (RGE), and if the situation persists for another six months, the subscribers may lose their numbers, except for a network-related fault inhibiting an RGE.”
It is common knowledge that some Nigerians are migrating to other countries of the world, and most of them may likely not continue to use their Nigerian networks’ SIM either voluntarily or perhaps any policy that needs revalidation comes up.
There was also a standing order for those who had issue(s) with their SIM cards, as the National Identity Number (NIN) in the registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards by all mobile telecommunication network operators was mandatory.
The development undoubtedly interrupted the growth trend of telecom subscribers as indicated in the three years’ statistics by NCC.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched its maiden Women in Leadership Programme aimed at empowering female professionals and strengthening leadership development across Nigeria’s telecommunications and technology sector.
The initiative, unveiled during an event in Abuja, is designed to provide mentorship opportunities for emerging female professionals by connecting them with experienced women leaders within the Commission and the broader telecommunications industry.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice-chairman of the NCC, highlighted the significant contributions women have made to the Commission, noting that they continue to excel in strategic leadership positions and play a vital role in driving the organisation’s success.
According to him, women currently head several critical departments within the Commission, including Legal Services, Information Technology, Procurement, Public Affairs, Consumer Affairs and Internal Audit, demonstrating both competence and effective leadership.
Dr Maida explained that the Women in Leadership Programme was conceived to inspire younger female professionals to aspire to senior management and executive positions by learning directly from accomplished women who have excelled in their careers.
“We have a lot of very strong women. Not only are they in positions of authority, but they also deliver. This event is needed to encourage the younger women to aspire to reach the top level of their careers,” he said.
The NCC boss also acknowledged the unique challenges women face in balancing professional responsibilities with family commitments. He commended their resilience, dedication and ability to deliver results despite these competing demands, stressing that their efforts deserve recognition and support.
Delivering the keynote address, Maryam Idris, managing director of NNPC Trading Company, urged women to deliberately invest in their personal and professional development by acquiring relevant skills, building competence and embracing lifelong learning.
She advised female professionals to confidently communicate their achievements while maintaining integrity throughout their careers, noting that technical expertise alone may not be sufficient for career advancement.
“Build your competence. Read, manage your career, find mentors and sponsors, and continue building your capacity. What you know is something nobody can take away from you,” Idris said.
Also speaking at the event, Rimini Makama, executive commissioner for Stakeholder Management, described the mentorship initiative as a strategic effort to institutionalise leadership development for women within the Commission.
She explained that the programme would establish a sustainable network of accomplished female leaders who would mentor younger professionals, ensuring that leadership development remains a continuous process beyond the tenure of individual office holders.
Makama noted that the Commission already enjoys substantial female representation in leadership positions and intends to build on that progress by preparing more women to assume strategic responsibilities in the future.
The Women in Leadership Programme underscores the NCC’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion, nurturing female talent and creating a stronger pipeline of women leaders capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening youth online safety and digital literacy through strategic collaboration with Meta, as part of broader efforts to build a digitally inclusive economy and enhance trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Group photo of Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande (left), Head of Public Policy, Anglophone West Africa Connectivity and Innovation Policy Manager, Meta Africa, Mrs Sola Dada (middle) and DG NITDA’s rep, Ag. Director, DLCB department, Dr Ahmed Tambuwal at the event
This commitment was reiterated by the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, during the Youth Safety Summit organised by Meta at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
The Summit convened stakeholders from government, industry, civil society organisations, and the education sector to advance collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring young Nigerians enjoy safe, age-appropriate, and positive online experiences.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the Youth Online Safety Campaign and My Digital World (MDW) 2.0, initiatives developed by Meta in partnership with NITDA and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Represented by the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, Dr Ahmed Tambuwal, the NITDA DG noted that the Agency’s collaboration with Meta aligns strongly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the priority areas of Reforming the Economy for Sustained Inclusive Growth and Strengthening National Security through robust cybersecurity measures that enhance digital trust and confidence.
He explained that building a digitally skilled population capable of safely navigating the online environment is fundamental to unlocking innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic opportunities in the digital age.
Speaking on the significance of the Summit’s theme, “Advancing Youth Online Safety Through Collaborative Action,” Inuwa stressed that protecting young people online requires collective responsibility from all stakeholders.
“Today’s theme is both timely and compelling. It reminds us that while digital technologies have created unprecedented opportunities for learning, innovation, entrepreneurship, and social connection, ensuring that young people can benefit from these opportunities safely is a shared responsibility,” he said.
The DG emphasised that digital literacy cannot be separated from online safety, noting that the ability to use digital tools must be accompanied by the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital space responsibly.
“At NITDA, we believe that digital literacy and online safety are inseparable. Equipping citizens with digital skills without teaching them how to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly, and ethically would leave our work incomplete,” he stated.
According to him, this philosophy is embedded in NITDA’s National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) and the Agency’s flagship Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, through which it aims to achieve 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030.
He further disclosed that online safety, digital citizenship, privacy, digital wellbeing, critical thinking, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy have become core competencies within the framework.
“Within this framework, online safety, digital citizenship, privacy, digital wellbeing, critical thinking and, increasingly, Artificial Intelligence literacy are treated not as optional topics, but as essential competencies for every Nigerian,“ he noted.
The DG highlighted the growing partnership between NITDA and Meta, describing it as a model for effective public-private collaboration in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Over the past year, both organisations jointly implemented the Youth Online Safety and Wellbeing Campaign, which reached more than 94 million people and generated over 216 million impressions across Facebook and Instagram. The campaign provided millions of Nigerians with practical guidance on online safety, privacy protection, digital wellbeing, and responsible internet use.
The partnership also extended to activities marking Safer Internet Day, where members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were engaged and empowered to become advocates of responsible digital behaviour within their communities. More recently, both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through innovation and inclusion at the Nigeria Digital Economy Forum.
While expressing optimism about the launch of My Digital World 2.0 and describing it as a strategic platform, Inuwa said, “We believe MDW 2.0 presents an excellent opportunity to institutionalise online safety education within Nigeria’s broader digital literacy ecosystem.”
He revealed that NITDA intends to integrate the programme into its teacher capacity-building initiatives, strengthen the resources available to its nationwide network of Digital Literacy Champions, and expand awareness campaigns through partnerships with state governments, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, and community stakeholders.
According to him, ensuring children’s safety online requires more than secure platforms; it requires informed families, empowered educators, and digitally aware communities.
“Our shared ambition should be to ensure that every Nigerian child is supported not only by safer digital platforms, but also by informed parents, empowered teachers, and digitally confident communities,” he remarked.
Describing the launch as a significant step forward, Inuwa said the initiative marks the beginning of a deeper partnership between government and industry aimed at preparing a new generation of Nigerians for the digital future.
“Today’s launch is more than the unveiling of another programme. It is the beginning of a deeper strategic collaboration between government and industry to build a generation of Nigerians who are digitally skilled, digitally responsible, and digitally resilient,“ he stated.
He reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to working with Meta and other stakeholders to build a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem where innovation thrives, opportunities are accessible to all, and every Nigerian can participate confidently in the digital economy.
Also present at the event were the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim. Both ministers reaffirmed their ministries’ commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to develop and implement policies that foster a safe, inclusive, and enabling digital environment, particularly for young Nigerians, to navigate the internet responsibly and securely.
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