The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has urged Nigerian students to actively protect telecommunications infrastructure across the country, describing such facilities as critical national assets that support education, innovation, economic growth and digital connectivity.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, made the call during a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Maida who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, congratulated NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, and other members of the association’s executive council on their election, while commending the peaceful transition in the leadership of the student body.
He said the longstanding relationship between the NCC and NANS had continued to thrive through mutual respect, dialogue and constructive engagement, expressing confidence that the new leadership would build on the achievements of its predecessors.
Maida encouraged the association to participate actively 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.
He identified vandalism of telecommunications facilities, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of infrastructure and right-of-way challenges as major obstacles affecting telecommunications service delivery across the country.
According to him, students can support national efforts by creating awareness and promoting the protection of telecommunications facilities 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.
The NCC boss also highlighted several initiatives aimed at promoting digital inclusion and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, including the deployment of digital infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions and ongoing efforts to support digital learning and innovation.
He disclosed that the Commission is consulting stakeholders on a proposed framework that could allow access to selected educational platforms without data charges under specified conditions.
On consumer protection, Maida reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding telecommunications consumers and encouraged students to take advantage of consumer education resources available through the NCC to better understand data management, consumer rights 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 openness to dialogue and stakeholder engagement.
He said the NCC’s approach had encouraged the association to pursue peaceful and responsible advocacy on issues affecting Nigerian students and the wider society.
