*To develop courses that will bridge gap in key areas of ICT



The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to essentially strengthen capacity building in the telecommunications sector by providing training, upskilling and reskilling opportunities.

According to a statement signed by the Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, dated Wednesday September 6, 2023, specifically, the centre will be required to support the commission’s mandate of producing locally made equipment and materials for the development of telecommunications sector.


The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, announced the development at the 526th (Regular) Meeting of Senate of Ahmadu Bello University held on Thursday, 31st August, 2023, saying the University was in receipt of the NCC’s approval for establishment of the Centre.
A letter, conveying the approval signed by the Commission’s Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said that the Centre was expected to also provide adequate research atmosphere, establish and carry out researches that will produce policies and provide patent solutions for both the telecoms industry and regulators.
Other expected activities of the Centre include development of courses that will bridge the gap in key ICT, namely but not limited to Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, Connectivity Technologies, Cloud Computing, Edge Computing, Renewable Energy and Next Generation Networks.
The Centre is also expected to have strong collaboration with the telecommunication sector in order to understand the needs of the sector to carry out productive research and capacity building activities.
The sustainability plan of the Centre, according to the letter, must be developed and submitted to the Commission to serve as one of the measurements of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
The terms of offer for the establishment of the Centre shall be rendered in line with professional, academic standards and international best practices.
According to the offer, it is expected that the Commission shall contribute to setting the research agenda of the Centre, approving their work programme, and setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and targets to be delivered in collaboration with the University authorities and telecommunications companies in the country.