The initiative, in collaboration with the Kukah Centre, marks a bold step toward closing Nigeria’s educational digital divide.

Unveiled in the presence of local authorities and education stakeholders, the partnership kicks off with the deployment of digital learning kits in 11 schools across three states, Kano, Kebbi, and Taraba. Each kit contains a computer, tablets, router, projector, and other classroom-ready tools.

The first phase is expected to benefit more than 5,600 students and 34 teachers, even in areas where internet connectivity is sparse or unstable.

“At ATC Nigeria, we are proud to support this impactful collaboration, which brings digital tools directly into classrooms,” said Pieter Van Der Westhuizen, CEO of ATC Nigeria.

“Through our Digital Communities program, we are expanding access to technology and equipping the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world.”

The collaboration is more than just a donation of equipment; it represents a vision of equitable education. Through ATC Nigeria’s Digital Communities initiative, the program aims to provide not only youth-focused digital literacy but also financial education, vocational training, and even healthcare access in some of Nigeria’s most underserved communities.

The ProFuturo Foundation, a joint initiative by Fundación Telefónica and the “la Caixa” Foundation, brings years of experience using technology to improve learning outcomes globally. Since 2016, the foundation has reached over 28 million children in 45 countries, and now, thousands more in Nigeria will be added to that number.

Magdalena Brier, General Manager of the ProFuturo Foundation, highlighted the life-changing potential of the initiative:

“This alliance is a big step in improving educational opportunities for the most vulnerable. I think about the teachers, the boys and girls who will benefit, because together, we are helping transform their lives.”

The education kits are not just a one-time intervention. They are part of a broader strategy to empower teachers with digital tools, foster interactive teaching methods, and build a foundation for long-term, sustainable improvements in education delivery in Nigeria.

As the world increasingly embraces digital transformation, these kits serve as a bridge to the future for children who might otherwise be left behind.

In a country where millions of children still lack access to quality education and digital resources, this partnership is a welcome intervention, and a hopeful signal of what’s possible when global expertise meets local commitment.

As Nigeria continues its quest to build a more inclusive, future-ready education system, the ATC-ProFuturo initiative is a compelling reminder that technology, when guided by purpose, can be a powerful equaliser.

SITA ATC Connect allows the sharing of flight information with air navigation service providers (ANSPs) quickly and securely worldwide.

It provides streamlined communications to simplify the exchange of data and ensure flight operations run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

The new messaging platform offers a single, easy-to-use global solution for airlines, airports and ground handlers to exchange flight operational messages with ANSPs.

This can include flight plans, NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) that alert pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect their flight, and other essential advisories.

SITA ATC Connect is easily integrated, fully supporting the move from legacy Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Networks (AFTNs) to modern ATS (Air Traffic Services) Messaging Handling Systems (AMHS).

With full inter-operability, it allows service providers to share large file messages and images with enhanced features for rich data exchange.

Martin Smillie, senior vice president for SITA Communications and Data Exchange (CDE) said:

“The mix of legacy and modern air traffic systems in different markets globally add unnecessary complexity and delays to air navigation. SITA ATC Connect automatically adapts to different air navigation communities worldwide with an innovative, single global communication connection that is both quick and secure. This is truly the future of Air Traffic Control Messaging, improving efficiency and allowing the industry to offer reliable and on-time operations.”

Airlines, airports and ground handlers exchange many messages with air navigation service providers for day-to-day flight operations.

Customers using SITA ATC Connect enjoy seamless communications throughout the flight operations process while the solution makes all necessary conversions between AFTN and AMHS systems, adapting automatically to the required ANSP environment.

SITA ATC Connect provides airlines, airports and ANSP customers with an easy-to-use system that provides direct access to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) AMHS ATC for a single point of transmission for flight plans and meteorological data, avoiding intermediary points to quickly secure real-time acknowledgements and responses.

The solution has a built-in back-up connection for uninterrupted service, with streamlined workflows for smoother daily operations that deliver time and resource savings through automation and simplified processes.

It can also automatically reroute traffic to avoid operational disruptions or delays, while also covering both ICAO and IATA (International Air Transport Association) connectivity protocols and message formats for full compatibility and geographic coverage.

In Nigeria, MTN is generally regarded as the foremost operator, with close to 90 million subscribers on its network.

It was from Emmanuel Ekuwem, who as president of ATCON (Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria), I first heard the phrase “telecommunications is the infrastructure of infrastructure.”

It is the platform on which all other platforms ride. Telecommunications provide the connections that connect the economy, spurring socio-economic growth.

In this dynamic realm of telecommunications, the transfer of infrastructure management companies can often trigger concerns about potential disruptions in services.

So, it’s no surprise that MTN Nigeria made headlines recently with its decision to lease 2,500 towers to American Tower Corporation (ATC), raising questions about the implications and strategies in place to ensure a seamless transition without compromising network stability. It is a huge deal. It is a big deal.

