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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has charged Nigerian students to take an active role in protecting telecommunications infrastructure, describing such facilities as critical national assets that underpin education, innovation, economic growth and digital connectivity.
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the appeal during a recent 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, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Maida congratulated the new NANS president, Akinteye Babatunde and other members of the association’s executive council on their emergence, while commending the peaceful transition in the leadership of the student body.
He noted that the long-standing relationship between the NCC and NANS has remained strong through sustained dialogue and constructive engagement, expressing confidence that the new leadership would consolidate on the achievements of its predecessors.
Maida also encouraged NANS to actively participate in the Commission’s stakeholder engagement processes, particularly public consultations on regulatory and consumer-related issues, to ensure that students’ perspectives are reflected in policy formulation.
Speaking on challenges confronting the telecommunications sector, the NCC boss identified vandalism of telecom facilities, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of infrastructure, as well as right-of-way issues, as major impediments to quality service delivery across the country.
He urged the student body to support ongoing public awareness campaigns by educating students on the need to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure within and outside educational institutions.
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According to him, telecommunications infrastructure remains the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting learning, research, innovation and communication.
“Students can support national efforts aimed at protecting telecommunications infrastructure through awareness and responsible civic engagement,” he said.
Maida further highlighted initiatives being implemented by the Commission to deepen digital inclusion and expand 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 ongoing interventions to promote digital learning and innovation.
He disclosed that the Commission is currently consulting stakeholders on a proposed framework that could allow access to approved educational platforms under specified conditions without attracting data charges.
On consumer protection, Maida reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of telecom consumers, encouraging students to utilise consumer education resources available on the NCC website to better understand data management, consumer rights and complaint resolution procedures.
Earlier, NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, commended the NCC for sustaining a productive relationship with the student body over the years.
He praised the Commission’s commitment to dialogue and stakeholder engagement, noting that its inclusive approach has encouraged students to embrace peaceful and responsible advocacy on national issues while strengthening collaboration between both organisations.
