Telecom
How Increased Access to STEM Education Can Curb Nigeria’s Teeming Youth Unemployment
With over 200 million people, Nigeria has the highest population on the continent, representing a large market for services, investments, knowledge, human capital and more. The country also boasts an increasingly youthful population, with the youth making up 70% of the overall population — posing significant economic benefits such as increased future workforce and potential consumers, as well increased innovation and creativity.
However, despite the country’s potential to compete with world economies through its sheer size, teeming youth, and resources, 63% of persons living within Nigeria (133 million people) are classified as multidimensionally poor, per the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics. According to the report, poor people in Nigeria experience just over one-quarter of all possible deprivations across health, education, living standards, and work and shocks.
Youth unemployment, one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria is youth, is a by-product of its ever-rising poverty rates. About 53.40% of young people in Nigeria are unemployed and unemployable due to myriad factors, including the dysfunctional education system and a lack of skills demanded by an accelerating digital-first economy.
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is increasingly regarded as the go-to solution to Nigeria’s poverty and unemployment problem. Indeed, the country has seen a transformative tech boom in recent years, with 383 Nigerian tech startups raising a combined $2 billion in funding between January 2015 and August 2022 – more than any other country across Africa.
These numbers point to the transformative power of technology as youths flock to developing skills to escape poverty, solve local problems, and contribute to economic development. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s structural and infrastructural limitations extend to STEM education too, with the public education system seeing slow rates of curriculum update, lack of essential laboratories and practical-based learning tools, inadequate number of STEM teachers, and lack of adequate funding, especially in schools within rural areas – limiting opportunities to only the privileged.
These worrying trends indicate a need for urgent intervention and region-specific solutions from the public and private sectors and development partners. Consequently, state governments have identified STEM education as a key solution to Nigeria’s unemployment issue and have devised plans to make it more accessible to marginalised communities.
However, while these promises have been made in the past and present, recent research shows that less than one per cent of youths across key regions have benefited from social security initiatives from the government.
Frustrated by the lack of an enabling environment, millions of Nigerian youths have assumed the responsibility of lifting themselves out of poverty as they scout for opportunities to build skills in STEM and make themselves employable in Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem. One of these youths is Clinton Chidubem Amam, a 22-year-old graphics designer, whose curiosity transformed him from undesirable to undeniable.
His transformation began in November 2022, when Homeless Entrepreneur, a private non-profit organisation whose mission is to empower people out of poverty, enrolled him on a course on IBM Skillsbuild, a free education program focused on underrepresented communities that helps adult learners, high school and university students, and faculty develop valuable new skills and access career opportunities.
“Going above and beyond by challenging myself to increase my knowledge outside of the traditional education system was always a desired part of my learning process,” Clinton said.
“I rejoiced when I first heard about IBM SkillsBuild from my professional coach at Homeless Entrepreneur because it was a key element missing in my journey towards entering the professional world.
“It opened me up to previously unavailable opportunities as it taught me something new, which I couldn’t have learned at school, and ultimately, improving my employability.”
With IBM SkillsBuild, Clinton was able to learn and develop the necessary skills needed for a technology-driven world, assuming the status of a sought-after talent and lifting himself out of poverty in the process.
“The IBM SkillsBuild courses have enhanced my confidence while I become a more competitive professional, who is prepared to strive in tomorrow’s business world. I am now more informed than ever. Learning through IBM SkillsBuild is empowering me out of poverty. I used to feel like a liability to society and now I feel like an asset.” Clinton continued.
Now armed with skills such as project management, data analytics, big data foundations, artificial intelligence foundations, and more, Clinton has watched his career ‘soar and take a new turn and dimension for the better.’ Recognising his growing, layered talent, Plastiks.io, a reputable company fighting against global plastic pollution, and Homeless Entrepreneur, contracted him for two graphic projects presented at this year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. “IBM SkillsBuild impacted my career by providing me with internationally recognised certification for the Future of Work, which connects me to my future employers in a more meaningful way than ever,” Clinton said.
