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NCC Inaugurates Committee to Accelerate Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Nasiru Yusuf
In a bid to give verve to expansion of broadband services in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has inaugurated an industry-wide committee to facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure under a project named, National Communications Backbone (NCB).
KANO FOCUS reports that Chaired by NCC’s Director of Digital Economy, Dr. Augustine Nwaulune, with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos), and Tower Companies (TowerCos) as members, the Committee, christened the National Broadband Infrastructure Joint Committee (NBIJC), is saddled with the responsibility of supporting the drive towards the realisation of the NCB targets, as outlined in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025.
Director of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, Josephine Amuwa, who presided over the inauguration on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, in Abuja recently, said the emergence of the Committee was informed by the need to inject a broad-based industry approach to address challenges impeding the actualisation of broadband targets.
Danbatta said the Committee is expected to drive the targets set by the NNBP, including deployment of 120,000 kilometer of fibre across the country; deepening of broadband penetration to 70 per cent by 2025; and connection of 60 per cent of Communication towers with fibre; among other targets, as stipulated in its approved Terms of Reference (ToR).
The EVC stated, “I appreciate your willingness and readiness to make a considerable investment of time and talent to participate in this Committee. We appreciate that you will provide an invaluable perspective as we seek to address gaps impeding the actualisation of the NCB and NNBP initiatives.”
“The depth and scope of experiences represented by the broad spectrum of this Committee’s membership will, no doubt, provide the Commission with much-needed insight and drive to overcome the challenges facing broadband infrastructure deployment in the country, and even exceed the current set targets.”
Following its inauguration, the Committee held its maiden meeting that discussed the frequency of meetings and other critical issues considered relevant to deliver on its ToR.
The Committee’s six-point ToR include: enhancing collaboration between MNOs and InfraCos towards achieving target of the NCB of the NNBP 2020-2025; and to design an NCB network architecture and harmonized comprehensive plan that will create a more viable business case that will attract investors, establish synergy between the MNOs and the InfraCos, and facilitate infrastructure deployment.
The Committee, in collaboration with the Commission, is also expected to organize an NCB financing workshop and invite all the major financial institutions, MNOs and InfraCos, and present the project, estimated at N800 billion, for adoption and financing.
Equally, the Committee is mandated to initiate engagements with identified sources of funding including Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp), Africa Development Bank (AfDB), and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) among others.
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.
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.
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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