Telecom
Dearth of Manpower Bane of Telecom Development
Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is at a critical period in the quest for development. The sector has been bedeviled with quality of service issues, some of which are within the purview of the operators and others outside their control.
Some of the factors responsible for poor quality of services include congestion of the network by operators, as a result of insufficient capacity in the network.
It was against this backdrop that Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) banned two Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operators from running promotions geared towards increasing their subscriber base.
Besides, there are challenges of inadequate infrastructure such as power and transmission backbone.
It is unfortunate that of the said causes of the present quality of service issue nobody is looking at vital issue that account for greater percentage of poor service delivery. This is the issue of shortage of manpower.
Skilled Manpower is the trained human resources required to run a business concern. In telecommunications, this trained manpower is required mostly in running the network such as maintenance, capacity deployment among others.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek investigations revealed that GSM operators are facing shortage of skilled manpower in the engineering aspect of their business. This is responsible largely for the high drop calls experienced by subscribers.
When network operators rolled out service some seven years ago they engaged services of foreign expertise that are running their networks, as a result of huge cost associated with keeping these expertise and need to groom local manpower believed to be cheaper network operators started replacing some of their foreign expertise with local substitutes who are not well trained to handle high end network deployment and maintenance.
Telecommunication is a technology intensive industry and enhance requires high-level skilled manpower at all stages of its deployment. This includes research, manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance. A lot of research is required both in the development of the hardware components such as integrated circuits, thin film resistors, printed circuit boards, etc and also, in the process engineering required in manufacturing such components. For examples AT & T’s Bell Laboratories in the U.S.A at its peak in the 80’s employed over 3000 professors and academicians with PhD and MSc’s to conduct research on various fields of telecommunications. Majority of them are professors on sabbatical leave from top American universities like MIT, California Institute of Technology (CALTECH), University of California at Berkeley and Standard University. The laboratory boasts of over 30,000 patients. Nigerian universities and the Academia have unique opportunity to contribute to the development of telecommunications in Nigeria through the generation of new knowledge and also producing the right type of manpower for the industry.
Also the universities and polytechnics must equip the students with the right knowledge base that can match the requirement of the industry. There will definitely be need to modify and upgrade course curriculum in electrical/electronic engineering departments.
Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, executive vice chairman, NCC had explained at one of the telecom consumer’s parliament on quality of service that there is presently a dearth of skilled manpower in the rapidly expanding telecom industry. The frequent poaching of staff among telecom operators, sometimes through offer of higher salaries, is a clear evidence of this shortage. The coming of 3G he said and the subsequent need to expand the network will further aggravate the skills shortage. Independent engineers, financial management and technical consultants have an opportunity to bridge this skill gaps. Specifically, the Nigerian Society of Engineers should encourage its members to upgrade and sharpen their skills in order to supply the required manpower for the industry.
Operators will also be seeking to outsource some specialized functions like tower design, tele-traffic studies, power systems design, spectrum clearance, civil structures, plant maintenance, type approval certification, enterprises software, among others. 3G service introductions will definitely expand the need for these services and it is an opportunity for us to further develop and consolidate the service industry in Nigeria.
In the profile of all of the companies, there are high number of foreign engineers playing major roles in operations and maintenance.
These can be traced to the fact that the companies are new and still expanding their services, as soon as exchanges, transmission and remote stations are commissioned, all that is left is daily operations and maintenance which we are close to achieving, one would expect that the foreign engineer would transfer such responsibilities to local hands.
The call therefore is for our operators to begin a gradual integration process of having local engineers with the necessary skills to take-over the operations and maintenance of the networks.
Presently, there are many engineering graduates doing things that are unrelated to their area of training in order to keep soul and body together, and there are many others who are without employment. Operators should consider a management training scheme, under which young graduates from our universities and polytechnics would be employed as trainees; for a period of two to four years, in order to understand the systems and network, such that in the next three to five years we can have fully Nigerian companies, not only in terms of registration, but also in the area of manpower.
Under such a scheme, the trainees may be co-opted into project teams as part of the network roll out, and at the end, they would have knowledge of how things work and a full knowledge of the network profile.
In this regard, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (Alton) recommended that telecommunications operators should work with universities and polytechnics, to introduce the scheme, and identify the above-average students who would like to make career in telecoms, such students can be allowed to pass their industrial training with the companies and upon graduation commence a traineeship program, during which period they can be integrated into the operations of the company.
