The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given its approval for the establishment of a Center of Excellence at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. This initiative aims to significantly enhance capacity development in the telecommunications sector by providing training, upskilling, and reskilling opportunities.
In particular, this Center will play a crucial role in supporting the NCC’s mission to promote the production of locally made telecommunications equipment and materials for the sector’s advancement. The approval was conveyed through a letter signed by the NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta.
According to a statement released by the university’s Director of Public Affairs, Malam Auwal Umar, the Center is expected to create a conducive research environment and conduct research activities that will generate policies and innovative solutions for both the telecom industry and regulatory bodies.
The Center’s responsibilities also include developing courses that address the knowledge gaps in critical ICT areas, including but not limited to Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, Connectivity Technologies, Cloud Computing, Edge Computing, Renewable Energy, and Next Generation Networks.
Furthermore, strong collaboration with the telecommunications sector is a key aspect of the Center’s activities to better understand the sector’s needs and conduct productive research and capacity-building endeavors.
The sustainability plan for the Center must be developed and submitted to the Commission as part of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) measurement. The terms for establishing the Center will adhere to professional, academic standards, and international best practices.
The offer also specifies that the Commission will actively contribute to setting the research agenda, approving the work program, and establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and targets in collaboration with the University and telecommunications companies operating in the country.
