Picnews
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on Nigerian students to play an active role in protecting telecommunications infrastructure across the country, describing the facilities as critical national assets that support education, innovation, economic development and digital connectivity.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the call during a courtesy and familiarisation visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to the NCC headquarters in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, the NCC chief executive congratulated the newly elected NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, and members of the association’s executive council on their emergence, while commending the peaceful transition of leadership within the student body.
Dr. Maida noted that the longstanding partnership between the NCC and NANS has continued to grow through mutual respect, dialogue and constructive engagement. He expressed confidence that the new leadership would build on the achievements of previous administrations.
The EVC encouraged NANS to remain actively involved in the Commission’s stakeholder engagement activities, particularly public consultations on regulatory and consumer-related matters, to ensure that the interests and concerns of Nigerian students are reflected in policy development.
Addressing key challenges affecting the telecommunications sector, Dr. Maida identified vandalism of telecom facilities, theft of fibre optic cables, destruction of network equipment and right-of-way issues as major factors impacting service quality and service delivery across the country.
He urged the student body to support awareness campaigns aimed at educating students and the wider public on the importance of protecting telecommunications facilities located within and outside educational institutions.
“Telecommunications infrastructure remains the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy and plays a vital role in education, research, innovation and communication. Students can contribute to national development by promoting awareness and responsible civic engagement towards protecting these critical assets,” he said.
Dr. Maida also highlighted several initiatives being implemented by the Commission to promote digital inclusion and expand opportunities for young Nigerians.
These initiatives include the deployment of digital infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions across the country, and other programmes aimed at supporting digital learning, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He further disclosed that the Commission was engaging stakeholders on a proposed framework that could enable access to selected approved educational platforms under specific conditions without data charges.
On consumer protection, the NCC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding telecommunications consumers through effective regulation, urging students to utilise the consumer education resources available on the NCC website to better understand their rights, data management practices and complaint resolution channels.
Earlier, the President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, appreciated the NCC for sustaining a productive relationship with the student body over the years.
He commended the Commission’s openness to strengthening engagement with students through dialogue and collaboration, noting that the NCC’s approach has encouraged peaceful and responsible advocacy on issues of national importance.
The visit further reinforced the commitment of both organisations to continued partnership in promoting digital awareness, protecting critical telecommunications infrastructure and advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Signed:
Nnenna Ukoha
Director, Public Affairs
