By Musa Ibrahim
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on Nigerian students to take an active role in protecting telecommunications infrastructure across the country, warning that the growing threat of vandalism, theft and destruction of network facilities could undermine Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts.
The commission described telecommunications infrastructure as a critical national asset that supports education, research, innovation, economic activities and access to digital services, urging students to become partners in protecting the systems that power the country’s digital economy.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, made the call during a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, Dr. Maida congratulated the newly elected NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, and members of the association’s executive council, while commending the peaceful transition of leadership within the student body.
He said the continued relationship between NCC and NANS was built on dialogue, mutual respect and constructive engagement, expressing confidence that the new leadership would strengthen the partnership.
According to him, students remain important stakeholders in Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem because they are among the largest users of digital services for learning, communication, entrepreneurship and innovation.
He encouraged the student body to participate actively in NCC’s stakeholder engagement activities, including public consultations on regulatory policies and consumer protection initiatives, to ensure that the concerns of young Nigerians are reflected in policy decisions.
Beyond connectivity challenges, Dr. Maida highlighted infrastructure protection as one of the major concerns affecting the quality and reliability of telecommunications services in Nigeria.
He identified vandalism of telecom facilities, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of infrastructure and right-of-way disputes as some of the factors limiting efficient service delivery.
The NCC boss urged NANS to support public awareness campaigns aimed at educating students on the importance of protecting telecom facilities located within and around educational 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,” Dr. Maida said.
The call comes at a time when Nigeria is increasingly relying on digital infrastructure to support economic growth, financial inclusion, online education and technology-driven businesses. The expansion of broadband services, digital platforms and emerging technologies depends heavily on the availability and security of telecom networks.
For universities and other higher institutions, reliable telecommunications infrastructure has become essential for virtual learning, academic research, digital libraries and collaboration with global institutions. Any disruption to these facilities affects not only communication services but also education and productivity.
Industry stakeholders have repeatedly identified infrastructure security as a key requirement for achieving improved service quality. While telecom operators continue to invest billions of naira in network expansion, persistent damage to infrastructure remains a challenge that requires collective responsibility.
By engaging Nigerian students, the NCC is seeking to build a new generation of digital citizens who understand that telecom facilities are not merely commercial assets but national infrastructure that supports everyday activities.
