Telecom
Experts Call for Talent Management Systems to Mitigate Talent Exodus in the Telecom Industry
Experts in the telecommunications industry have called for the introduction and integration of a Talent Management System to help mitigate the effects of talent exodus in Nigeria.
For years, various sectors of the Nigerian economy have struggled with brain drain, as highly skilled professionals continuously leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad, overwhelming the available workforce.
The telecommunications industry has not been spared, with numerous reports of high rates of talent resignation and migration to other countries.
This situation has impacted the sector, though some argue it presents an opportunity to evolve and integrate more talent into the pipeline.
During a panel session moderated by WTES Project Chief Operating Officer, Mr Chidi Ajuzie at the recently concluded 5th edition of the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 5.0), organized by Business Remarks, the experts discussed the theme: “Mitigating the Effect of Talent Exodus on Nigeria’s Telecom Growth.” They acknowledged the issue of talent exodus but viewed it more as an opportunity than a threat.
Engr Ikechukwu Nnamani, ceo of Digital Realty, emphasized the need for a structured process for training and retraining talents already in the system, particularly by leveraging Nigeria’s large population to ensure talent retention.
Nnamani stated, “It’s inevitable. However, we should focus on the benefits. Reviewing employment policies to make workflows more flexible and adaptable for employees can reduce the impact of talent loss.”
He also noted that unlike other sectors, the data centre subsector has not experienced a significant loss of talent.
Delivering his paper presentation, the (NATEP), Femi Adeluyi speaking on the sub topic “Government Policies and Industry Initiatives to Retain and Attract ICT Professionals” addressed that talent export also has its advantages to its host community.
Citing India as an example, he said there needs to be a balance.
Dr. Olufemi also stressed the necessity of motivating employees through better remuneration and by creating mentorship programs.
He urged companies to implement a Talent Management System to effectively manage talent while simultaneously growing their businesses.
John Nwachukwu, managing director of Zoracom, stressed the importance of retention plans for businesses to hold onto talent, noting that companies must provide a supportive and enabling work environment.
He highlighted the need for succession and retention plans to prepare for talent loss and to create a vibrant and conducive workforce environment.
In the same vein, the CEO of Infratel, Dr. Tola Yusuf also encouraged businesses to focus on the positive aspects, advocating for continuous staff training and retraining to improve retention, alongside creating an atmosphere of encouragement for employees.
Speaking on this, the CEO of Jidaw System, Engr Jide Awe, highlighted India’s successful experience with talent export as a model for other countries.
According to him, India’s long-standing strategy of promoting software development and encouraging its citizens to pursue careers abroad has led to significant technological advancements and economic growth.
“By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, India has not only benefited from the expertise and skills gained by its citizens working overseas, which has led to the establishment of a strong technology sector but has also attracted foreign investment and created job opportunities within the country.
“This demonstrates the potential for talent export to be a mutually beneficial strategy for both exporting and host countries, ” he noted.
Ms. Tinuade Oguntuyi who represented ICSL CEO, Yemi Oshodi is of the view that emphasized that brain drain and talent exodus in the telecom sector have a significant impact, not only on the industry itself but also on individuals and the broader economy.
According to her, brain drain in the telecom sector can have far-reaching consequences, including disruptions in services and a decline in innovation.
She also stressed the need to invest in talent development and create a conducive environment to retain skilled professionals within Nigeria.
On his part, the CEO of Impulso Integrated Services, Mr Akinyele Oludare said that the current talent exodus in the telecom sector is a result of various factors, including the slowing growth of the industry, limited opportunities for advancement, and the allure of higher earnings abroad.
While this trend can have negative consequences for the sector, the speaker also noted that it can have positive effects, such as increased remittances to Nigeria.
The speaker suggested that to address the talent exodus, the telecom industry needs to create a more attractive and dynamic environment for professionals.
This includes investing in growth, providing opportunities for advancement, and offering competitive compensation packages. By doing so, the industry can incentivize talented individuals to stay in Nigeria and contribute to its development.
The experts, however, cautioned companies against halting employee training programs out of fear of talent loss, emphasizing that the potential negative impact on company growth and success far outweighs any perceived benefits. Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually due to talent migration.
TSSF 5.0 aims to foster dialogue and develop strategies to retain talent while promoting sector growth. By bringing together key stakeholders, the event hopes to contribute to effective policies and initiatives that will enhance talent retention in the telecommunications industry.
Speaking about the event, the convener of the forum and Managing Editor of Business Remarks, Bukola Olanrewaju, noted that the Nigerian telecom sector is currently grappling with a multitude of challenges.
Olanrewaju stressed that the escalating depletion of talent and skilled workforce in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy is a pressing concern.
“This loss of human capital could pose as a significant threat to the nation’s productivity and economic growth if there is no balance.”
Millions of citizens across Africa are being denied access to essential services due to the rapid imposition of biometric digital-ID systems, a new report by the African Digital Rights Network has revealed.
Biometric
The study, published by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), found that citizens are increasingly required to provide biometric and personal information as a condition for accessing fundamental rights and government services such as voting, education, healthcare, and social protection payments.
