The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has charged Nigerian students to actively protect telecommunications infrastructure across the country, describing such facilities as critical national assets that support education, innovation, economic growth and digital connectivity.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO)) of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the call last Friday during a courtesy and familiarisation visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The EVC, who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs Department, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, congratulated the newly elected NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, and members of the association’s executive council on their election while commending the smooth transition in the leadership of the student body.
Maida noted that the longstanding relationship between the NCC and NANS had continued to be sustained because of mutual respect, dialogue and constructive engagement, and expressed confidence that the current leadership would build on the achievements of its predecessors.
- Advertisement -
The EVC encouraged the students’ body to remain actively involved in the commission’s stakeholder engagement processes, particularly public consultations on regulatory and consumer-related initiatives, to ensure that the interests and perspectives of Nigerian students are adequately represented in policy development.
Speaking on challenges facing the telecommunications industry, the commission’s EVC listed vandalism of telecommunications facilities, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of infrastructure, and right-of-way challenges as major factors affecting service delivery across the country.
He urged NANS to support ongoing awareness efforts by sensitising students on the importance of safeguarding telecommunications facilities located within and outside educational institutions.
Maida said: “Telecommunications infrastructure remains the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy and plays a crucial role in learning, research, innovation and communication. Students can support national efforts aimed at protecting telecommunications infrastructure through awareness and responsible civic engagement.”
The EVC also highlighted several initiatives being implemented by the commission to advance digital inclusion and create opportunities for young Nigerians.
According to him, these include the deployment of digital infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions across the country, and ongoing efforts to support digital learning and innovation.
Maida explained that commission had commenced consulting stakeholders on a proposed framework that may enable access to certain approved educational platforms under specific conditions without data charges.
On consumer protection, the telecoms industry regulator reiterated the NCC’s commitment to ensuring adequate protection of consumers under the regulatory framework while encouraging students to utilize consumer education resources available on the commission’s website to better understand data management, consumer rights, and complaint resolution mechanisms.
Earlier, the President of NANS had expressed the student body’s appreciation to the NCC for maintaining a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the association over the years, and commended the commission for its openness to strengthening engagement between the commission and the association through dialogue and mutual understanding.
