This effort has restored hope and significantly improved learning conditions for both students and teachers.

The project, led by dedicated MTN employees, is part of the annual Y’ello Care campaign, which focuses on empowering communities through education, digital inclusion, and economic support.

Prior to the renovation, students at Iwerekun Community Senior High School faced challenges, including deteriorating classrooms that hindered effective learning.

Recognising the need for intervention, MTN staff stepped in to transform the learning space, creating a safe, conducive, and inspiring environment for both students and teachers.

At the commissioning ceremony, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, acknowledged the significance of MTN’s contribution to education:

“The education sector worldwide thrives on collaboration and commitment between public and private partners. MTN’s generous contribution is truly recognised, and I express my deepest gratitude for its unwavering commitment to supporting education in Lagos State. This new facility will provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning, enabling our students to reach their full potential.”

Representing the Ojomu of Lakowe, Prince Mukaila Adeola expressed the community’s gratitude:

“This is a rare opportunity, and it is not every day that Lakowe benefits from such support. We truly appreciate MTN for this contribution, and we look forward to even more support in the future.”

The renovated school block is equipped with improved water supply and an inverter included in a serene environment that enhances the learning experience.

This renovation will ensure that students and teachers have a more comfortable and sustainable academic setting.

Speaking on the significance of the project, Tobe Okigbo, chief corporate services and sustainability officer (CCSSO) at MTN Nigeria, emphasised the personal investment of MTN staff:

“I want to emphasise that this commissioning was made possible by the dedicated staff of MTN. Although MTN has a Foundation funded by 1% of the company’s annual profits, the credit for this commissioning goes to the MTN Nigeria staff members who, through their personal contributions, made this happen.”

Beyond the fresh coat of paint and structural improvements, initiatives like this create a lasting impact and a sense of hope in the lives of the students.

The addition of a reliable power source and water facility means that students no longer have to struggle with poor infrastructure, allowing them to focus on their education.

For many students, access to quality education remains a challenge—not just because of financial barriers but also due to poor infrastructure, lack of resources, and limited teacher support.

Programmes like Y’ello Care, alongside other education-focused volunteer initiatives, are helping to fill these gaps by creating safe, well-equipped learning environments and equipping students with knowledge beyond the classroom.

With the successful completion of the Lakowe school project, MTN reaffirms its commitment to education and youth development.

The company encourages more organisations to embrace volunteerism and community service, as collective action remains a powerful force for societal progress.

The post MTN Staff Commission New Set of Classrooms at Lagos Community School appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The programme commences on May 19, 2025, on the Main Campus of the Pan-Atlantic University, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

In collaboration with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, MTN Nigeria launched MIP in 2022 to enable media practitioners gain deeper insight into the ever-evolving media landscape.

The six-month fully funded certificate fellowship, which includes a study visit to the University of Johannesburg, South Africa is open to media practitioners across all strata of the media industry including print, electronic and online platforms. The programme is also open to social media content creators.

“When we launched MIP in 2022, our goal was to enhance media professionals’ reporting capabilities and deepen their understanding of the technology sector, empowering them to become true media innovators. Seeing the impact of the programme over the past three years has been both inspiring and humbling. We are proud to continue this initiative and invite all eligible media professionals and content creators to seize this opportunity by applying for the fourth cohort,” said Tobe Okigbo, chief corporate services & sustainability officer, MTN Nigeria.

Speaking on the impact of the programme, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, the dean, School of Media and Communication (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University, said that the programme continues to improve and evolve.

“Given the challenges of today’s fast-changing media space, there is an ever-greater urgency to cultivate a new generation of media professionals who will drive innovation and excellence to meet today’s media needs. SMC will leverage its extensive experience in training media professionals to equip this next cohort. And we will do this with our usual emphasis on creativity and ethics.”

Why Apply?

At the end of the MTN MIP-4 training, the 20 successful applicants, who will qualify as Fellows, will have been trained on Nigeria’s technology sector, the relationship between media and technology and improved content creation opportunities.

They will also be equipped with the skills to adapt to the changing realities that guarantee career and financial success in their professional practice. Fellows will also have access to professional resources and mentorship from PAU’s erudite faculty.

Interested journalists, bloggers and content creators can apply to MTN MIP-4 here.

Applications open today, Monday, March 24 and close on Monday, April 7, 2025.

