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ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on students across the country to take an active role in protecting Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a critical national asset that underpins education, innovation, economic growth and digital inclusion.
The appeal was made by the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer of the , Dr. Aminu Maida, during a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the (NANS) to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Representing the EVC, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, congratulated the newly elected NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, and members of his executive council on their successful election and smooth transition into office.
Dr. Maida reaffirmed the Commission’s long-standing partnership with NANS, describing the relationship as one built on mutual respect, continuous dialogue and constructive engagement. He expressed optimism that the new student leadership would strengthen the collaboration by actively participating in the Commission’s stakeholder consultations, particularly public engagements on regulatory and consumer-related issues.
According to the NCC boss, greater student participation in policy discussions would help ensure that the interests and perspectives of young Nigerians are reflected in the country’s evolving telecommunications regulatory framework.
Highlighting the major challenges confronting Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, Dr. Maida identified vandalism, theft of fibre-optic cables and network equipment, deliberate destruction of telecommunications infrastructure and persistent right-of-way disputes as significant threats to reliable service delivery across the country.
He urged the student leadership to support the Commission’s nationwide awareness campaign by educating students on the importance of safeguarding telecommunications facilities within and around tertiary institutions.
“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 also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at accelerating digital inclusion and empowering young Nigerians through technology. These include the deployment of digital infrastructure under the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions nationwide, and programmes designed to promote digital learning, innovation and skills development.
Dr. Maida further disclosed that the Commission is consulting stakeholders on a proposed regulatory framework that could allow students and other users to access selected approved educational platforms without incurring data charges under specified conditions.
The initiative, if implemented, is expected to improve access to online educational resources and support digital learning across Nigeria’s higher education institutions.
On consumer protection, the NCC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding telecommunications consumers through an effective regulatory framework. Dr. Maida encouraged students to take advantage of consumer education materials available through the Commission to better understand data management, consumer rights and available complaint resolution mechanisms.
Responding on behalf of the student body, NANS President Comrade Akinteye Babatunde commended the NCC for sustaining a productive relationship with Nigerian students over the years.
He praised the Commission’s openness to dialogue and stakeholder engagement, noting that its consultative approach has continued to encourage the student movement to pursue peaceful, responsible and constructive advocacy on issues of national importance.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both the NCC and NANS to strengthening collaboration in promoting digital literacy, protecting critical telecommunications infrastructure and advancing policies that enhance access to affordable digital services for millions of Nigerian students.
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