Tag Archives: Adeolu Akande

NCC to partner Nigerian universities

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pledged to work closer with universities in the country in order to transform Nigeria into a knowledge-based economy.

Adeolu Akande

Adeolu Akande, chair of the NCC board, made the vow during a visit by the board to Sagir Abbas, vice chancellor of Bayero University (BUK) in Kano state.

Ikechukwu Adinde, the NCC’s director of public affairs, said: “The NCC superintends a sector that is knowledge-driven and, therefore, it can only achieve its mandate with enhanced collaboration with institutions such as BUK. In the absence of the citadels of learning, one could only imagine what would have become of the communications industry.

“So, if we come to Kano, we need to come to the prime centre of learning in Kano and other universities across the state.”

Abbas said that the BUK’s management had been happy to cancel all of its engagements to receive the board as it demonstrated the university’s high regard for the NCC.

“NCC’s executive vice-chairman, Umar Danbatta, has served the university diligently, as lecturer, head of department, dean and director, and he was also a former VC at Kano University of Science & Technology. But wherever he goes, you’ll find him relating to his base. We hold him in very high esteem and we are always happy to see him and his team discharging the national assignment he is entrusted with,” said Abbas.

He noted that the university had received donations of computers, iPads and other benefits such as professorial endowments from the NCC, which have had positive impacts on the university’s academic programmes.

Abbas also appealed for more digital assistance from the commission to support the university in its efforts to provide virtual learning during the pandemic.

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Akande inaugurated as NCC chairman

Adeolu Akande has been inaugurated as chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) board by Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the country’s minister of communications and digital economy.

Adeolu Akande

Akande’s inauguration comes shortly after his appointment was confirmed by the senate, despite opposition by some members.

Pantami urged Akande to “hit the ground running,” adding: “You have a huge task ahead of you. The appointment should not be seen as a privilege, but as a responsibility, and the primary interest of the board should be the primary interest of Nigeria.”

The minister also advised NCC board members not to interfere with the management of the commission, noting that it is the management’s responsibility to run the NCC’s day-to-day affairs. “There should not be conflict; we should maintain our demarcations,” he added.

Akande said: “The board will achieve the objectives and its mandate. NCC has a huge role to play, majorly in the security of the country. I give you the commitment we will work in harmony.”

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Senate confirms new NCC chairman

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Adeolu Akande as the new Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) chairman.

Adeolu Akande

This comes shortly after the former chairman, Olabiyi Durojaiye was eased out of office without being alowed to tender his resignation.

Some members of Senate opposed the appointment, pointing out that Durojaiye was only allowed to serve three years of his five -year tenure.

In response, Senate president Ahmad Lawan said: “The Senate did not initiate the nomination. The Senate received the nomination from Mr President. The initial nomination of the former chairman was only brought to the Senate to be confirmed at that time.

“So, the issue of whether to have the opportunity to resign is entirely not in the hands of the Senate. However, I really sympathise with the situation, but I want to remind you that the prerogative of nominations rests with Mr President.”

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