The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged Nigerian students to play an active role in protecting telecommunications infrastructure, describing such facilities as critical national assets essential for digital connectivity, education, innovation and economic development.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the appeal 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, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Maida congratulated the newly elected NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, and members of the association’s executive council on their election, while commending the peaceful transition in the leadership of the student body.
He noted that the longstanding partnership between the NCC and NANS has been sustained through constructive engagement and mutual respect, expressing confidence that the new leadership would strengthen the existing relationship.
Maida encouraged NANS to participate actively in the Commission’s stakeholder engagement activities, particularly public consultations on regulatory and consumer-related issues, to ensure that the interests of Nigerian students are reflected in policy formulation.
Highlighting challenges affecting the telecommunications sector, he identified vandalism of telecom infrastructure, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of facilities, and right-of-way issues as major obstacles to improved service delivery.
He called on the student body to support public awareness campaigns by educating students on the importance of protecting telecommunications infrastructure within and outside educational institutions.
The NCC boss also outlined several initiatives aimed at promoting digital inclusion among young Nigerians, including the deployment of digital infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions, and programmes supporting digital learning and innovation.
On consumer protection, Maida reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding telecommunications consumers and encouraged students to make use of the consumer education resources available on the NCC website to better understand their rights, data management practices and complaint resolution procedures.
Earlier, NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, appreciated the Commission for maintaining a productive relationship with the association and pledged the student body’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the NCC.
He commended the Commission’s openness to dialogue, noting that its engagement with stakeholders has continued to promote peaceful and responsible advocacy among Nigerian students.
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