The rising sun cast a golden glow over Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, as Abdulsalam Adam Aduagba refreshed his phone screen, hoping against hope that his dwindling data balance would last just a few more minutes. But then, the dreaded notification appeared: “You have used up your data bundle.”His sigh was heavy, not just with frustration but with the weight of an economic reality that was making digital access a luxury rather than a necessity for students like him.
Across the country, similar stories of despair echo through the halls of higher institutions. The recent 50% tariff increase approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on January 29, 2025, has sent shockwaves through student communities. This adjustment, the first in 12 years, is meant to drive substantial investment in telecommunications infrastructure, extend 4G coverage to 94% of the population, and provide mobile internet access to an additional 9 million people, including 2 million in underserved areas.
While the NCC champions the decision as a step toward bridging the digital divide, many students see it as an insurmountable wall standing between them and their education.
Bridging the Infrastructure Gap or Widening the Digital Divide
The NCC insists that the tariff hike is necessary to sustain investment in infrastructure, enhance service quality, and expand network coverage. But on university campuses, students tell a different story. one of rising costs, poor service, and growing uncertainty.
For Aduagba, the adjustment felt like yet another burden added to an already overwhelming struggle. “Hearing about the tariff hike wasn’t surprising. The rising cost of fuel, inflation, and currency devaluation made it inevitable. But given the high cost of living in Nigeria, this increase will be very challenging and could negatively affect students’ academic performance,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of financial strain.
Despite promises of improved network quality, Aduagba remained unconvinced.
“They say increasing tariffs will sustain investment in infrastructure, but that doesn’t seem true. 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.
To cope, he suggested students minimize their data consumption, carefully stretching out their plans. However, he admitted this was merely a short-term fix for a much deeper economic problem.
“The government should step in. Universities need to provide free Wi-Fi on campuses to ease this financial burden. Lawmakers should also push for a suspension of the hike until there’s visible improvement in service quality,” he urged.
The Growing Cost of Staying Connected
Al-Amin Abdulrahman, a computer science student, also weighed in on the matter. “Higher tariffs will make internet access harder for students, affecting research, online learning, and communication. Many of us already struggle with data costs, and this will only make things worse,” he lamented.
Despite the NCC’s assurances, Abdulrahman was skeptical. “Past hikes have never improved network quality. Slow speeds and poor coverage are still persistent issues. So why should we trust this one will be any different” he asked.
Like Aduagba, he believes students will be forced to look for alternatives, turning to public Wi-Fi, reducing their data usage, or seeking subsidized student plans.
“The government should intervene by subsidizing student data plans or expanding free internet access in schools. This hike is unfair, especially considering Nigeria’s economic struggles,” he insisted.
For Balqees Usman Oyinkansola, a 200-level Political Science student at Kwara State University, the tariff hike was yet another financial strain in 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 vivid picture of the silent struggle many students endure. the late nights spent hunting for a stable internet connection, the sacrifices made just to afford data and stay on top of coursework.
“Many students already struggle to afford mobile data for research and virtual learning. Higher tariffs will only make things worse,” she lamented.
Even as the NCC promises better service, Oyinkansola remains doubtful.
“We still face poor network coverage and frequent service outages. Will this increase really bring change, or is it just another policy that burdens consumers” she questioned.
Between Data and Daily Survival
For Mustapha Sani, a computer science student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, the new reality is alarming. “Data costs have skyrocketed from N250 per 1GB to a staggering N700,” he revealed.
What’s worse, he claims, is that service quality has declined. “If you used to buy 1GB of data to meet your needs, you now need 2GB for the same tasks because the service quality has dropped by almost 100%,” he explained.
Faced with this situation, Sani is left with a painful choice: food or data.
“The promised improvements are a myth. The network issues have only worsened,” he declared.
Azeez Babatunde Azeez, a 400-level computer science student, believes the hike is a direct consequence of rising taxes and operating costs for telecom companies.
“Data subscriptions have doubled or even tripled in price. As a student, this is incredibly frustrating, especially when online classes demand constant internet access,” he said.
Like many others, he sees no real improvement in service quality and calls on the government to intervene by reducing taxes on telecom operations.
While students struggle, the GSMA, a global advocate for sustainable telecom policies. supports the NCC’s decision, arguing that the increase will ultimately bridge the digital divide and stimulate growth in education, healthcare, and agriculture.
According to the statement of Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at GSMA, described the hike as a milestone for Nigeria’s digital future.
“By enabling sustainable investment, we are improving service quality, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. However, to fully unlock these benefits, we must simplify Right of Way permits, implement a Critical National Infrastructure plan, and reduce excessive taxes on the mobile sector,” she stated.
According to GSMA projections, greater digitalization across key industries could increase Nigeria’s GDP by 2% by 2028, create 2 million jobs, and generate ₦1.6 trillion in additional tax revenue.
Yet, students like Hassan Abubakar remain unconvinced. “Limited access to essential online resources will be a major challenge. The promised service improvements seem far-fetched,” he noted.
For students like Adeyeye Faridat Ajoke, an NC1 student at Kwara State Polytechnic, the price hike came as a rude awakening.
“I don’t even know what NCC stands for, but I know data prices have increased. The quick 50MB daily plan I used to buy is gone, and my data doesn’t last anymore,” she said.
She criticized the lack of network stability, arguing that the increase was unjustified if service remained unreliable.
“I face constant service disruptions, and data consumption seems faster than before,” she complained.
A Lecturer’s Perspective
Dr. A.M. Fakandu, a lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science, offered his professional insight.
“The increase in data tariffs, considering students’ current situation, has negatively affected them. Many will struggle to afford the high tariffs, and this will lead to a significant decline in digital learning participation,” he observed.
He advised that the government introduce an empowerment program to support students and researchers in accessing affordable internet.
“Before implementing price hikes, the government should create support programs. Institutions should also gather feedback from students and researchers to ensure policy decisions are well-informed,” he concluded.
About the Reporter: Abdullateef Faruq is a 300-level student of Education English at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) and a passionate campus journalist.