Meet Juwah and 8 watchdogs of Nigerian telecoms industry

On July 29, this year, Dr Eugene Ikemefuna Juwah , crossed the milestone forth year of his eventful leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the nation’s influential regulator that regulates the multibillion naira industry in Nigeria. Under his watch, Juwah has maintained a key focus on delivery of ubiquitous broadband that takes high-speed Internet connections to more parts of the country. His key mantra of open access hopes to open and level access to key infrastructure by small and big players as strategies to level the playing field in the telecoms market. The Nigerian telecoms regulatory Czar, who also doubles as the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NCC, has over the last four years taken a harder stance against telecoms companies over quality of service delivered to phone subscribers in the country. Under the watch of Juwah, telecoms companies have suffered record punitive sanctions and financial losses to fines imposed by the no-business-as-usual CEO of the telecoms watchdog in what may be a style backed by Dr Peter Igoh, the grey-haired photography-loving Chairman of the NCC Board of Commissioners and other members of the team. Based on publicly available profiles of the NCC Board Members, Technology Times brings you up closer and personal with the nine key administrators of the Nigerian telecoms industry watchdog: [caption id="attachment_21359" align="alignleft" width="953"] Dr Eugene Juwah , EVC of NCC[/caption] Dr. Eugene Ikemefuna Juwah , CEO and EVC of NCC State of Origin: Delta State Date of Appointment: July 29, 2010 Dr. Eugene Ikemefuna Juwah, is the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) with over thirty years of experience in the Information Technology and Telecommunications industries, with over twenty years at the highest management levels. [blockquote right="pull-right"]"In 1993, Dr. Juwah was invited to join the Management of a ground breaking Mobile Telephony venture, Mobile Telecommunications Services Limited, as Director (Cellular Operations) and participated in the team that erected and tested the first privately owned mobile network in Africa. Thereafter, Dr. Juwah held top management positions at Communication Investment Limited (CIL), where he was responsible for providing the foundational technical specifications and design for the mobile operator that is today known as Globacom." [/blockquote] [caption id="attachment_22532" align="alignleft" width="484"] "I fined those telcos the way you didn't" : Dr Eugene Juwah, the CEO of NCC (left) seems to tell his predecessor, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, as they exchange banters at an event.[/caption] Dr. Juwah has played coordinating roles in the set up of ETACS, GSM and CDMA mobile networks in Nigeria, with hands on knowledge of the specification and construction of digital exchanges, base stations, data communications and subscriber access networks. As an experienced Network Operations Manager, Dr. Juwah has deep and profound practical knowledge of regulatory issues, pricing, billing, interconnection and network fraud control within the Nigerian environment. Dr. Juwah, started his career as a young graduate at Shell BP Petroleum company in 1976 where he was employed as a computer systems programmer working on applications in the Commercial Information Systems section. He resigned from Shell in 1978 to pursue a Doctorate Degree Programme in the United Kingdom. Returning to Nigeria in 1981, he took up employment within the Leventis Group of Companies as Computer Systems Analyst. His flair for multidisciplinary functions led to him being promoted Sales Manager (Computer Systems) in 1984, and by 1986 he had joined the ranks of General Management as Marketing Manager. Dr. Juwah was promoted Divisional General Manager in 1988. In 1993, Dr. Juwah was invited to join the Management of a ground breaking Mobile Telephony venture, Mobile Telecommunications Services Limited, as Director (Cellular Operations) and participated in the team that erected and tested the first privately owned mobile network in Africa. Thereafter, Dr. Juwah held top management positions at Communication Investment Limited (CIL), where he was responsible for providing the foundational technical specifications and design for the mobile operator that is today known as Globacom. In 1999, he was again invited to join the management of MTS First Wireless Limited as Executive Director (Network & Operations), a position he held until 2005 when he resigned to start his own venture, Cititel Networks Communications Limited, a wireless infrastructure and services provision enterprise that excelled in the design of mobile cashless payment solutions for the unbanked. Dr. Juwah was nominated Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission by His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 29th of July, 2010. Dr. Eugene Juwah is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers. Who is the photography-loving farmer and Chairman of the NCC Board of Commissioners? Find out more about PETER IGOH on the next page: [caption id="attachment_22491" align="alignleft" width="904"] Dr Peter Igoh, Chairman of NCC Board of Commissioners [/caption] Dr. Peter Igoh , Chairman of NCC Board of Commissioners State of Origin: Benue State Date of Appointment: August 9, 2010 Engr. Peter Egbe Igoh was nominated by his Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) as the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and was confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Government of Nigeria on July 29th, 2010. An Electronics/Telecoms expert, Engr. Peter Igoh, studied in Moscow (Russia) where he attended the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications from 1971–1976 and obtained the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) and Master of Science (M.Sc) degrees in Electronics | Telecommunications in 1974 and 1976 respectively. Engr. Igoh, a seasoned administrator, has over thirty years experience in public service. He began his career as a classroom teacher in September, 1977 at Government Technical Training School in Makurdi, Benue State. Two years later, he was appointed the Principal of the School