…Announces free data access for educational platforms
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has tasked Nigerian students on the need to help protect telecommunications infrastructure nationwide as it remains the backbone of digital economy.
The commission particularly described the facilities as critical national assets for education, innovation, and economic growth.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, gave the charge when he received in audience the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Dr. Maida, who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, noted that students have a vital role to play in safeguarding the networks that power digital learning and connectivity across campuses.
He congratulated the new executives of NANS on their emergence and expressed confidence that the association will build on past achievements through dialogue and constructive engagement.
The NCC Chief Executive also identified vandalism, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of facilities, and right-of-way challenges as major threats to service delivery.
According to Maida; “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 enthused.
The EVC therefore appealed to NANS to lead the sensitisation drives within and outside tertiary institutions to curb attacks on telecom facilities.
Speaking on digital inclusion initiatives for students, Dr. Maida highlighted the Commission’s initiatives aimed at supporting young Nigerians.
He said the initiatives include; deployment of digital infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions, Support for digital learning and innovation and the ongoing consultation on a framework that may enable access to approved educational platforms without data charges.
The NCC Chief Executive reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to consumer protection, thus encouraged students to use consumer education resources on the NCC website to learn about data management, rights, and complaint resolution.
Earlier, the NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, applauded the NCC for its longstanding engagement with students and also commended the Commission’s open-door policy.
Babatunde assured that the new leadership of NANS will promote peaceful advocacy and support NCC’s awareness campaigns.
