NCC Tasks Students As Frontline Defenders Of Telecom Infrastructure, EVC Maida Warns Vandalism Undermines Nigeria’s Digital Future
By Rashidat O. Okunlade | Lagos
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a clarion call to the nation’s student population, urging them to become active custodians of telecommunications infrastructure, which it describes as the lifeblood of Nigeria’s digital economy and a critical enabler of education, innovation, and national security.
The charge came on Friday during a courtesy visit by the newly inaugurated leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to the NCC’s headquarters in Abuja. Represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, congratulated the student leaders on a peaceful transition and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to collaborative engagement.
Dr. Maida, while lauding the enduring partnership between the NCC and NANS, stressed that the relationship has thrived on mutual respect and constructive dialogue. He expressed optimism that the new NANS executive, led by President Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, would sustain and deepen this legacy.
The EVC struck a sobering note on the state of the industry, identifying infrastructure vandalism, fibre optic cable theft, equipment destruction, and right-of-way bottlenecks as persistent threats that hamper service delivery and economic progress.
“Telecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of Nigeria’s digital transformation. It powers learning, research, innovation, and communication,” Dr. Maida stated. “Students have a unique role to play, not just as beneficiaries, but as advocates. Through awareness and responsible civic engagement, they can support national efforts to protect these assets.”
The Commission also used the platform to unveil several youth-focused initiatives, including the expansion of digital infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions, and ongoing consultations on a proposed framework that could allow students access to approved educational platforms without data charges, a move that could significantly bridge the digital divide.
On consumer rights, the EVC encouraged students to leverage the NCC’s online resources to better understand data management, complaint procedures, and their protections under the law.
In his remarks, NANS President Comrade Akinteye commended the NCC for its transparency and open-door policy, noting that the Commission’s approach has fostered a culture of peaceful advocacy and stakeholder inclusivity.
WHY THIS STORY MATTERS TO STUDENTS AND SOCIETY
This is not just a regulatory handshake, it is a wake-up call.
For the average Nigerian student, the destruction of a single fibre optic cable or base transceiver station is not an abstract corporate loss. It translates to cancelled online lectures, disrupted research, failed exam uploads, and severed access to digital libraries.
Beyond the campus, the societal toll is staggering:
Economic Sabotage: The telecom sector contributes over 14% to Nigeria’s GDP. Each act of vandalism costs billions in repairs and lost productivity.
Security Risks: Vandalised infrastructure cripples emergency services, surveillance systems, and national security coordination.
Rural Exclusion: Communities that depend on mobile connectivity for healthcare, banking, and market access are left in the digital dark.
Students must recognise that vandalism is not a victimless crime. It carries severe legal consequences, including long prison terms and a criminal record that can permanently shut doors to employment, scholarships, and international opportunities.
The call to action is clear: Students are not passive observers. They are the nation’s most influential demographic, capable of leading peer sensitisation campaigns, reporting suspicious activities, and championing a culture of civic responsibility.
As the NCC has demonstrated through its ongoing dialogue with NANS, sustainable solutions are built not on punitive measures alone, but on partnership, education, and shared national pride.
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