In a recent event in Lagos, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, shared the untold story of how telecom giant MTN began its operations in Nigeria. Addressing the audience during the launch of a book titled “The Nigerian University System: Downswings and Way Forward,” written by Prof. Steve Okecha, Gana recounted his role in introducing Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) services to Nigeria.
Prof. Gana explained that he was part of a team tasked by then-President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to explore the viability of GSM technology in Nigeria. The delegation was sent to South Africa, where they visited the MTN office to discuss the potential of expanding to Nigeria.
“Sometime in the year 2000, I got information about GSM services being introduced to some countries, and at that time, we had just a few thousand landlines. I drew the attention of President Obasanjo to it, and he directed that I do a memo for consideration by the Federal Executive Council,” Gana said. This memo was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the National Communication Commission (NCC).
Following approval from President Obasanjo, Gana, accompanied by Nigeria’s High Commissioner in South Africa, Shehu Malami, visited MTN’s office to propose an expansion to Nigeria. According to Gana, “When we got there, I found out that they were expanding to some other countries. I told them that guys, you are missing a lot by not coming to Nigeria. Come to Nigeria, Nigerians talk a lot and you will make some money. The rest is history.”
MTN’s eventual entry into Nigeria revolutionized the country’s telecom landscape, leading to widespread mobile communication access and a rapid expansion of technology infrastructure.
Prof. Gana also acknowledged President Obasanjo’s role in expanding internet services in Nigeria. He mentioned a pivotal moment when they discovered a woman at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos with a domain name, leading to a significant increase in internet connectivity across the country.
The former minister’s reflections highlighted the critical role technology has played in transforming education and communication in Nigeria. As he concluded, Gana emphasized the importance of continued investment in technology to foster growth and innovation in the education sector.