The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) as the regulator of the telecommunication industry in Nigeria has reiterated its supports to telecommunications-based innovations, inventions and research from tertiary institutions in the country that are practical, locally realizable and have clear potential of developing the telecommunications industry.
To this end a 27-man committee (selected from academia) has been inaugurated to help assemble feasible research ideas capable of replacing or enhancing foreign technologies in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.
It is envisaged that the initiative will help build capacity in the tertiary institutions and promote Nigeria’s contribution to the pool of technologies in use in the communications industry.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta at the inauguration of the National Steering Committee stated that a concrete blueprint that would entrench research and development in the telecommunications industry in terms of curriculum development to produce industry-ready graduates and technology entrepreneurs is imperative to shape the future.
NCC director research and development Ephraim Nwokonneya stated NCC’s firm belief in the power of collaborative efforts and partnerships across the spectrum of key stakeholders as critical partners in the telecom industry’s future growth and sustainability.
“We would be leveraging on the rich knowledge resources, skills, experience and expertise of the carefully selected committee members in order to realise the set objectives.”
Prof. Elijah Omizegba, who spoke on behalf of members of the committee, thanked NCC for the opportunity to serve and assured that the committee would deliver within the stipulated time. He stated that it is a good initiative from NCC and that the committee comprises competent researchers who are committed to the objectives of scientific research.
Blueprint reports that the establishment of a National Steering Committee to produce a roadmap for the institutionalization of research development for the industry is one of the recommendations of the commission’s regional consultation with the academia, captains of telecom industry and regulators.
The forums were organised to identify the best ways to stimulate research activities in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions in order to address current as well as future industry issues and to promote lCT innovations and improve human capital development for the long term sustainability of the industry.
