NCC Supports Girls in ICT Programme to Drive Nigeria’s Digital Future, Lauds Dr. Bosun Tijani
… Hosts 185 students on excursion
Lydia Bello
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has praised the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for advancing digital inclusion initiatives aimed at empowering young Nigerians, particularly girls, with technology skills needed for the future economy.
The Commission said the Ministerial Initiative on Girls ICT Empowerment aligns with its long-standing digital literacy advocacy and efforts to increase female participation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
The NCC hosted 185 participants of the 2026 National Girls in ICT (NG-ICT) Competition during an educational tour of industry facilities, including the National Communication Museum located at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, NCC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, said exposing young girls to Nigeria’s telecommunications history and digital transformation would encourage them to become future innovators and leaders in the technology sector.
Maida, who was represented by the Director of Research and Development at NCC, Babagana Digima, said the programme reflects the importance of building a digitally skilled workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
According to a statement by NCC Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoh, the 185 students were selected by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to promote inclusion and inspire more girls to pursue careers in technology.
The students’ visit formed part of activities under the National Girls in ICT Programme, designed to reduce the gender gap in the technology industry through skills development, mentorship and exposure to innovation.
During the museum tour, NCC officials guided the students through historical exhibits showing Nigeria’s telecommunications journey — from early postal systems and telegraph services to modern digital communications.
Maida said understanding the evolution of the communications sector would help participants appreciate the progress made and encourage them to contribute to future technological advancements.
“The essence is to show the younger generation what communication is all about — from the postal system and telegraphy to analogue services and today’s digital era. When they see the journey and how technology has evolved, they can begin to imagine what the future can become,” he said.
The students learned about Nigeria’s early communication infrastructure dating back to 1886, when the colonial administration established the first communication facilities mainly for administrative purposes.
They were also introduced to the development of early telegraph networks connecting Lagos with other parts of West Africa and Europe through submarine cable links.
The tour highlighted the state of telecommunications at Nigeria’s independence in 1960, when the country had only 18,724 telephone lines serving an estimated population of about 40 million people.
The participants also received insights into the operations of the former Department of Posts and Telecommunications (P&T), Nigerian External Telecommunications (NET) Limited, and the establishment of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) in 1985.
A major highlight of the visit was the display of historical telecommunications artefacts preserved at the NCC Museum, including old postal equipment, telegram machines, teleprinters, telephone systems and communication devices that document Nigeria’s technological development.
The NCC said initiatives such as the Girls in ICT Programme are essential to preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in the digital economy while ensuring greater gender diversity in the technology sector.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and programmes that expand digital skills, encourage innovation and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global technology ecosystem.
