Group Implements Mechanism for Effective Internet Access in Kaduna
By: Divine Macaulay
Concerned about the low internet penetration in Kaduna, attributed to a scarcity of internet service providers, a group under the auspices of Escom Infobahn Cafe has established a mechanism to ensure residents have ongoing access to efficient and affordable internet services.
Mr. Tunji Osibanjo, a staff member at the café, announced this in a statement released to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
The statement highlighted that in 2000, internet penetration in Nigeria was only 0.06 percent, while the entire African continent had a mere 1.2 percent penetration, indicating that a small portion of Nigeria’s population, and Africans in general, had access to the internet. This is in stark contrast to Sweden, which boasted a 35 percent penetration rate, the highest in Europe.
The statement emphasized that given Kaduna’s large youth population and numerous tertiary institutions, the demand for internet services has only grown, especially considering the short supply of such services as of 2009. “To bridge this gap, Escom Infobahn took the initiative to address the increasing demand for quality and affordable internet services in the Kaduna metropolis.
“Between 2009 and 2014, the café provided internet services to no fewer than 324,000 clients in the Kaduna metropolitan area. The café, located at Store No. 1, Aliyu Turaki Road, Malali, Kaduna, was not merely a place for browsing the internet; it also served as a community hub.
“We catered to both in-house customers and provided Wi-Fi services to homes within a 5-kilometer radius,” Osibanjo explained. He mentioned that working at the café was a unique experience, with daily visits from 200 to 250 residents seeking various services.
Some of the services included printing, purchasing internet tickets, attending training sessions, or simply needing assistance navigating the internet. He noted that the most popular service during this period was helping customers create and use email addresses, as many residents were new to digital communication and required guidance in setting up their first emails.
“The location of the café significantly contributed to our customer base. Situated near the Federal Training Centre and Kaduna Capital School, a model secondary school, we often saw students flocking in after school for various services. Additionally, our location, nestled between residential areas and educational institutions, boosted our daily traffic.
“While our services and atmosphere were great, we sometimes struggled to manage peak periods, especially when students crowded in after school hours. At times, we were so overwhelmed that it led to delays in promptly meeting customer demands.”
Osibanjo, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, stated that his time at the café greatly impacted his professional and personal development. He noted that the café provided him with easy internet access, which significantly improved his software skills after graduation from ABU Zaria. “My software skills advanced after a year at the café, which enabled me to secure a PTDF scholarship for a master’s degree in Petrochemical Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt,” he shared.
Mr. Mujahid Mohammed, another staff member, described his experience at the café as “enjoyable and insightful.” He mentioned that, in addition to email setup, printing services, and internet browsing, students often visited for assistance with researching school assignments and accessing online educational resources.
Daily interactions with people from diverse backgrounds enhanced his customer relations and communication skills. “I learned how to handle various types of customers, manage conflicts, and work efficiently under pressure, particularly during peak hours when students arrived after school. This experience laid a strong foundation for my business management skills, which later benefited my studies in Business Administration at Kaduna Polytechnic,” he explained.
Currently working as the head of the Pharmacy Unit at Dalema Supermarket in Kaduna, Mohammed regarded the café as a second home, appreciating the approachable nature of its founder and the friendly team.
Regarding challenges, Mohammed highlighted the importance of managing technical issues swiftly, especially during busy periods. “There were times when equipment malfunctioned or connectivity slowed down, which frustrated some customers. We did our best, but quicker technical solutions could have greatly improved the overall customer experience,” he added.
Sheriff Adepoju, the founder of the café, said it was established in 2009 to address the internet access gap in Kaduna metropolis, which was plagued by limited and expensive broadband services in many areas. He noted that smartphones were just beginning to gain popularity at that time, with the iPhone launching in 2007 and Android still in its early stages.
