Student body issues 7-day ultimatum to MTN, Airtel over tariffs, service quality
The Senate Arm of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, demanding improvements in network quality, greater billing transparency, and a review of data pricing policies. Speaking at a press conference held at the Federal Cooperative College Eleyele on Monday, President of the NAPS […]
The Senate Arm of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, demanding improvements in network quality, greater billing transparency, and a review of data pricing policies.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Federal Cooperative College Eleyele on Monday, President of the NAPS Senate, Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, said the association was acting on behalf of millions of students who rely on telecommunications services for academic activities.
“We will no longer tolerate the systemic exploitation, regulatory violations, and persistent service failures inflicted on Nigerian students,” Ayomide said. “This is not another appeal. This is a deadline. Enough is enough.”
The student body acknowledged a recent clarification by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) regarding airtime borrowing and data advance services, noting that while no ban exists, concerns remain about consumer practices within the sector.
According to Ayomide, students continue to experience “persistent network failures, slow internet speeds, frequent service outages, and poor customer service,” which he said affect learning, research, and online engagement.
He added that the association is also concerned about “arbitrary increases in data tariffs, hidden charges, and premature expiration of data bundles.”
The group called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and FCCPC to strengthen enforcement of existing regulations, particularly those relating to service quality and consumer protection.
“We demand formal engagement and concrete, actionable responses within seven days,” Ayomide said.
NAPS outlined several demands, including a public commitment to measurable improvements in network performance, immediate implementation of compensation for affected subscribers, an end to hidden charges, and a review of data expiration policies.
The association warned that failure by the telecom operators to respond within the stipulated timeframe could lead to coordinated nationwide actions by students.
“If these demands are not met, we will activate a phased, coordinated nationwide action, including mass mobilization, peaceful demonstrations, and picketing of service centres,” Ayomide said.