NCC Partners Students to Curb Telecom Infrastructure Vandalism

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has enlisted the support of Nigerian students in its campaign to protect telecommunications infrastructure from vandalism, saying the facilities are vital to education, digital inclusion and economic development.

The commission made the appeal during a consultative meeting with the newly inaugurated leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at its headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, the commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, urged students to become advocates for the protection of telecom infrastructure in their campuses and communities.

She said students have an important role to play in reporting acts of vandalism and educating members of the public on the need to safeguard telecommunications facilities.

According to the commission, persistent attacks on telecom infrastructure, including the destruction of base stations, fibre optic cable cuts and disputes over access to network facilities, continue to threaten the delivery of reliable communication services across the country.

Maida noted that protecting the infrastructure was critical to sustaining digital learning, research, business activities and Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

He said students, who rely heavily on internet connectivity for academic work and innovation, stand to benefit significantly from a secure and resilient telecommunications network.

The NCC boss also highlighted some of the commission’s ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding digital opportunities for young Nigerians.

These include the establishment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovation hubs in tertiary institutions and ongoing discussions on a policy that would enable students to access accredited educational websites without data charges.

Responding, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, welcomed the engagement, describing dialogue and collaboration as more effective than punitive measures in addressing challenges within the telecommunications sector.

He pledged that the association would work with the NCC to mobilise students nationwide to protect critical telecommunications infrastructure and discourage acts of vandalism.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with students and other stakeholders to safeguard telecommunications assets and ensure uninterrupted digital connectivity across the country.

Industry stakeholders have repeatedly warned that vandalism of telecom infrastructure disrupts online learning, digital examinations, research and other internet-based services. They also note that such attacks increase operating costs for service providers, affect service quality and slow the expansion of network coverage nationwide.