Sunday Ehigiator
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on Nigerian students to play an active role in protecting telecommunications infrastructure across the country, describing such facilities as critical national assets that drive education, innovation, economic growth and digital connectivity.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, made the appeal during a recent courtesy and familiarisation visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, Maida congratulated the newly elected NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, and members of the association’s executive council on their emergence, while commending the peaceful transition in the leadership of the student body.
He noted that the longstanding relationship between the NCC and NANS had continued to flourish through mutual respect, dialogue and constructive engagement, expressing confidence that the new leadership would consolidate on the achievements of its predecessors.
Maida urged the student 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 of Nigerian students are reflected in policy development.
Highlighting challenges confronting the telecommunications industry, the NCC boss identified vandalism of telecommunications facilities, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of infrastructure, as well as right-of-way issues, as major factors undermining quality service delivery across the country.
He appealed to NANS to support ongoing awareness campaigns by educating students on the importance of safeguarding telecommunications infrastructure located within and outside educational institutions.
“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,” Maida said.
The NCC chief also outlined several initiatives being implemented by the Commission to deepen 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), the establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions nationwide, and ongoing efforts to promote digital learning and innovation.
He further disclosed that the Commission was consulting stakeholders on a proposed framework that could allow access to approved educational platforms without data charges under specific conditions.
“The Commission is currently consulting stakeholders on a proposed framework that may enable access to certain approved educational platforms under specific conditions without data charges,” he said.
On consumer protection, Maida reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding telecommunications consumers under the existing regulatory framework. He encouraged students to take advantage of consumer education resources available on the NCC’s website to better understand data management, consumer rights and complaint resolution procedures.
Earlier, NANS President, Babatunde, thanked the NCC for sustaining what he described as a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the student body over the years.
He commended the Commission for its openness to strengthening engagement with students through dialogue and mutual understanding, adding that the NCC’s approach had encouraged the association to pursue peaceful and responsible advocacy on national issues.