In the area of on-the-job and function specific improvement, we now have institutions like Digital Bridge Institution, Abuja that can offer training in various areas of Information and Communications Technology.
The scheme would go a long way to our manpower demands for now and the future. We can not afford to have an industry that is heavily depended on foreign hands; the implications are too many, both on our educational system, and on level of technological development.
We must have Nigerians playing significant role in the daily operations of various telecom company and that is the only way that can guarantee a truly Nigeria industry in the future.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of African technology, few figures bridge the gap between high-level research and grassroots digital execution as effectively as Nnaemeka Ani.
Nnaemeka Ani
As the Founder of MGX Research Center and the visionary behind MexyGabriel, Ani has emerged as a leading protagonist in the narrative of Nigeria’s technological self-reliance.
The Visionary: Founding MGX Research
At the heart of Ani’s philosophy is MGX Research, a center dedicated to “first-principles thinking.” Under his leadership, the center has become a beacon for data-driven innovation, moving beyond the “hype” of the tech world to focus on persistent, localized solutions.
Through MGX Research Center, he is building a multidisciplinary ecosystem that cuts across artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, smart cities, digital identity, e-governance, EdTech, HealthTech, robotics, and automation
Ani’s mantra – “Africa’s rise begins with its own innovation” – is not just a slogan; it is a call to arms for African builders to stop seeking international validation and start authoring their own digital destiny.
As Founder and CEO of MexyGabriel Tech Company, Nnaemeka has driven multiple large-scale technology projects across Nigeria, focusing on digital infrastructure, enterprise solutions, identity and payment platforms, and youth-centered innovation programs. MGX Research Center functions as the research and development arm of this broader ecosystem, providing the thinking laboratory, prototypes, and strategic insights that inform products, policies, and investment decisions.
Nnaemeka is passionate about youth empowerment, innovation, and Africa’s digital future. His work through MGX Research Center aims to position Nigeria not just as a consumer of technology but as a creator of solutions, producing world-class research, thought leadership, and practical tools that can be deployed across states, universities, and private organizations.
He frequently collaborates with universities, government ministries, tech hubs, and global partners, championing a model where research is not locked up in theory but translated into deployable systems, smart policies, and scalable ventures.
Ani has demonstrated a unique ability to turn complex code into commercial and social value. His work has focused on:
- Infrastructure for Good: Developing platforms that bridge the divide between urban tech hubs and rural communities.
- Sovereign Technology: Championing the idea that African data should be managed by African-built systems.
The Public Servant: Digitizing Enugu State
Ani’s influence extends into the corridors of power. Serving as the Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on ICT, he has been instrumental in transforming the state into a burgeoning digital ecosystem.
His work in Enugu serves as a blueprint for “Governance-Tech Synergy,” proving that when political will meets technical expertise, public service delivery can be revolutionized.
“We are no longer just ’emerging’; we are competing. Africa will rise by code, by courage, and by us,” said Nnaemeka Ani.
Quick Facts: Nnaemeka Ani
Category | Detail |
Current Roles | Founder, MGX Research; Founder, MexyGabriel; SA on ICT to Enugu State Governor. |
Core Philosophy | “First-Principles Thinking” – Breaking problems down to their core truths. |
Key Advocacy | Digital Sovereignty, Sovereign AI, and localized STEM education. |
Notable Mantra | “By Code and By Courage.” |
Why He Matters in 2026
As Nigeria enters a transformative year marked by the January 1, 2026 Tax Reforms and the push toward 70% Broadband Penetration, Ani represents the “New Guard” of leadership. He is one of the few voices consistently advocating for the Tripod Method, balancing technology, local policing, and traditional authority, to ensure that Nigeria’s digital growth is matched by national security.
Nnaemeka Ani is not just as a “tech guy,” but as a Strategic Reformer. He is a “Leader to Watch” because he understands that for technology to thrive in Nigeria, it must be supported by sound policy and cultural relevance.
MTN Nigeria has hosted the Prestige Experience, a refined evening of culture, connection and celebration, as part of its ongoing Y’ellotide initiative marking the Yuletide season.
MTN Nigeria
The event, held on Friday at The Royal Box, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together customers, partners, stakeholders, and dignitaries in an atmosphere of appreciation and festivity.
