The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on Nigerian students to play an active role in protecting telecommunications infrastructure, describing telecom facilities as critical national assets essential for education, innovation, economic growth and digital connectivity.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the call during a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. He was represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha.
Dr. Maida congratulated the new NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, and his executive council on their election, while commending the peaceful transition in the leadership of the association. He noted that the longstanding relationship between the NCC and NANS has continued to thrive through mutual respect, dialogue and constructive engagement.
He urged the student body to remain actively involved in the Commission’s stakeholder engagement processes, particularly public consultations on regulatory and consumer-related issues, to ensure that the interests of Nigerian students are reflected in policy development.
The NCC boss identified vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of facilities and right-of-way challenges as major threats affecting the quality of telecom services across the country.
According to him, students have a critical role to play in supporting national efforts to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure by promoting awareness and responsible civic engagement 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,” he said.
Dr. Maida also highlighted several initiatives being implemented by the Commission to expand 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, and programmes aimed at supporting digital learning and innovation.
He disclosed that the Commission is consulting stakeholders on a proposed framework that could allow access to approved educational platforms under specified conditions without data charges.
On consumer protection, the EVC reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting telecom consumers and encouraged students to take advantage of educational resources available on the NCC website to better understand their rights, data management and complaint resolution procedures.
Earlier, NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, commended the NCC for sustaining a productive relationship with the student body and expressed appreciation for the Commission’s commitment to dialogue and stakeholder engagement.
He noted that the NCC’s open-door policy has encouraged students to pursue peaceful and responsible advocacy on national issues while strengthening collaboration between the Commission and Nigerian students.
