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NCC sets new mobile international termination rate for voice services

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Nasiru Yusuf

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has determined the new International Termination Rate (ITR) for voice services paid by overseas telecom carriers for terminating international calls on local networks in Nigeria at $0.045.

KANO FOCUS reports that the new rate is contained in the ‘Determination of Mobile International Termination Rate’ issued by the Commission on November 25, 2021.

A statement sent to KANO FOCUS by Director Public Affairs, NCC, Ikechukwu Adinde said the $0.045 rate is the floor price for ITR services and shall take effect from January 1, 2022. The rate is to be paid in US Dollar to enable Nigerian operators to receive an increasing rate in Naira terms to accommodate devaluation.

No licensee shall charge and/or receive effective rate per minute below determined ITR floor rate. As such, payment discounts, volume discounts and any other concession that has the effect of bringing the effective ITR lower than the rate determined shall be deemed a contravention of the new determination and will attract sanctions in line with the Nigerian Communications (Enforcement process, etc.) Regulations, 2019.

The ITR Floor is the minimum that can be charged. Operators will be free to negotiate a rate above the floor and this will be entirely left to commercial negotiation between the operators and international carriers/partners.

However, while the ITR only pertains to the cost of bringing traffic into Nigeria, Nigerian operators will continue to pay the regulated Mobile Termination Rate (MTR), the local termination rate among themselves.

The MTR of N3.90 for generic 2G/3G/4G operators and N4.70 for new entrant Long Term Evolution (LTE) operators determined in 2018, will continue to apply for local call terminations until a new rate is determined by the Commission pursuant to its powers as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003.

The subsisting regime of interconnection rates was sustained by the Commission’s Mobile (voice) termination rate issued on June 1, 2018. In the determination, it was stated that the ITR of N24.40 determined in 2016 will continue to apply until a new determination is made.

The ITR, being denominated in Naira had multiple negative impacts on local operators which was further exacerbated by episodes of devaluation of naira which ultimately left Nigeria from being a net receiver with respect to international minutes to a net payer.

The Commission also observed that operators continue to face series of challenges occasioned by the denomination of ITR in Naira, necessitating a need for a cost-based study on ITR.

In view of the foregoing and in fulfillment of its statutory mandate of periodic review of regulatory policies, the Commission engaged Messrs’ Payday Advance and Support Services Limited to undertake a cost-based study of voice MTR that is most suitable for the Nigerian telecommunications industry.

Commenting, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said in arriving at the new MTR of $0.045, “the Commission has carefully considered the information provided by stakeholders and taken a view on parameters and regulatory measures in the light of relevant information such as international experience, cost model results, the state of competition in the sector and the Nigerian macro-economic environment.”

He added that the process of arriving at the ITR had been conducted transparently with a view to providing maximum clarity to all parties without compromising the confidentiality of commercially-sensitive information. “We are confident that the result the review will make a significant contribution to the development of the telecoms sector in Nigeria and be beneficial to subscribers, operators and the country at large,” he said.

The EVC, on behalf of the Board and Management of the NCC, extended the Commission’s gratitude to all operators and industry stakeholders, who submitted information relating to the regulation of interconnection rates and the costing models as well as the consultant, for their participation in the process leading to the Determination.

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Gov Yusuf Arrives Syprus, Vows to Secure Certificates of Stranded Kano Graduates

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Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has taken a decisive step to address the prolonged challenges faced by Kano students unable to access their academic certificates throughout Ganduje’s administration.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday, it was revealed that Governor Yusuf held a critical meeting with the management of Near East University in Cyprus to tackle the issue.

The discussion focused on the overdue release of certificates for Kano students who graduated between 2015 and 2019.

Many of these graduates, particularly from fields such as Medicine and Nursing, have been unable to advance in their careers due to the non-payment of tuition fees by the Ganduje led immediat past administration.

The governor described the situation as a major setback, not only for the affected students but also for the state, which has been deprived of skilled professionals in critical sectors particularly the healthcare service.

However, he expressed optimism following what he called fruitful discussions with the university management aimed at settling the liabilities and facilitating the release of the certificates.