The Prestige Experience showcased Nigerian creativity and elegance through a curated blend of fine dining, fashion, and music. Guests were treated to Michelin-inspired cuisine prepared by renowned Chef Stone, fashion showcases highlighting African heritage, and soulful performances by acclaimed singer Asa.
The evening was anchored by popular hosts Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Michelle Dede, with comedic interludes from veteran comedian Alibaba.
Speaking at the event, Dr Ernest Ndukwe (OFR), Chairman of MTN Nigeria, described the gathering as an expression of gratitude and partnership. He said the Prestige Experience reflected MTN’s appreciation for the trust Nigerians continue to place in the brand.
“The MTN Prestige Experience is a cornerstone of our commitment to you, our valued partners. Your trust and continued patronage are the bedrock of our success, and this gathering reflects our appreciation for that trust.
“We are not just a service provider but are committed to being a trusted partner in Nigeria’s progress,” Ndukwe said.
In his remarks, Dr Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, emphasised the importance of genuine connection during the festive season.
“We recognise the immense value of the relationships we have built together, and we are committed to ensuring that your experience remains unparalleled.
“You are essential partners in our journey, and we look forward to many more years of shared success and collaboration,” Toriola said.
Distinguished guests at the event included members of MTN’s Board and Executive Management, industry leaders, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and representatives from the creative sector, reflecting the diversity and richness of the MTN ecosystem.
The Prestige Experience forms part of MTN’s broader Y’ellotide celebrations, which reaffirm the company’s belief that meaningful connections and shared experiences remain central to its relationship with Nigerians.
Google has unveiled a new feature that allows Gmail users to change their existing email addresses without losing data or access to services, marking a major shift in the company’s long-standing policy.
Gmail
According to an update on Google’s account help page, the new option enables account holders to replace their current @gmail.com address with a new one while retaining all associated data, including emails, photos, and integrations with services such as Google Drive, Maps, and YouTube.
The guidance, however, was first spotted on the Hindi version of Google’s support page, suggesting that the rollout may begin in India or Hindi-speaking markets before expanding globally.
The English-language support page still carries the older advisory that Gmail addresses “usually cannot be changed.”
Google explained that under the new policy, users who update their Gmail address will automatically keep their original address as an alias.
This means emails sent to the old address will continue to arrive in the inbox, and the original address will remain valid for signing in to Google services.
Previously, users seeking a new Gmail address had to create an entirely new account and manually transfer their data, a process that often disrupted third-party app integrations. The new feature eliminates that inconvenience, ensuring continuity for users.
The company further clarified that while users can reuse their old Gmail address at any time, accounts that change their address will face certain restrictions.
These include a 12-month waiting period before another new Gmail address can be created, and the inability to delete the newly chosen address once it has been set.
Google assured users that all existing data would remain intact after an address update, including stored photos, messages, and emails.
The gradual rollout of the feature indicates that full global adoption is expected in the coming months, a move likely to be welcomed by millions of users who have long requested the ability to update their Gmail identities without starting afresh.
Nigeria’s N58.18trn Budget and Rising Cost of Deficit Governance
Nnaemeka Ani – The Architect of ‘Code and Courage’
MTN Nigeria Appreciates Partners, Customers at Lagos Prestige Experience
InsomniaQ Spotlights African Creativity in Lagos
T2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament
Nigeria Records Highest Weekly Cyberattacks in Africa — Report
Cyber Tsunami Hits Nigeria as Breaches Surge 1,047%, esentry Q3 Report Reveals
Financial Sector Faced AI, Blockchain and Organised Crime Threats in 2025 – Report
Minister Claims Bandits Exploit Poor Network, Bounce Calls Off Multiple Towers
Report Reveals Half of 2025’s Compromised Passwords were Already Leaked
Telecom2 days agoGoogle Finally Allows Users to Change Gmail Address, Keeps Data and Services Intact
General News2 days agoT2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament
News2 days agoInsomniaQ Spotlights African Creativity in Lagos
E-Financial18 hours agoNigeria’s N58.18trn Budget and Rising Cost of Deficit Governance
Telecom18 hours agoNnaemeka Ani – The Architect of ‘Code and Courage’
Telecom18 hours agoMTN Nigeria Appreciates Partners, Customers at Lagos Prestige Experience