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ABUJA – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has enlisted the support of Nigerian students in protecting the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, warning that the increasing cases of vandalism, theft and destruction of critical network facilities pose serious threats to Nigeria’s digital economy, educational development and economic competitiveness.

The call was made by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, 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.

Represented by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Dr. Maida congratulated the newly elected NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, and members of the association’s executive council, describing their emergence as an opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the Commission and the Nigerian student community.

He noted that the relationship between the NCC and NANS has continued to flourish through sustained dialogue, mutual respect and constructive engagement, adding that the Commission looks forward to greater participation by students in its regulatory consultations and consumer-focused policy discussions.

According to Dr. Maida, students have a strategic role to play in protecting telecommunications assets, which he described as indispensable infrastructure supporting learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, business growth and nationwide digital connectivity.

He identified vandalism of telecommunications facilities, theft of fibre-optic cables and network equipment, destruction of infrastructure and persistent right-of-way disputes as some of the major challenges affecting service quality and network expansion across the country.

The NCC boss appealed to NANS to mobilise students to become ambassadors for the protection of telecommunications infrastructure, particularly within and around campuses, through sustained awareness campaigns and responsible civic engagement.

“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.

Dr. Maida also highlighted several flagship initiatives being implemented by the Commission to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and create greater opportunities for young people. These include the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions nationwide, and programmes designed to enhance digital learning, innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship.

In a move expected to significantly improve access to digital education, he disclosed that the Commission is currently engaging stakeholders on a proposed framework that could permit access to selected approved educational platforms without data charges under specified conditions.

He further reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to consumer protection, urging students to familiarise themselves with the Commission’s consumer education resources to better understand their rights, data management practices and available complaint resolution mechanisms.

Earlier, NANS President Comrade Akinteye Babatunde expressed appreciation to the NCC for maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the student body over the years.

He commended the Commission’s commitment to dialogue and stakeholder engagement, noting that its inclusive approach has encouraged Nigerian students to embrace peaceful, constructive and responsible advocacy in addressing national issues.

The engagement underscores the NCC’s broader strategy of partnering with key stakeholders, including students, to secure critical telecommunications infrastructure, accelerate digital inclusion and strengthen the foundation of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

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