According to the report, marginalised groups including persons with disabilities, the illiterate, and those unable to afford mobile data or electricity for phone charging face significant barriers to registration, deepening existing inequalities.
It noted that many citizens also refuse to enrol due to fears of data breaches and mistrust of governments, with biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition raising privacy concerns.
Dr Tony Roberts, Research Fellow at IDS and co-editor of the report, said: “Worryingly, fundamental human rights, like education, healthcare and the right to vote are rapidly becoming conditional on enrolment in biometric digital-ID systems.”
He added that some visually impaired citizens are forced to pay others to help them use their digital-ID on mobile phones to access social protection payments.
‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative and co-editor of the report, said: “Many citizens do not want to enrol for a biometric digital-ID because they have good reason not to trust their governments with their biometrics and personal information.”
The report highlighted examples of massive data breaches and cases where personal data was used to surveil critics and opposition leaders.
It warned that most systems, estimated to cost at least US$1 billion across Africa, lack adequate legal frameworks, robust digital security, and accountability mechanisms for remedy when errors or breaches occur.
The authors concluded that governments must adopt strong legislation to protect citizens’ rights and privacy before rolling out biometric IDs, stressing that systems should be developed with citizen participation rather than imposed top-down.
The report, Biometric Digital-ID in Africa: Progress and Challenges to Date – Ten Country Case Studies, covers Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Senator Natasha Akpoti has emerged as the most searched personality in Nigeria, according to Google’s 2025 Year in Search report, which highlights the interests and concerns that shaped the nation’s online activity during the year.
The report showed that political conversations dominated searches, with Akpoti’s prominence underscoring the intensity of national discourse. Nigerians also followed global developments closely, including the Israel-Iran War and the United States elections.
The country mourned the passing of former whose deaths prompted widespread searches recalling their legacies and contributions to national life.
Entertainment trends reflected Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy, with gospel hit “Oluwatosin (Jesus Is Enough)” by Tkeyz featuring Steve Hills topping charts, alongside Afrobeats collaborations such as Davido and Omah Lay’s “With You.” Director Kemi Adetiba and the local series “To Kill a Monkey” also drew significant attention.
Google noted that Nigerians displayed curiosity in language and lifestyle, decoding slang like “Labubu” and exploring recipes ranging from Pornstar Martini to traditional Chinchin.
Technology searches were led by interest in the iPhone 17 and Tecno Pop 10, reflecting the country’s embrace of new devices.
“This data offers a real-time window into the Nigerian psyche in 2025, showing a nation engaged, reflective, and creatively vibrant,” said Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications Manager for West Africa.
14-year-old Oreoluwa Alayande has been crowned the winner of the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee 2025, following a thrilling grand finale that saw the top 20 contestants from schools across the country compete head-to-head.
MTN mPulse 2025 Spelling Bee
The grand finale of the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee 2025 competition was held on Saturday, November 29, at the MTN Plaza Rooftop. The event also had in attendance the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Opeyemi Eniola and mPulse Spelling Bee 2024 winner, Ikenna Ikechukwu.
As the 2025 MTN mPulse Champion, Oreoluwa was awarded an Educational Grant of N5 Million Naira, the opportunity to be the MTN CEO for a Day, a brand new laptop and smartphone, and the title of the face of mPulse for a year. Her victory also benefits her school, which will receive a N10 Million flagship gift, 10 laptops, and 10 MTN 5G routers, while her teacher receives a N500,000 cash prize.
Oreoluwa, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, expressed her gratitude. “I’d like to use this opportunity to thank MTN for providing a platform that empowers youths and increases the vocabulary of students,” she said. “I’d also like to thank my family, everyone who has supported me so far, and my school,” she said.
Speaking at the grand finale, Babatunde Oyeleye, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, MTN Nigeria, acknowledged the parents and teachers. “Every year, we bring you all together to see who becomes the exceptional speller in Nigeria, and the participants always perform exceptionally,” Oyeleye stated. “I’d like to say a big thank you to the parents and the teachers. You dedicate your time to nurturing these children, and the feeling of pride is always evident on your faces. We are glad to be enablers of that smile and pride you feel,” Oyeleye said.
The second position, Samuel Babalola, was rewarded with a N2.5 Million Educational Grant, 1 laptop, and 1 smartphone, with his teacher receiving an N300,000 cash prize. Levi Kelechi Ebisike, in third place, won a N1.5 Million Educational Grant, 1 laptop, and 1 smartphone, along with an N200,000 cash prize for his teacher.
The grand finale was streamed live on the MTN Nigeria YouTube channel and on the Holiday Channel 198 on both DStv and GOtv, allowing Nigerians nationwide to watch the brilliant spellers.
The MTN mPulse Spelling Bee continues to be one of Nigeria’s most impactful development initiatives, reiterating MTN’s commitment to promoting literacy and digital inclusivity. The competition, a flagship initiative under the MTN mPulse umbrella, is designed to foster digital literacy, academic excellence, and healthy competition among Nigerian students.
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