By David Lawani, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has enlisted the support of Nigerian students in the campaign to protect telecommunications infrastructure, warning that the growing vandalism of telecom facilities poses a serious threat to the country’s digital economy, education, innovation and economic development.
The Commission also disclosed that it is considering a framework to enable students to access approved educational platforms without incurring data charges, as part of efforts to expand digital learning and bridge the digital divide.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, disclosed while receiving the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) during a courtesy visit 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 pledged continued collaboration between the Commission and the student body in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
He described telecommunications infrastructure as one of the country’s most strategic national assets, stressing that frequent vandalism, theft of fibre-optic cables, destruction of network facilities, and right-of-way challenges continue to undermine service delivery and investment in the sector.
“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,” Maida said.
He urged Nigerian students to become advocates for protecting telecom infrastructure in their communities and on campuses, noting that safeguarding these facilities is a shared national responsibility.
The NCC boss also encouraged students to participate actively in the Commission’s public consultations on telecommunications regulation and consumer protection to ensure that the interests of young Nigerians are adequately reflected in policy formulation.
Highlighting ongoing initiatives to deepen digital inclusion, Maida said the Commission, through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), is expanding broadband infrastructure, establishing Digital Parks in tertiary institutions, and implementing programmes to promote digital literacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
He revealed that the Commission is engaging stakeholders on a proposal that could allow students to access designated educational websites and digital learning platforms without incurring data charges, subject to agreed-upon implementation guidelines.
On consumer protection, the NCC reiterated its commitment to protecting telecom subscribers and urged students to take advantage of its consumer education programmes to understand better their rights, data privacy obligations, and available complaint resolution mechanisms.
Responding, NANS President Akinteye Babatunde commended the Commission for maintaining an open relationship with the student community and for promoting dialogue on issues affecting young Nigerians.
“The NCC has continued to demonstrate its commitment to stakeholder engagement, and we are ready to support initiatives that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and promote responsible use of telecommunications infrastructure,” he said.
The visit reinforced the Commission’s broader strategy of engaging key stakeholders to strengthen digital inclusion, improve consumer awareness, and protect the critical infrastructure that drives Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
