NCC vows research to increase spending on

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has promised the academia to increase the N50 million spent on funding research in 2017 provided the quality of research, application to the Nigerian economy and its usefulness can be justified. This was the submission by the head of research and development, (NCC) Bashir Idris during the second round table with academia, industry and other stakeholders for the South West regions. According to him, 47 out of the participants who converged at the University of Lagos for the two-day round table were from all the federal universities in the region, five federal polytechnics and six each from the private universities and polytechnics in the South West zone. Earlier in his address, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta noted that the academia is a key driver of innovation in all spheres of human endeavours as the ideas, inventions and improvements that emanate from the academia are required by the industry for improved efficiencies and productivity. “The need for collaboration between academia, industry and regulators to ensure technologies such as Internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence, cloud computing, increased delivery speed by various broadband technologies, advancement in processor, can all be properly harnessed and standards built in such a way that is beneficial to all stakeholders.” Speaking on the theme, synergy by academia, industry and regulator as accelerator for innovation, industry growth and sustainability, Danbatta expressed his satisfaction on the progress made by Universities in information and communication technology research and development. “Faced with the challenges which are posed by the theme, it is clear that the Commission will have to make a commitment, not only to the success of the industry, but also to the contributions from academia, ensure sustainability and economic growth.” The EVC who was represented by the Executive Commissioner (technical services), Engr Ubale Maska stressed that through the meeting, NCC seeks to promote synergy between academia, industry and the regulator to facilitate innovation, industry growth and sustainability. According to research development will drive high-end manufacturing, create more information and communications technology applications to improve lives and fuel industry growth. The CEO NCC challenged the academia to study the impact of various practices and issues peculiar to the Nigerian operating environment on the operational efficiency and service delivery capability and performance by telecoms industry players. “The academia talent, willpower and hard-work in equal measures. The Commission will continue to build and strengthen collaborations between the academia and telecoms industry by encouraging innovative research in localizing global innovations. “Adequate funding is a precondition for good quality research on technological and innovative development. We will focus on encouraging academic research through funding of limited research activities.