The post MTN Opens Application to Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4 (MTN MIP-4) appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Over the weekend, representatives of MTN Nigeria, Airtel and 9mobile joined by the leaders of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had a no-holds-barred session with a cross-section of media personalities, and argued strongly that the 50% tariff adjustment was necessary to save the industry from total collapse.

NCC approved 50% tariff adjustment 

Recall that the industry regulator – the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) – on January 20, 2025 announced the approval for upward review of telecom tariffs in the West African country.

The Commission led by Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO of NCC, said the approval was in pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators

NCC said it “will be granting approval for tariff adjustment requests by Network Operators in response to prevailing market conditions.”

The adjustment, according to a statement by Reuben Muoka, the director, Public Affairs at NCC, said the tariff increase capped at a maximum of 50% of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.

NLC disagrees with NCC and Telcos

However, the announcement attracted criticisms in several quarters, especially among subscribers.

Leading the opposing voices is the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC). The body also plans to protest against the 50% telecom tariff increase.

NLC argued that the increase would add to the hardship faced by Nigerians, especially when they are paying more for food, electricity, petrol and others.

CHRMG tackles NLC

The NLC’s argument attracted the attention of the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups (CHRMG) which condemned the NLC’s planned protest, describing it as “misguided and not in the public interest.”

The CSOs said the tariff hike, approved by the NCC is a necessary measure to prevent the telecom sector from collapsing.

According to Dr. Gabriel Agibi, President of the group, with the current inflation rate at 34.8%, a nearly 300% increase from 8.5% in 2013 [sic: the last time telecoms tariffs were reviewed], the tariff adjustment is essential to reflect economic realities.

Agibi said the NCC’s decision was made in good faith, taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

He added that the tariff hike is also crucial in ensuring that Nigeria’s telecom sector remains competitive with international standards.

Tariff adjustment is necessary to save industry from collapse – ALTON

According to ALTON Chairman, Engr, Gbenga Adebayo, NCC made the vital decision to allow Telecom companies to increase their tariffs for the first time in more than 12 years.

“It was a brave decision that should be recognised and commended”.

“All the customers of our member operators are understandably disappointed that they will have to pay more to stay connected. We recognise that. We know that Nigerians have been through a series of even more substantial price increases in other sectors like fuel and power.

“That is why it is so important for us to set out why the tariffs need to go up, how the revenue from the price increases will be used and how long it is going to take us to deliver the improvements that our customers will be able to see and appreciate”.

Adebayo who argued there’s no such thing as “too big to fail” in the telecoms industry, further reminded those kicking against the price adjustments that telecom sector is capital-intensive hence it requires constant investment to maintain the infrastructure that operators use to deliver connectivity, “ensuring that we can deliver the quality of service that our customers demand and continue to upgrade to the latest technologies like 5G”.

…a step to get Telecom Sector out of the ‘sickbed’ – Okigbo

Speaking during the session over the weekend, Tobe Okigbo, chief corporate services and sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, said:

“We are not talking about profitability right now; we will get there eventually. Our first priority is to get out of this sickbed. We are talking about survival because this industry is central to national development in the digital age. Imagine how backward we would become as a nation if the telecoms industry were to collapse.

“What are the alternatives? Telecoms services are critical to the growth and sustainability of key sectors like banking, healthcare, education, entertainment, and commerce. Is there any industry that doesn’t rely on telecoms services?

“Some of us are advocating for the sustainability of this industry not just because we work in the sector, but also because we have witnessed its evolution and growth. Now, we are seeing a decline; even before reaching our peak!

“Every sector that has collapsed or declined in Nigeria did not get to that point overnight; it happened gradually. We must not let the telco industry collapse.

“Let’s all do our part to keep this vital industry alive. With the right pricing, telcos will be able to ramp up investment that will enable them to provide even better quality services. We expect customers and regulators to hold us accountable. We all have a stake in the telecoms industry.

“It’s our industry. Yes ‘our’ because it belongs to all of us. Let’s not watch it die because we want to pay less, which will eventually suffocate the industry till it will no longer be able to breathe”, he said.

Nodding in agreement, Femi Adeniran, the director, Corporate Communications& CSR at Airtel Nigeria, re-emphasized the need to protect the ‘ostrich that lays golden eggs.

According to him, telecommunications industry provides infrastructure for other sectors hence the services are not just about phone calls or browsing the internet; “it powers vital sectors like education, healthcare, banking, and public safety, and deserves to breathe too”.

He said the industry is even committed to play greater roles towards deepening Nigeria’s digital economy as a critical pillar of the country’s national development strategy.