Amid apprehensions voiced by stakeholders, MTN Nigeria has unequivocally assured customers and investors that the transition to ATC will not impede the network’s functionality or reliability.

The telecommunications giant emphasized its commitment to maintaining a stable network and meeting customer demands throughout this transformative process.

The transfer, though significant, isn’t unprecedented in the industry. However, the magnitude of such an alteration requires careful planning and execution. Tobechukwu Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, clarified that, despite concerns raised by IHS Holding, the move to ATC would not disrupt network services. Okigbo highlighted that the partnership with ATC aims to usher in a new era of connectivity in Nigeria.

One of the pivotal aspects of ensuring a smooth transition involves the seamless transfer of infrastructure between two behemoth companies. Okigbo emphasized that tower transfers between infrastructure companies do not inherently result in network disruptions, pointing towards a rigorous and transparent procurement process that culminated in the final agreement with ATC.

The decision to opt for an American company like ATC might stem from a combination of factors, such as the competitive proposal, technological expertise, and possibly other advantageous terms not disclosed in the news.

Speculations arise about undisclosed terms. Industry watchers contend that the undisclosed term may include the company’s desire to get on the good books of the world’s sole superpower.

Still fresh in the minds of many are MTN’s titanic efforts to win permission to repatriate millions of dollars of profit bottled up in Iran by American sanctions on the Iranian financial system.

The firm’s argument at the time was that “U.S. sanctions should not have unintended consequences for non-U.S. companies.”

Of course, there is also the IHS shareholder dispute with MTN Group, its largest shareholder with a 26 per cent stake, along with French financial investor Wendel and activist investor Blackwells Capital over governance issues. The immortal words of Tupac Shakur come to mind here: “Just because you lost me as a friend doesn’t mean you gained me as an enemy. I’m bigger than that; I still wanna see you eat, just not at my table.”

Despite this, only a fraction of MTN’s towers will move to ATC. Yes, a significant portion remains with IHS. Reports indicate that IHS owns 16,000 towers in Nigeria, with 14,600 leased by MTN.

So, despite the ripples that this deal is generating, only about 13 per cent of MTN’s portfolio will go to ATC, while a whopping 80 per cent remains with IHS.

MTN’s choice to partner with ATC today may, however, underscore the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing connectivity for its customer base in Nigeria. ATC is, after all, a global leader in the wireless infrastructure space.

Furthermore, MTN Nigeria’s stance on engaging with IHS on future opportunities highlights the company’s dedication to exploring value optimization through meticulous and competitive processes.

Okigbo stated that while the agreement with ATC is final, MTN remains open to future collaborations, inviting competitive propositions that align with their strategic objectives.

As the telecommunications industry in Nigeria undergoes this transformative phase, MTN Nigeria’s strategic decisions signify a commitment to not only adapt but also thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

The transfer of tower leasing from IHS to ATC marks a significant milestone for MTN Nigeria. To ensure a seamless transition, the company must continue to focus on expense efficiencies, sustainability, and meeting customer demands.

Maintaining stable service during this transition involves meticulous planning, rigorous governance approvals, and a commitment to fair and transparent processes.

MTN Nigeria must put in the work here. And the regulator, the NCC, needs to keep a keen eye on the proceedings for the good of the industry and the country.

Eromosele, a corporate communications professional and public affairs analyst, wrote via elviseroms@gmail.com

These reports are not true and MTN has not received any revised offer from IHS. MTN announced in September that the lease for the 2,500 sites (which was due to expire in 2024 and 2025) had been awarded to ATC after a very fair and transparent procurement process.

“The agreement with ATC over the 2,500 sites is final, having gone through a rigorous process involving our highest governance approvals,” said Tobechukwu Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer. “Our preference is always for bilateral renewal, subject to competitive pricing and terms. In this instance the ATC proposal was superior.”

MTN will continue to engage constructively with IHS on further opportunities that arise, including the renewal of the next vintages of towers that come up for renewals in 2025.

“Other opportunities for value optimisation will arise and we will undertake a similar exacting process. We are hopeful that participating parties including IHS will present a compelling proposition,” Okigbo said.

He dismissed allegations that contracting the sites to ATC would lead to network disruptions and have a negative environmental impact: “Such allegations are factually incorrect and misleading. Tower transfers between two infrastructure companies do not necessarily lead to network disruption.”

MTN is confident that ATC’s plans will ensure a smooth transition between towers.

“Through our partnership with ATC, we are setting the stage for a new era of connectivity in Nigeria, one that not only meets the growing demands of our customers but also aligns with our focus on expense efficiencies, commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility,” Okigbo said.

MTN expects ATC to adhere strictly to NCC guidelines and NESREA regulations on deploying telecoms sites.

“We are deeply committed to achieving net-zero emissions and part of the differentiated value ATC provides is a commitment to operating green sites, ensuring significant reduction in carbon emissions. Contrary to the allegations of harmful environmental impact, the partnership with ATC will reduce greenhouse gases,” he concluded.