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 underpin education, innovation, economic growth and Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The executive vice chairman (EVC) and chief executive officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, appealed 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 NCC’s director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, Maida congratulated the newly elected NANS president, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, and members of the association’s executive council, expressing confidence that the new leadership would build on the achievements of its predecessors.
He said the Commission’s longstanding relationship with the student body had continued to thrive through dialogue, mutual respect and constructive engagement, urging NANS to remain actively involved in the Commission’s stakeholder consultations, particularly on regulatory and consumer-related issues.
Speaking on challenges confronting the telecommunications industry, Maida identified vandalism of telecom facilities, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of infrastructure and right-of-way constraints as major impediments to quality service delivery across the country.
According to him, students have a critical role to play in safeguarding telecom infrastructure, which serves as the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy. “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,” he said.
The NCC boss also highlighted ongoing initiatives by the Commission to deepen digital inclusion and expand opportunities for young Nigerians. He said these include the deployment of digital infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions and sustained interventions to promote digital learning and innovation.
Maida further disclosed that the Commission was consulting stakeholders on a proposed framework that would enable students to access approved educational platforms without data charges under specified 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.
Meanwhile, the EVC reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of telecom consumers and encouraged students to use the NCC’s website for consumer education resources on data management, consumer rights, and complaint resolution procedures.
Earlier, NANS president, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, commended the NCC for sustaining what he described as a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the student body.
He also lauded the Commission’s commitment to dialogue and stakeholder engagement, noting that its inclusive approach had continued to encourage students to pursue peaceful and responsible advocacy on national issues while strengthening collaboration between both organisations.