“This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise,” the governor remarked.

“One cannot imagine that as governor, Ganduje cannot pay for tuition of these medical students who much need for immediate employment with Kano state government, it is a shame on him”

“We remain committed to prioritizing education and the welfare of our people as a foundation for sustainable growth.”

Governor Yusuf’s intervention underscores his administration’s resolve to address systemic challenges in the education sector.

The anticipated resolution of this issue is expected to enable the graduates to fulfill their potential and make meaningful contributions to Kano State’s development.

This effort signals a new chapter of hope for the affected graduates and reaffirms the government’s commitment to building a brighter future for its citizens.

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NUC accreditation teams visit BUK, assess 9 programme

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Bayero University, Kano (BUK) received five teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC) on Monday, December 9, 2024, to accredit nine academic programmes.

KANO FOCUS reports that the programmes under review include BSc Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, BSc Forensic Science, Masters in Entrepreneurship, Early Childhood Education, and Primary Education.

This marks the third phase of BUK’s ongoing accreditation process, following the successful review of 30 programmes between November 18 and 30, 2024 under phase one and two.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Sani Muhammad Gumel, emphasized the significance of accreditation as a peer-review exercise that enhances the quality of teaching and research at the university.

Professor Bashir Maina, speaking on behalf of the teams, highlighted their mission to assess the programmes and provide recommendations in line with global best practices.

The Director of Academic Planning, Professor Yusuf Garba, explained that the current accreditation process is part of the final phase, which involves the evaluation of 22 programmes in total.

The NUC accreditation teams are expected to submit their findings and recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor later this week.

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Farin Dutse Community honours winner of Jigawa State 2024 Qur’anic competition

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

The Farin Dutse community Sunday celebrated one of their own, Abduljabbar Idris Farin Dutse, for emerging as the Winner of the 2024 Jigawa state highest category, which is 60 Hizb (Qur’anic recitation, Tafsir, and Qira’at) held at the state capital, Dutse.

KANO FOCUS reports that the competition, which attracted participants from various communities across the state, highlights the importance of Quranic studies and memorization in promoting Islamic education.

The event was marked by a special Walima with large turnout of community members in attendance, with the Village Head of Farin Dutse Malam Mustapha Hassan and other prominent individuals.

While making remarks the village Head urged his wards to pursue Islamic Knowledge and adhere to the teachings of Islamic religion that they can be recognised here and hereafter as today Abduljabbar is making the whole community proud.

He further commended the Executive Governor of Jigawa State Mallam Umar Namadi fca for the sound policies, plans, programme and initiative that allows the less privilege to benefit from the bounties of his leadership style, he sincerely appreciates what has been accorded to their own-son and assured His Excellency their unflinching support.

The traditional ruler l also appreciate the gesture demonstrated by the Rt Honourable Speaker JSHoA Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, for donating cash gifts to the top winner worth N100,000.

The Village Head of further reassured their continued support to the Emir of Dutse Alhaji Hamim Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi under whose guidance and leadership the indigent of the Emirate found it encouraging to send their wards to attain both Islamic and Western education,

While commenting after reading from the glorious Quaran, Malam Abduljabbar Idris Farin Dutse, expressed gratitude for the support from his Parents, teachers, family and community members, emphasizing the role of perseverance and dedication in achieving his goals. He encouraged other youth in the community to engage in Quranic memorization and seek knowledge.

Malam Bala Idris, the Imam of the Farin Dutse Sunnah Mosque praised achievement and recollect how dedication of some selected few individuals had yielded results stating that it serves as an inspiration for the younger generation and reflects the community’s commitment to fostering Islamic values and education.

The Farin Dutse community members went home with commitment to supporting their wards furtherance of both Quranic and Western education initiatives and nurturing future scholars to make difference in the scheme of societal upbringing.

 

AbdulJabbar Idris Farin Dutse Winner of the 2024 Jigawa state highest category, which is 60 Hizb (Qur’anic recitation, Tafsir, and Qira’at).

 

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