The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on Nigerian students to take an active role in protecting telecommunications infrastructure across the country, describing such facilities as critical national assets that support education, innovation, economic growth and digital connectivity.
According to an official signed statement by the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the appeal 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.Represented by the Director, Public Affairs Department, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Dr. Maida congratulated the 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. He noted that the longstanding relationship between the NCC and NANS has continued to thrive through mutual respect, dialogue and constructive engagement, expressing confidence that the current leadership would build on the achievements of its predecessors. The NCC boss encouraged NANS to participate actively in the Commission’s stakeholder engagement processes, especially public consultations on regulatory and consumer-related initiatives, to ensure that the views of Nigerian students are adequately reflected in policy formulation. Highlighting challenges confronting the telecommunications sector, Dr. Maida identified vandalism of telecommunications facilities, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of infrastructure, and right-of-way issues as major factors affecting service delivery nationwide. He urged the student body to support ongoing awareness campaigns by sensitising students on the need to safeguard telecommunications facilities 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,” Dr. Maida also outlined several initiatives being implemented by the Commission to promote digital inclusion and create opportunities for young Nigerians. These 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 ongoing efforts to support digital learning and innovation. “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,” On consumer protection, the EVC reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to safeguarding telecom consumers under the existing regulatory framework. He encouraged students to make use of consumer education resources available on the Commission’s website to better understand data management, consumer rights and complaint resolution procedures. Earlier, the President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, expressed appreciation to the NCC for sustaining 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, noting that the NCC’s approach has continued to encourage peaceful and responsible advocacy on national issues. The visit reinforced the partnership between the telecommunications regulator and the student community, with both sides pledging continued collaboration in promoting digital development, consumer awareness and the protection of telecommunications infrastructure across Nigeria.
