The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta has stressed the importance of research and innovation in the Information and Communication Technology, ICT, sector.
Danbatta who spoke on Thursday said research and innovation are key to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
The event was a virtual presentation of the book, “Nigerian Telecommunications Law and Regulation” written by Quasim Odunmbaku and Rotimi Akapo. He was represented by Barrister Adeleke Adewolu, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management of the NCC.
Danbatta explained that the Plan which was anchored on 8-point Agenda had ensured sustained regional roundtables with the academia across the country to brainstorm on ” innovative solutions to pressing challenges in the ICT sector as well as ensuring a future- proof industry that meets consumers changing needs and drives government’s digital economic objectives.”
Danbatta said: ” Law and Regulation are two critical pillars which influence the speed and impact of innovation. As important as these two factors are, they typically lag behind technology – it therefore behoves on all legal and regulatory practitioners in the sector to keep abreast of developments so that knowledge gaps do not stifle innovation and/or deny consumers of the optimum value.
“There is a noticeable paucity of well-researched books and reference materials on the legal and regulatory regime governing the telecommunications and indeed the ICT sector in Nigeria.
” I am delighted that the authors of “Nigerian Telecommunications Law and Regulation” have taken up the challenge and have produced a comprehensive reference material which touches on practically every aspect of the subject.
” As an academician, I am pleased to support works of this nature – they deepen intellectual capacity, help to improve the regulatory framework and enhance stakeholder awareness about the complementary rights and responsibilities of the different players in the telecommunications ecosystem.
“The ICT sector is knowledge-driven and we must support any endeavour that seeks to democratise knowledge in the way that the authors of the book have done. ”
Commission recently endowed Professorial Chairs in the University of Ibadan and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi to the tune of 40 million naira in support of research.
The EVC also added that each of the Universities would get 20 million for the programme.
Prof Danbatta said the funds which would be disbursed over the next two years were part of collaborative efforts with the academia for seamless implementation of the Strategic Vision Plan he instituted on his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
