The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, has called for the establishment of a dedicated Nigerian Telecom Academy, proposing it as a critical step to bridge the country’s widening technology skills gap.
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Skill Gaps in the Telecoms Value Chain organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Lagos, Adebayo emphasized the need for a national institution that would provide specialized one-year and three-year certifications, mirroring the successful model of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Warri to build a robust pipeline of local talent.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr Gbenga Adebayo, said while Nigeria was producing high-end professionals in AI and advanced technology, the industry lacked sufficient mid-level workers such as technicians, riggers and engineers.
“These so-called small skills are critical. In four years, I lost 12 skilled technicians in my company to Canada, Germany, the U.S. and the UK.
“It’s not just about training them, but also about retaining them with better incentives and social guarantees,” he said.
Adebayo called for the establishment of a Nigerian Telecom Academy to provide one-year and three-year certifications, modeled after the Petroleum Training Institute in Warri.
He also urged the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to integrate more practical skills, with operators sponsoring campuses to provide scholarships, certification and job pathways.
“Countries with the strongest industries not only train but also retain their workforce.
“We must create pathways for skilled Nigerians abroad to contribute back home, even as consultants. Growth is never comfortable, but if we address these gaps, our industry will be stronger,” he added.
The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, who was represented by Mr Edoyemi Ogoh, Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, said the shortage of indigenous talent had become one of the most pressing challenges facing the sector.
Maida said that since the liberalisation of the industry in 2001, telecoms had created over 500,000 jobs, improved connectivity and powered economic growth, noting that the progress was now under threat.
