The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has said 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.
Danbatta made this declaration yesterday in an opening remark at the inauguration of the National Steering Committee to develop such path-finding document that would contain new approaches in this regard.
The Director Research, and Development at NCC, Ephraim Nwokonneya, reminded the audience at the inauguration that the event underscores 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 realize the set objectives”. Nwokonneya emphasized to reinforce the necessity for collaboration.
Prof. Elijah Omizegba, who spoke on behalf of members of the Committee, said this is a good initiative from NCC and he was gratified that the committee comprises competent researchers who are committed to the objectives of scientific research. He, therefore, expressed gratitude to NCC and assured that the Committee would get the job done within the stipulated time.
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 fora with the academia, captains of telecom industry and regulators. The forums were organized 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 ICT innovations and improve human capital development for the long term sustainability of the industry.
