RismadarVoice Reporters
June 8, 2026
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has lauded efforts by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, to promote digital literacy and encourage greater participation of young girls in technology-related fields across the country.
The commendation came as the Commission hosted 185 participants in the 2026 National Girls in ICT (NG-ICT) Competition during an educational excursion to the National Communications Museum in Abuja.
The students, drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, were selected to participate in the national programme designed to bridge the gender gap in technology and inspire increased involvement of girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
The visit formed part of activities under the National Girls in ICT Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping young women with digital skills, mentorship opportunities and exposure to innovation in the technology sector.
Representing the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, the Director of Research and Development, Babagana Digima, said the museum tour aligned with the Commission’s commitment to promoting digital literacy and technological awareness among young Nigerians.
According to him, the excursion was designed to help participants understand the evolution of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry while inspiring them to become active contributors to the country’s digital future.
He explained that exposing young people to the history of communications technology provides valuable insight into how innovation has transformed society over time and encourages them to envision future possibilities within the sector.
Digima noted that the museum serves as an important repository of Nigeria’s communications history, preserving artefacts and records that showcase the journey from traditional postal services and telegraph systems to modern digital communication technologies.
Throughout the tour, the students explored exhibits highlighting major milestones in the nation’s telecommunications development. They learned about the establishment of early communication infrastructure during the colonial era, the growth of telegraph services, and the expansion of telecommunications networks across the country.
The participants were also introduced to the state of telecommunications at Nigeria’s independence in 1960, when telephone access was extremely limited despite the country’s growing population. Officials further explained the evolution of institutions responsible for telecommunications services, including the former Department of Posts and Telecommunications (P&T), Nigerian External Telecommunications Limited (NET), and the establishment of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) in 1985.
A key attraction during the visit was the display of historical artefacts documenting different stages of communication development in Nigeria. The collection included vintage postal equipment, telegram machines, teleprinters, letter scales, mail bags, early telephone devices and other communications tools that played significant roles in the country’s technological advancement.
The NCC emphasised that initiatives such as the National Girls in ICT Programme are essential for building a digitally skilled workforce and ensuring that more young women are equipped to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
