Telecom Tariff Hike: A Threat To Learning And Research, Students Protest

Discover how the 50% telecom tariff hike in Nigeria is affecting students’ access to education and research. Students and advocacy groups call for urgent reversal of the tariff increase.

Introduction
The recent 50% hike in telecommunication tariffs has sparked widespread discontent among students in Enugu State, Nigeria, as they lament the adverse effects on learning and research. Students argue that affordable internet services are indispensable for academic and professional growth, particularly in a challenging socioeconomic climate.

This blog post explores the reactions of students, the implications of the tariff hike, and the demands being made to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecom companies to reconsider this decision.

Impact of Telecom Services on Education
Telecommunication services, especially affordable internet data, play a critical role in supporting education. They facilitate research, reduce travel costs, and provide access to digital learning materials. However, the tariff increase threatens to disrupt this essential access, leaving students struggling to cope with rising costs.

Students Speak Out Against the Tariff Hike

Financial Burdens on Students
Divine Eze, a student of Environmental Management at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), emphasized how the tariff hike compounds the financial challenges faced by students and parents. “The only relief we had was telecommunication services, which helped us manage costs and improve research efficiency,” Eze said.
Struggles to Afford Basic Connectivity
Chiamaka Dike, a Banking and Finance student at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), explained how limited funds from parents barely cover necessary internet usage. “I manage the N2,000 my parents give me monthly for GSM services. Many students use data only when absolutely necessary,” Dike shared.
Insufficient Stakeholder Consultation
Chidiebere Chimdobe, from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), criticized the NCC and telecom companies for their lack of consultation with stakeholders before implementing the hike. “Telecom services have driven millions of soft jobs and e-jobs for students and fresh graduates. This hike is insensitive to the daily struggles of Nigerian youths,” Chimdobe added.

Progressive Students Movement Issues Ultimatum
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a pan-African student advocacy group, has condemned the tariff hike and issued a 72-hour ultimatum for its reversal.

PSM President, Bestman Okereafor, described the hike as unjustifiable and insensitive.

“The approval of a 50% tariff hike by the NCC disregards the harsh economic realities Nigerians face,” Okereafor stated.

Okereafor further warned that failure to reverse the hike would lead to nationwide student protests, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

Key Concerns About the Tariff Hike

Reduced Access to Learning Resources: Students rely on affordable internet for academic research, online classes, and staying connected.
Increased Hardship: The hike exacerbates existing economic struggles and may lead to higher levels of social vices among youth.
Impact on Digital Jobs: Many students depend on internet-based jobs to support themselves financially, which may now be at risk.

Conclusion
The telecom tariff hike is a pressing issue that could hinder education, research, and youth empowerment in Nigeria. The call for an immediate review and reversal of this hike reflects the collective frustration of students nationwide. Affordable telecommunication services are not just a luxury—they are a necessity for progress in today’s digital age.