Widespread Outcry by Students over Telcos Tariff Hike

On January 29, 2025, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 percent tariff increase for mobile network operators. This adjustment, the first in 12 years, was aimed at driving substantial investment in telecommunications infrastructure, extending 4G coverage to 94 percent of the population and enabling mobile internet access for an additional 9 million people, including 2 million in underserved areas.

While the NCC heralded the decision as a progressive step towards bridging the digital divide, for many Nigerian students, it felt like an iron wall rising between them and their education.

Bridging the Infrastructure Gap or Widening the Digital Divide

The NCC argued that the tariff hike will sustain investment in infrastructure, enhance service quality, and expand network coverage. But on university campuses across Nigeria, the reality tells a different story.

For Aduagba, the adjustment felt like yet another burden weighing down students already struggling under the weight of inflation.

“Hearing about the tariff hike wasn’t strange to me. The rising cost of fuel, inflation, and currency devaluation all made it inevitable. But considering the high cost of living in Nigeria, this increase will be very challenging and could compromise students’ academic performance,” he said.

Though the NCC promised improved network quality, Aduagba was unconvinced.

“They argue that increasing tariffs will sustain investment in infrastructure, but that seems false. We haven’t seen any real improvement in network quality or service delivery. The network issues remain the same, so why should consumers pay more,” he questioned, shaking his head.

As an alternative, he suggested that students limit their data consumption, carefully stretching out their plans. But even that, he admitted, was a band-aid solution to a deep economic wound.

He believes the government must step in, proposing that universities provide free Wi-Fi on campuses to relieve students from the financial strain. Additionally, he urged lawmakers to demand a suspension of the hike until tangible improvements in service quality could be seen.

“Before they increase tariffs, they should first fix the poor network issues Nigerians currently face,” he insisted.

Students Lament Internet Affordability Amid Economic Hardship

For Balqees Usman Oyinkansola, a 200-level Political Science student at Kwara State University, the tariff increase was just another slash in the fabric of an already difficult economy.

“The reasons for the increase seem to revolve around improving service quality and infrastructure, but students are worried about the financial implications,” she said.

She painted a picture of the silent struggle many students endure, the late nights spent searching for a stable internet, and the sacrifices made to afford data just to keep up with coursework.

“Many students already struggle to afford mobile data for research and virtual learning. Higher tariffs will only make things worse,” she added.

Despite the NCC’s assurances, she remained doubtful.

“We still face poor network coverage and frequent service outages. Will this increase bring change or is it just another policy that burdens consumers?” she asked.

Her solution was simple but insufficient. If tariffs continued to rise, she would switch to public Wi-Fi at libraries or community centres. But deep down, she knew that wouldn’t be enough.