By Maryam Umar Ayomide
The Nigerian economy is currently in a dilapidated state, the most recent official household survey data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics shows that 30.9 percent of Nigerians lived below the international extreme poverty line of $2.15 per person per day.
This implies that many households struggle to make ends meet, pay their wards tuition, and cover daily expenses. This has intensified the financial pressure on many university students. Despite these greater financial constraints and lesser advantages, Nigerian Students are victims of economic distress due to the recent surge in the price of data.
On January 29, 2025, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 percent tariff increase for mobile network operators. The average cost of 1GB of data rose from N287.50 to N431.25. However, advertised rates place the average cost of 1GB at N587.50. The NCC argued that the tariff hike will sustain investment in infrastructure, enhance service quality, and expand network coverage. The policy has however raised concerns about its impact on students who rely on virtual learning.
For Idris Hawau, a final year Literature student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, the hike in data prices is not just an inconvenience, it’s a barrier to learning. While other students in the hostel prepare to attend classes, Hawau days are plagued with uncertainties and unwarranted hurdles. She has been taking virtual classes since her 200-level days but the recent hike has made access to the internet a luxury. “I’ve missed countless lectures because of lack of data. I sometimes visit colleagues to listen through their phone despite the inconvenience,” she recounted.
Another student affected by the situation who prefers to stay anonymous, says the mandatory online classes are suffocating but Lecturers are not understanding of the unstable network and the financial burden. Meeting mandatory attendance requirements while managing online classes has become increasingly difficult.
Despite the anguish of many Nigerians to the tariff hike, statistics shows that the increment did not deter Nigerians from using the internet. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), data consumption across mobile networks increased by 11.5% in March 2025. This is because most people have no choice but to adjust their expenses to meet the new vogue.
Muhibullahi Maryam Bukola, a final year student of the department of English and literary department at Usmanu Danfodiyo university sokoto explained that attending virtual lectures thrice a week has been draining her finances, with data expenses amounting to more than 15 thousand naira monthly.
Beyond the financial burden imposed by data costs, Maryam adds that poor connectivity is another hindrance to smooth learning. “Sometimes the network is so bad that I miss important parts of the lecture, I can’t properly jot down what the lecturer is saying,”
Maryam’s experience reflects a broader pattern amongst many students. Aisha Mujahid, a 200-level Law student of the Federal University of Dutse (FUD), stares soberly at her glitching network, as usual “Your connection is unstable” notification is enough to remind her of the possibility of losing the lecture’s attendance. Constantly worrying about meeting up with the required 60% attendance has become part of her academic pursuits.
Despite sacrificing other necessities to afford data, Aishat missed classes severally due to the unstable internet connectivity. “I sometimes opt for the school WI-FI to ease the burden but it’s not reliable, the connection is either slow or nonexistent. I wish there were more affordable and reliable internet options available,” she said.
For Folami Faruq Akanni, an 100-level student of Sociology Lagos State University (LASU) discloses that he spends a minimum of N10,000 on data monthly. He also recounted losing marks due to his absence in a virtual class. “After struggling to get the data, the unstable connection made me miss the class,” he stated painfully.
Analysts posit that in spite of the rising costs, service quality has not improved proportionally. Many Nigerians continue to suffer from poor network coverage, slow internet speeds, and frequent service disruptions, leaving consumers frustrated.
While more money is being paid for the same poor connection, telecom companies argue that the increase is necessary. MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, defended the tariff hikes, stating that the last tariff adjustment was in 2013 and the new rates were crucial for maintaining industry sustainability.
Airtel also justified the increase, citing higher network maintenance costs and fuel prices.
Glo Nigeria, in its defence, pointed to soaring operational costs, particularly fuel and electricity expenses as the reason for the adjustment.
In response to public outcry, the government are taking steps to mitigate the hardships. According to Punch, the upper chamber has asked the ministry to develop a policy framework for affordable internet services in Nigeria, in addition to the government establishing and supporting tech hubs across the country that would provide free or subsidised internet access to young entrepreneurs, students, and innovators.
In a report by University World News, Muhammad Nurudeen, the chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, explained the negative impact of the hike on students. “In today’s digital age, internet access is a necessity, not a luxury. An increase in price will negatively impact all aspects of academic life. Students rely heavily on the internet for research, assignments, and accessing university resources, including checking results. Lecturers and university management also depend on internet connectivity for their work,”
He also added that Instead of increasing internet costs, the government should focus on expanding internet accessibility to a broader customer base. By doing so, students wouldn’t have to compromise their study time online, which would ultimately impact their knowledge acquisition.”
He concluded that rather than making internet access more expensive, the government should consider making it more affordable or even providing free internet access, especially in universities.