By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged Nigerian students to take an active role in protecting telecommunications infrastructure, describing telecom facilities as critical national assets that drive education, innovation, economic growth and digital connectivity.
The call was made by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Aminu Maida, during a courtesy 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 of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, Maida congratulated the new NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, and his executive team on their election.
He noted that the long-standing partnership between the NCC and NANS has continued to grow through dialogue, mutual respect and constructive engagement, expressing confidence that the new leadership would build on previous achievements.
The NCC boss encouraged students to participate actively in the Commission’s stakeholder consultations, especially on regulatory and consumer-related policies, to ensure that the interests of Nigerian students are reflected in decision-making.
Speaking on challenges facing the telecommunications sector, Maida identified vandalism of telecom infrastructure, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of facilities and right-of-way issues as major obstacles affecting quality service delivery across the country.
He urged students to support nationwide awareness campaigns by educating their peers on the importance of protecting telecommunications infrastructure within and outside school campuses.
According to him, telecommunications infrastructure remains the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy and plays a vital role in education, research, innovation and communication.
Maida also highlighted several initiatives being implemented by the Commission to expand digital inclusion, including the deployment of digital infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions and programmes aimed at promoting digital learning and innovation.
He disclosed that the Commission is consulting stakeholders on a proposed framework that could allow students to access selected educational platforms without data charges under approved conditions.
On consumer protection, the NCC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting telecom users and encouraged students to make use of the Commission’s consumer education resources to better understand their rights, data management and complaint resolution processes.
Earlier, NANS President Akinteye Babatunde commended the NCC for maintaining a productive relationship with the student body and pledged continued collaboration to promote dialogue, responsible advocacy and mutual understanding.