…a step towards long-term sustainability

Kenechukwu Okonkwo, the director of Product Innovation & Business Development at 9mobile, also commended the applauded the Federal Government for approving a 50% tariff adjustment, which he described as a vital initiative aimed at addressing persistent challenges in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

“This decision, reached after extensive deliberations, marks a significant step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry by enabling the necessary investments to enhance service quality (QoS) for consumers nationwide”, he said, and pledged 9mobile’s commitment to offer even improved services to the customers.

Techeconomy gathered that telcos may start adjusting their tariffs (upward) in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, representatives of Globacom, one of the ‘big four’, where conspicuously absent at the session on Saturday.

The post Offering Services below Cost is a Superhighway to Failure | Telcos Defend 50% Tariff Adjustment appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This initiative is part of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge, designed to stimulate and champion innovative solutions that address urgent environmental challenges across the continent.

The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is an open call to young visionaries (aged 16 – 35) and youth-led SMEs to conceptualise and develop pioneering solutions to environmental challenges specific to Nigeria. Participants can either be individuals or teams, each comprising up to three members.

The top ten finalist teams will embark on a transformative 3-day sprint event, immersing themselves in a human-centred design process.

The event will culminate in a pitch session where teams present their ground-breaking solutions to a distinguished panel of industry experts.

The triumphant teams from the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge will then advance to the grand stage, competing against other national victors from other participating countries in the Africa PachiPanda contest.

“Nigeria is brimming with young talent eager to make a difference. The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is a golden opportunity for these bright minds to channel their creativity into tangible solutions that can reshape our environmental landscape for the better,” expressed Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria.

Echoing these sentiments, Dr Joseph Onoja, Director-General, NCF added, “Collaboration is the cornerstone of impactful change. By joining forces with MTN, we aim to amplify the voices of our youth, turning their innovative ideas into actionable solutions that can safeguard our planet for future generations.”

More than a competition, the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is a movement that galvanises participants to think unconventionally, craft solutions that address immediate environmental challenges, and play an active role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of their communities.

How to apply to Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge

Interested participants can visit here to apply.

The post MTN Nigeria, WWF Kickoff 2024 Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The report revealed that the telecom giant contributed N549.3 billion in taxes and levies to the Nigerian government, owing to its strategic focus on sustainability. 

As part of its goal to enhance digital inclusion across the country, the company expanded its network coverage to 92.9% nationwide, providing connectivity to 79.7 million people and invested over N571.0 billion in capital expenditure (capex) during 2023.

Beyond the numbers, MTN’s corporate citizen initiative encompasses various sectors of the economy, working towards long-term development and stability in Nigeria.

In line with this strategy, the telecom giant increased its capital expenditure by 13.2%, investing N571 billion in 2023. This investment enhances network capacity and quality as well as drives innovation and growth within Nigeria’s digital space.

Despite a challenging economic environment, part of which includes net forex losses resulting in a N137 billion loss after tax, MTN Nigeria reported a resilient service revenue of N2.46 trillion for the year.

MTN Nigeria has also set a precedent by being among the first in Nigeria to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards S1 and S2, issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), reiterating transparency and accountability in reporting.

MTN’s technological advancements are not excluded, with 4G coverage reaching 81.5% and 5G coverage expanding to 11.3% in 2023. These developments are essential for driving digital growth and stimulating innovation across Nigeria.

The company’s fintech business has seen considerable growth as well, serving over 14.5 million customers nationwide. Its partnership with Mastercard further enhances its fintech arm, promoting financial inclusion and digital progress.

MTN’s focus on environmental sustainability is seen in its Project Zero initiative, which aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. The company has already made big waves, reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions and embedding ESG considerations into its governance structure.

On its corporate social responsibility, the company invested N2.6 billion in Corporate Social Investment programs in 2023, positively impacting over 58,000 lives through the MTN Foundation.

Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, commended the company’s progress and noted its future goals, stating, “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far expanding connectivity to 79.7 million people, achieving 92.9% nationwide coverage, investing N2.6 billion in Corporate Social Investment programmes that have impacted over 58,000 lives through the MTN Foundation, contributing N549.3 billion in taxes and levies to the government, and investing over N571.0 billion in capex, up 13.2% in 2023.

However, we recognise that this is only the beginning. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence and committed to continuously improving our sustainability practices while striving for an even greater impact in the communities we serve. Our goal is to set the benchmark for responsible business practices in Nigeria, and we will continue to ensure our operations positively impact the environment, society, and governance.”

Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, highlighted MTN’s ESG focus, noting, “We have embedded sustainability and ESG considerations at the core of our governance structure, recognising their critical role in driving long-term value creation for our stakeholders. 

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our actions, from establishing a dedicated Sustainability and Shared Value function to adopting the IFRS Sustainability Reporting Standards. We are pleased with our progress so far, including achieving a reputation index score of 84, up 3.0pp from 2022 and achieving a 10.3% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from the 2021 baseline as part of the Project Zero initiative, progressing towards net zero emissions by 2040.”

The post MTN Nigeria in 2023: N2.46tri Revenue | N549b Taxes | 11.3% 5G Coverage & Net Zero Push appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

These top media practitioners have been selected to participate in this initiative aimed at fostering innovation and excellence in media at the Pan-Atlantic University.

The application process, which commenced on March 23 and ended on April 10, 2024, received thousands of entries.

The School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University faculty reviewed the applications and selected the top candidates who had the most outstanding essays. The 20 fellows began their classes on Monday, 20th May 2024 at the Pan-Atlantic University.

Speaking about the fellowship, the Dean, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, said, “It’s really one of the programmes you could say that expresses very much the reality of today’s world that so much has changed technologically. We are delighted to collaborate with MTN Nigeria in empowering talent through the Media Innovation Programme. With this fellowship, we aim to cultivate a new generation of media professionals who are equipped to drive innovation and excellence.”

The MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) is a six-week long fellowship spread across six months for media practitioners in the Nigerian space.

The programme will increase the knowledge and skill base of the fellows and help them understand the changing media landscape, and how to effectively use technology to create impactful media content.

Addressing the fellows, Tobe Okigbo, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, said, “At MTN Nigeria, we recognize the critical role the media plays in shaping our society. MIP is a testament to our commitment to empowering media professionals and fostering innovation in the industry.

We believe that a free and independent press is essential to a thriving society, and we are dedicated to supporting the development of a vibrant and responsible media ecosystem in Nigeria. Through this programme, we aim to equip media practitioners and innovators with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in a rapidly evolving media landscape and to tell the stories that need to be told.”

The fully-funded certificate fellowship will include a study trip to the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, visits to the South African Broadcasting Station, innovation hubs in South Africa to incubate ideas and a tour of the MTN Group Head office in Sandton.

This Fellowship will equip the fellows to uphold the highest intellectual, ethical, and professional values.

With the commencement of the third edition of the Media Innovation Programme, MTN has further proven its commitment to improving the Nigerian media landscape and technology reporting.

Here are the 2024 fellows:

• Anthony Obakeye, Producer/Reporter, CNBC Africa;
• Pius Chidiebere, Anchor, Signature Television
• Oluwadunsin Sanya, Senior Content Associate, BellaNaija
• Nkechi Ogbonna, Senior Journalist Reporter, West Africa, BBC, West Africa
• Blessing Agbeetan, Assistant Prog Manager, Women Radio 91.7 FM
• Aigbe Augustus, OAP/Producer, Cool FM
• Chiemelie Ezeobi, Group Features Editor, Thisday Newspapers
• Stephen Angbulu, State House Correspondent, Punch Newspapers
• Rahaman Toheeb, Editor-in-Chief, Legit
• Juliet Tontoye Pere-ere, General Manager/Broadcaster, Royals Roots FM
• Chioma Chukwuemeka, Lead News, Sapientia International Media Centre
• Ebunoluwa Dosunmu, Content Creator
• Ayodele Ayokunle, Managing Director, Rock FM Jalingo and Taraba Truth
• Oluwatomisin Amokeoja, Staff Writer, Forbes Africa
• Moninkanola Ogidan, News Anchor/Editor/Presenter, Adaba FM
• Johnstone Kpilaakaa, Senior Tech Reporter, BCSL – Bendada.com
• Nifemi Oguntoye, Deputy Head of Presentation, TVC Communications
• Prince Osuagwu, ICT Editor, Vanguard Newspapers
• Omonike Babatunde, Broadcaster, Bright Broadcasting Ltd
• Lucas Ajanaku, Assistant Business/Head, ICT Desk, The Nation Newspapers

To access a summary clip of their first day in class, click here and you can find other relevant materials here.

The post MTN Unveils 20 Fellows for the Third Edition of Its Media Innovation Programme (MIP) appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.