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| Dr. Aminu Maida |
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged students nationwide to play an active role in protecting telecommunications infrastructure, calling these assets vital to education, innovation, economic progress and digital access.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, made the appeal during a courtesy visit from the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to the Commission’s Abuja headquarters on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Director of the Public Affairs Department, represented Dr. Maida and congratulated NANS President Comrade Akinteye Babatunde and his executive council on their election and on a smooth leadership transition.
Dr. Maida highlighted the long-standing, collaborative relationship between the NCC and NANS, noting it has been sustained by mutual respect, dialogue and constructive engagement.
He expressed confidence that the new student leaders would build on past successes and encouraged them to participate in the Commission’s stakeholder consultations, especially public discussions on regulatory and consumer issues, to ensure student perspectives shape policy.
Addressing the industry’s challenges, Dr. Maida pointed to vandalism, theft of fiber-optic cables and network equipment, infrastructure destruction and right-of-way disputes as key obstacles to reliable service delivery.
He asked NANS to support the NCC’s awareness campaigns by educating students about the importance of safeguarding telecom facilities on and around campuses.
"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 EVC also highlighted several initiatives being implemented by the Commission to advance digital inclusion and create opportunities for young Nigerians.
These include the deployment of digital infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions across the country, and ongoing efforts to support digital learning and innovation.
“The Commission is currently consulting stakeholders on a proposed framework that may enable access to certain approved educational platforms under specific conditions without data charges,” he said.
On consumer protection, Dr. Maida reiterated the NCC's commitment to ensuring adequate protection of consumers under the regulatory framework while encouraging students to utilise consumer education resources available on the Commission's website to better understand data management, consumer rights, and complaint resolution mechanisms.
Earlier, the President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye, expressed appreciation to the NCC for maintaining a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the student body over the years, and commended the Commission for its openness to strengthening engagement between the Commission and the student body through dialogue and mutual understanding.
He acknowledged the role of the NCC in fostering a culture of dialogue and stakeholder engagement, noting that the Commission's approach has continued to encourage the student body to pursue peaceful and responsible advocacy on national issues.
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