The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on Nigerian students to play an active role in protecting telecommunications infrastructure across the country, describing such facilities as critical national assets that support education, innovation, economic growth and digital connectivity.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, congratulated the new NANS leadership and commended the peaceful transition within the association.
He noted that the longstanding partnership between the NCC and NANS has been built on dialogue, mutual respect and constructive engagement, expressing confidence that the new executives would strengthen the relationship further.
The Commission identified vandalism of telecom facilities, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of infrastructure and right-of-way challenges as major obstacles affecting the quality of telecommunications services nationwide.
It urged students to help create awareness on the need to protect telecom infrastructure within and outside educational institutions through responsible civic engagement.
Maida also highlighted several initiatives aimed at expanding digital inclusion, including the deployment of infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions and programmes designed to promote digital learning and innovation.
He disclosed that the Commission is consulting stakeholders on a framework that could allow access to approved educational platforms without data charges under specified conditions.
On consumer protection, the NCC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding telecom users and encouraged students to make use of its consumer education resources to better understand data privacy, consumer rights and complaint resolution procedures.
NANS President Akinteye Babatunde pledged the association’s support for initiatives that promote dialogue, responsible advocacy and the protection of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
