NCC Approves Establishment of Telecommunication Center For ABU

NCC Approves Establishment of Telecommunication Center For ABU

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given the green light to Ahmadu Bello University(ABU), Zaria, for the establishment of a Center of Excellence aimed at bolstering skills and knowledge in the telecommunications sector.

This center’s primary focus will be on providing training, upskilling, and reskilling opportunities to individuals in the field.

One of the center’s key objectives is to support the NCC in its mission to promote the development of locally manufactured telecommunications equipment and materials. This initiative aligns with broader goals to enhance the telecommunications sector within Nigeria.

The announcement came from the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, during the 526th (Regular) Meeting of the Senate at Ahmadu Bello University, which took place on Thursday, August 31, 2023. The University officially received approval from the NCC to establish this Center of Excellence.

In a statement issued by the university’s Director of Public Affairs, Malam Auwal Umar, it was revealed that the approval letter, signed by the NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, emphasized the center’s role in fostering a conducive research environment.

It will engage in research activities aimed at generating policies and innovative solutions beneficial to both the telecommunications industry and regulatory bodies.

The center’s scope of activities is comprehensive, covering various aspects of information and communication technology (ICT), including Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, Connectivity Technologies, Cloud Computing, Edge Computing, Renewable Energy, and Next Generation Networks.

Additionally, the center is expected to establish strong collaborations with the telecommunications sector to better understand its needs and conduct impactful research and capacity-building initiatives.

To ensure the sustainability of the center, a detailed plan must be developed and submitted to the NCC as part of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).The terms for establishing the center will adhere to professional, academic standards, and international best practices.

The NCC will play a vital role in shaping the center’s research agenda, approving its work program, and setting KPIs in collaboration with the university and telecommunications companies across the nation. This collaborative effort aims to drive advancements in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.