The Nigerian Communications Commission has urged Nigerian students to help protect telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a critical national asset that supports education, innovation, economic growth and digital connectivity.
Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida made the appeal during a courtesy visit by the new leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students to the NCC headquarters in Abuja. He was represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, who congratulated the newly elected NANS leadership and said the Commission values its long-standing relationship with the student body.
Maida said the NCC wants students to play a more active role in stakeholder engagement, especially public consultations on regulatory and consumer issues. He said this would help ensure that students’ interests are reflected in policy decisions.
He also drew attention to the major problems affecting telecom service delivery, including vandalism, fibre cable theft, equipment destruction and right-of-way disputes. According to him, students can help by supporting awareness campaigns and encouraging responsible civic behavior around telecom assets on and off campuses.
The NCC also highlighted several initiatives aimed at digital inclusion, including infrastructure deployment through the Universal Service Provision Fund, digital parks in tertiary institutions and support for digital learning and innovation. It said it is also consulting on a possible framework that could allow access to some approved educational platforms without data charges under certain conditions.
On consumer protection, Maida said the Commission remains committed to safeguarding users and encouraged students to make use of NCC resources on data management, consumer rights and complaint resolution. NANS President Akinteye Babatunde thanked the Commission for its continued engagement and said the student body values dialogue and peaceful advocacy.