By Chinenye Anuforo
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has announced plans to establish the ATCON Academy to urgently tackle telecom sector’s soaring talent exodus referred to in local parlance as “Japa Syndrome”.
The outfit will also help reduce reliance on international expertise and help cultivate local proficiency by equipping young Nigerians with the specialised technical skills vital for success within the dynamic telecommunications landscape.
The announcement was a key highlight of ATCON’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and National Executive Council (NEC) Elections, themed “Impact of Adjacent Agencies on the Nigerian Telecom Sector: The Way Forward.” Returning ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, explained the association’s dedication to inclusive leadership, advocating for effective policies, and fostering sustainable growth within the sector.
“Our members urgently require more technical talent. Nigeria possesses a youthful and energetic population brimming with potential to be trained to meet the evolving demands of our industry. The ATCON Academy represents a strategic intervention, not only to nurture local talent but also to contribute significantly to the nation’s economic progress”, he stated.
He emphasised that the academy directly addresses two critical challenges facing the industry: the excessive dependence on foreign technical expertise and the continuous departure of skilled ICT professionals seeking opportunities abroad, the widely discussed “Japa Syndrome.”
Emoekpere also outlined other crucial aspects of ATCON’s strategic roadmap, including reinforcing institutional frameworks, improving adherence to regulations, and undertaking a comprehensive review of the association’s long-standing constitution. He pointed out that the current constitution, largely unchanged since ATCON’s inception, no longer adequately reflects the significant transformations the industry has undergone over the past three decades, necessitating a thorough restructuring.
Addressing the persistent issue of fibre optic cable cuts, he noted that many incidents are linked to state-level activities like road construction. To mitigate this, ATCON is proposing a parliamentary-style forum to enhance collaboration between telecommunications stakeholders and other relevant government agencies.
Furthermore, the ATCON President stressed the importance of upholding high professional standards through a strengthened Code of Ethics, particularly with the recent addition of over 30 new members. “Maintaining ethical conduct and regulatory compliance is paramount, not only to safeguard consumers but also to preserve the industry’s integrity and its relationship with regulatory bodies,” he affirmed.
Regarding the increasing presence of global players such as Starlink in the Nigerian market, Emoekpere welcomed the competition but advocated for equitable regulation. “Innovation is the lifeblood of our industry. While we embrace the arrival of Starlink, it is crucial that their operations do not impede the growth of local companies. The NCC Act includes provisions against market dominance, and ATCON will actively monitor the situation to ensure a fair competitive environment.”