Like Clinton, millions of other Nigerian youths are seeking opportunities in STEM education to become more employable and self-reliant. However, a concerted effort – from individuals, public, and private organisations – is needed to ensure many end up like him. For years, misconceptions have affected interest in STEM education. A recent study from IBM revealed perceptions from interviewed students, career changers, and job seekers interested in STEM roles. While most respondents listed a lack of awareness regarding the diverse roles and concerns about the financial viability of the roles as barriers to skills development, the high cost of STEM training was perhaps the biggest perceived barrier.
However, IBM is busting this myth through SkillsBuild by partnering with 45 new educational partners around the world across social service, economic development, and vocational organizations, as well as government agencies, and universities, to make free online learning widely available, with clear pathways to employment.
Inspired by his transformation through IBM SkillsBuild, Clinton has vowed to be an object of change to many with similar beginnings: “IBM SkillsBuild has improved my professional reputation and inspired me to work to empower people out of poverty.” he concluded.
Airtel Africa has grown its customer base by 9.0% to 169.4 million, with data customers increasing 17.4% to 75.6 million with focus on bridging the digital divide across her markets continues. According to the telecommunications operator’s financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, which demonstrated strong growth across key metrics and a continued focus on expanding its services across its 14 African markets.
The operator reported a significant increase in revenue, reaching $1,415 million. This represents a 24.9% growth in constant currency and a 22.4% increase in reported currency, indicating a more stable macroeconomic environment in its operating regions and effective tariff adjustments, particularly in Nigeria.
The growth was broadly driven, with mobile services revenue increasing by 23.8% in constant currency. Data revenue showed exceptional performance, surging by 38.1%, while voice revenue grew by 13.9%. Mobile money services continued their strong upward trajectory, recording a 30.3% growth in constant currency. This was supported by accelerated growth in Francophone Africa (16.4% in constant currency) and continued strong performance in East Africa (20.3% in constant currency).
Airtel Africa’s profitability also saw a substantial uplift. EBITDA grew by 29.8% in reported currency to $679 million, with EBITDA margins expanding to 48.0% from 45.3% in the prior period. This margin expansion is attributed to sustained operating momentum, more stable fuel prices, and the ongoing benefits from cost efficiency programs.
Profit after tax saw a remarkable improvement, rising to $156 million compared to $31 million in the prior period. Basic Earnings Per Share (EPS) stood at 3.4 cents, a significant increase from 0.2 cents in the previous year, primarily reflecting higher operating profit in the current period and the absence of large derivative and foreign exchange losses that impacted the prior period.
Operational highlights further underscored the company’s growth. Airtel Africa’s total customer base expanded by 9.0% to 169.4 million. Data customers increased by 17.4% to 75.6 million, as the company intensified its efforts to bridge the digital divide. Mobile money customer base also grew by 16.1% to 45.8 million, with transaction value increasing by 28.7% in constant currency.
The company’s strategic focus on enhancing customer experience is supported by ongoing network investments. Over 2,300 new sites were rolled out, bringing the total to 37,579 sites, and the fiber network was expanded by 2,700 km, now exceeding 79,600 km. This investment has boosted data capacity across the region, with 4G population coverage reaching 74.7%, an increase of 3.4% year-on-year.
Airtel Africa continued its debt localization program, with almost 95% of its operating company debt (excluding lease liabilities) now in local currency, up from 86% a year ago, reducing foreign currency debt exposure. The company also confirmed it has returned $16.9 million to shareholders through its ongoing share buyback program as of June 30, 2025.
Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer, said: “We are very pleased with the strong growth in our operating and financial performance in the first quarter. The strength of this performance, and the scale of the growth we achieved, reflects the sustained demand for our services and the strength of our business model to meet these demands. Operationally, the acceleration in customer base growth to 9%, and 17.4% growth in our data customers to 75.6m reflects the strong on-ground execution with a relentless focus on digitisation and the simplification of the customer experience.”
Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, executive vice chairman/ceo of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), was honoured with the prestigious African Achievers Award at the 15th edition of the ceremony held at the historic House of Lords, UK Parliament, on July 11, 2025.
L-R: Founder, Startup Arewa, Mohammed Jega; Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy Mete Coban; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu; and Special Adviser to the EVC on Commercialization, Engr. Anas Balarabe during the presentation of the prestigious African Achievers Award to Halilu at the House of Lords, UK Parliament recently.
The award, presented during an event that brought together royals, global leaders, policymakers, and innovators, recognized Mr. Halilu’s outstanding contributions to advancing Africa’s technological infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and industrial growth through his leadership at NASENI.
Hosted by Baroness Sandip Verma, Chancellor of the University of Roehampton and a respected member of the House of Lords, the ceremony was a powerful global showcase of African excellence and transformative leadership. Mr. Halilu joined a distinguished group of honourees including public officials, business executives, and philanthropists shaping the future of the continent.
In his remarks, Mr. Halilu emphasized Africa’s readiness to lead in innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability.
“It is a great honour to receive this award alongside fellow visionaries committed to Africa’s future. At NASENI, we are bridging the gap between ambition and access, turning ideas into industries, empowering indigenous solutions, and driving forward Nigeria’s and Africa’s industrial transformation. Africa is not just rising, it is ready.”
Under his leadership, NASENI has been repositioned as Nigeria’s leading technology transfer agency, delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by enabling local production in critical sectors such as clean energy, agriculture, transportation, and digital infrastructure.
Through strategic partnerships and an Accelerated Technology Transfer & Adaptation Strategy, NASENI is turning Nigeria into a hub for sustainable innovation and industrial self-reliance. Mr. Halilu extended appreciation to the organizers and supporters of the Awards:
“I thank the African Achievers Awards team, Baroness Sandip Verma, and all those across the continent and diaspora who continue to champion African solutions. This recognition is a motivation to do more and a reminder that the future we seek is one we must build ourselves.”
Now in its 15th year, the African Achievers Awards has become one of the most respected platforms spotlighting African leadership and excellence globally. This year’s edition included powerful messages from dignitaries such as King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Queen Olori Atuwatse III, and Dr. Fatou Bensouda, reinforcing the urgency of building a united and future-facing African continent.
The award to Mr. Khalil Halilu reflects NASENI’s growing continental footprint and its mission to deliver homegrown technologies that respond to Africa’s real challenges, promote sustainable development, and accelerate industrialization across borders.
The 2025 edition of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) & Sustainability Conference has been rescheduled to hold on August 7, 2025, at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, following a shift from its earlier date of July 30.
The adjustment was made to accommodate a nationwide telecom stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The CNII Conference, jointly organised by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) and Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), seeks to address the implementation and awareness gaps surrounding the CNII Order, signed into law by the Federal Government in August 2024.
The law designates telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure, positioning it as a strategic asset vital to Nigeria’s economic and security framework. Industry groups including the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have thrown their weight behind the initiative.
Speaking on the new date, NITRA Chairman, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, emphasised that the Act, though laudable, requires industry-wide collaboration and clear implementation strategy for tangible impact.
“The mere proclamation of CNII as an Act does not guarantee infrastructure safety. Stakeholders must address operational and standardisation gaps to make the law work,” he said.
ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, also highlighted the need for regular maintenance and technology upgrades to curb vandalism and ensure infrastructure security.
Focus Areas of the Conference Include:
- Implementation mechanisms for the CNII Act.
- Stakeholders’ roles at federal, state, and industry levels.
- Security enforcement and public education.
- Infrastructure protection and sustainability.
- Collaboration and compliance across telecom companies.
Expected attendees include the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, regulators, service providers, security agencies, and key players in public and private sectors.
The event is themed “Industry Sustainability And CNII Conference 2025 – Way Forward”, with panel discussions aimed at creating a unified approach to safeguarding Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure under the CNII provisions.
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