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‎By Onu Okorie
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‎Nigerian Communications Commission NCC has called on Nigerian students to play an active role in protecting telecommunications infrastructure.
‎The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, made the appeal during a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
‎He described such facilities as critical national assets that drive education, innovation, economic growth and digital connectivity.
‎Represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, Maida congratulated the new NANS President, 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 long-standing 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 urged the students’ association to actively participate in the Commission’s stakeholder engagement processes, particularly public consultations on regulatory and consumer-related policies, 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 key obstacles affecting quality of telecommunications services across the country.
‎According to him, students can contribute to addressing these challenges by raising awareness on campuses and in their communities about the importance of protecting telecommunications infrastructure.
‎”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 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 designed to support digital learning and innovation.
‎He disclosed that the Commission was consulting stakeholders on a proposed framework that could allow access to approved educational platforms under specified conditions without data charges.
‎On consumer protection, Maida reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding telecom consumers and encouraged students to take advantage of consumer education resources available on the NCC’s website to better understand data management, consumer rights and complaint resolution procedures.
‎Responding, NANS President Akinteye thanked the NCC for sustaining a productive relationship with the student body and commended the Commission’s openness to dialogue and stakeholder engagement.
‎He said the Commission’s approach had continued to encourage Nigerian students to pursue peaceful and responsible advocacy on issues of national importance.