President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has approved the appointment of a new Board for the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), naming Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as Chairman. The appointments bring a mix of policy leaders, technocrats, entrepreneurs, and finance experts to the helm of Nigeria’s most important rural connectivity initiative.
The move comes at a time when bridging the urban–rural digital divide has become central to Nigeria’s economic strategy and its positioning within Africa’s wider digital transformation agenda.
What the USPF Does
The Universal Service Provision Fund operates under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) with a singular mission: to extend telecommunications and internet access to underserved and unserved areas of Nigeria.
Its work includes:
- Extending Mobile Network Coverage into rural and remote communities.
- Providing Broadband and Internet Access for schools, health centres, and community hubs.
- Building Shared Infrastructure that makes it cheaper for service providers to operate in low-density areas.
- Supporting Digital Literacy and Inclusion Projects so communities can use new connectivity effectively.
Simply put, the USPF exists to ensure no Nigerian is left offline, regardless of geography or income.
The New Board: Profiles and Expertise
- Chairman — Dr Bosun Tijani
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. Co-founder of Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) and a leading voice in African tech policy. Known for his work in ecosystem building, innovation strategy, and global tech partnerships. - Vice Chairman — Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe
Recently appointed Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Founder of The Temple Company and the Gidi Creative Centre. His career spans creative industry leadership, youth entrepreneurship, public policy roles with the Lagos State Government, and board-level governance. - Abraham Oshidami
An experienced telecom professional with a background in network operations, regulatory compliance, and project management. His expertise will be critical in overseeing rural infrastructure projects. - Rimini Makama
Lawyer and policy strategist. Formerly with Microsoft Africa as Director of Public Policy, where she engaged governments and regulators on digital transformation, cybersecurity, and data governance. - Aliyu Edogi Aliyu (Rep. FMCIDE)
Represents the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. Brings a strong grasp of ICT policy implementation and inter-agency coordination. - Joseph B Faluyi (Rep. Federal Ministry of Finance)
A finance and budgeting expert with deep experience in fiscal oversight. Will play a key role in ensuring the Fund’s financial management is transparent and impact-driven. - Auwal Mohammed (Rep. FMBNP)
Representative of the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning. Known for aligning development programmes with Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and other national frameworks. - Uzoma Dozie
Banker, fintech entrepreneur, and advocate for financial inclusion. Former CEO of Diamond Bank, where he championed digital banking expansion to underserved customers. - Peter Bankole
Director at the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University. Specialist in entrepreneurship development, SME growth, and capacity building for business leaders. - Abayomi Anthony Okanlawon
Telecoms and ICT infrastructure consultant with experience in large-scale network rollouts and project management across West Africa. - Gafar Oluwasegun Quadri
Technology and innovation consultant with a passion for bridging gaps between government policy and market execution. - USPF Secretary
The administrative head who ensures that the Fund’s day-to-day operations, project management, and compliance functions run effectively.
First Priorities for the New Board
- Accelerate Rural Broadband Deployment — Set measurable coverage targets for 3G, 4G, and satellite connectivity in remote communities.
- Strengthen Public–Private Partnerships — Work with telecom operators, satellite firms, and community ISPs to co-finance and deliver infrastructure.
- Integrate Connectivity with Skills Development — Pair network rollouts with digital literacy programmes to ensure maximum community benefit.
- Enhance Transparency and Accountability — Publish regular progress reports and impact metrics to build public trust.
- Leverage Continental Partnerships — Collaborate with similar funds in Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Egypt to share best practices and explore cross-border connectivity projects.
Setting the Pace
Nigeria has Africa’s largest telecom subscriber base, and the USPF’s performance directly affects the continent’s digital inclusion statistics. With Dr Bosun Tijani and Idris Olorunnimbe at the helm, Nigeria is positioning itself to lead on continental connectivity policy, rural broadband innovation, and collaborative infrastructure development.
The success of this board could be a defining factor in whether Africa narrows or widens its digital divide in the next decade.
