Nigerian Communications Commission Approves Establishment of Centre of Excellence at Ahmadu Bello University

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given its nod to the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at Ahmadu Bello University, located in Zaria. This significant step is intended to bolster capacity-building initiatives within the telecommunications sector, offering training, upskilling, and reskilling opportunities.

The primary mission of the newly approved Center is to reinforce the NCC's objective of promoting locally-manufactured telecommunications equipment and materials, thus contributing to the growth of the telecommunications sector.

Prof. Kabiru Bala, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, conveyed this development during the 526th (Regular) Meeting of the University's Senate on August 31, 2023. He announced that the University had officially received approval from the NCC for the establishment of this Center.

In a letter signed by the Commission’s Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the NCC outlined its expectations for the Center. These include providing a conducive research environment and conducting research that leads to the development of policies and innovative solutions for both the telecommunications industry and regulatory authorities.

Among the Center's key responsibilities is the development of courses designed to address critical ICT areas. These areas encompass but are not limited to Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, Connectivity Technologies, Cloud Computing, Edge Computing, Renewable Energy, and Next Generation Networks.

The Center is also expected to establish strong collaborations with the telecommunications sector to better understand the industry's needs and conduct impactful research and capacity-building activities.

Furthermore, the NCC emphasized the importance of a sustainability plan for the Center, which must be developed and submitted to the Commission. This plan will serve as one of the measurements of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Center's operation.

The terms of the offer for the establishment of the Center are expected to adhere to professional, academic standards, and international best practices. The Commission will actively contribute to defining the Center's research agenda, approving its work program, and setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and targets in collaboration with the University and telecommunications companies across the nation.

This remarkable development signifies a significant stride towards strengthening the telecommunications sector's capabilities and promoting research and innovation within the industry.