where his successful efforts in turning around the fortunes of the school was attested to by a distinguished Senator many years later during his Senate screening and confirmation. The Chairman’s thirteen year career in Benue State Civil Service saw him rising to become the Chief Inspector of Education (Technical Division), Ministry of Education Headquarters, Makurdi. Thereafter, he transferred his services to the Federal Civil Service, and in January 1990, he was appointed the pioneer Principal of the Federal Science & Technical College, Otukpo, Benue State. As a result of his sterling service, Engr. Igoh received a Ministerial Annual Merit Award (as the Best Principal of the Year, 1992). He was promoted to the rank of Director in the Federal Civil Service in January 2004. He has been Chairman, Ministerial Annual Merit Award Committee (Federal Ministry of Education) (April 2004 to December 2007); Chairman, Implementation Committee, Nigerian-UNESCO Special Science Education Project (Federal Ministry of Education) (August 2005 to August 2008); and also a member of the Committee that developed the curriculum for the Public Service Institute, Kubwa, FCT while serving in the office of the Head of Service of the Federation (August 2006 - May 2008). Engr. Peter Igoh retired from public service in July, 2009. The Chairman who is married with six children, enjoys photography and farming, and is a native of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. [caption id="attachment_22531" align="alignleft" width="1024"] Say cheese: The photography-loving Dr Peter Igoh (left on front row) followed by Dr Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communication Technology and Dr Eugene Juwah, the CEO of NCC, is often sighted at public events like this with his camera[/caption] Also on the Board is a trendy former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State who combines a pedigree in IT and yes, Web Development to boot Find out more about BIODUN CHRISTINE OLUJIMI on next page: [caption id="attachment_22526" align="alignleft" width="960"] Mrs. Biodun Christine Olujimi , NCC Commissioner[/caption] Mrs Biodun Christine Olujimi , Commissioners of NCC State of Origin: Ekiti State Date of Appointment: December 13, 2011 Mrs. Biodun Christine Olujimi, a broadcaster, journalist, political scientist, administrator and public relations practitioner was nominated onto the Board of the NCC by His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan late 2011. [blockquote right="pull-right"]She joined politics and at different times has been National Publicity Secretary of the National Centre Party of Nigeria, All People's Party and the All Nigerian People's Party. [/blockquote] A seasoned politician, she holds a diploma in Journalism, a degree in Political Science, a postgraduate degree in Public Relations and Marketing. She holds a certificate in IT with emphasis on web Development from the Michigan State University. Biodun worked at different times with the Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Posts and Telecommunication, Nigerian Television Authority, the Delta Steel Company Ovwian Aladja, Reflex Concept and DBN Television. She joined politics and at different times has been National Publicity Secretary of the National Centre Party of Nigeria, All People's Party and the All Nigerian People's Party. She was a Special Assistant to the Governor of Ekiti State, Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and Deputy Governor in Ekiti State. She was an active participant in the Presidential Primary Election where she held the position of Director Women Affairs. A widely travelled and accomplished administrator, she hails from Omuo-Ekiti in Ekiti East Local Government and is happily married with children. [caption id="attachment_22525" align="alignleft" width="1024"] Mrs. Biodun Christine Olujimi (left); CEO of NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah and ex-Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi [/caption] Also on the Board is a self-styled "effective team player" and former Deputy Governor of Enugu State who manages stakeholders for the telecoms watchdog. Find out more about OKECHUKWU ITANYI on next page: [caption id="attachment_22536" align="alignleft" width="935"] Dr. Okechukwu Itanyi , Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management[/caption] Dr. Okechukwu Itanyi , Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management State of Origin: Enugu State Date of Appointment: July 29, 2010 Dr. Okechukwu Itanyi is the Executive Commissioner (Stakeholder Management) of the Nigerian Communications Commission, confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 29th of July 2010. A management and financial expert, Dr. Okechukwu Itanyi holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. He worked for Catenation Incorporated (a financial consulting company in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA), before returning to Nigeria in 1988. Between 1988 and 1995, Dr. Itanyi worked for the International Merchant Bank, Diamond Bank and Commercial Trust Bank all in Victoria Island, Lagos. He has extensive experience in Treasury and Corporate banking. Dr. Itanyi was elected the Deputy Governor of Enugu State for two consecutive terms (May 1999 to May 2007), during which time he contributed immensely to the human and infrastructural development of the State. He made remarkable contributions towards State Security, Stakeholders’ Engagement & Management as well as promoting National Development. Prior to becoming the Deputy Governor, Dr. Itanyi was elected to represent Igbo-Etiti East Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly in 1997. An effective team player, Dr. Itanyi was voted the best and most loyal Deputy Governor of his time by many independent organizations including the 1st Mandate Communications as well as the Maritime Media both in Lagos. Prior to that, in 1986, he was honoured with the "Pace Setter" Award for outstanding leadership by the Ohio State University. He is also a recipient of Paul Harris International Fellow Award for distinguished service to humanity. In 2014, Dr. Itanyi was awarded his Ph.D. in Business Management from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC). His research interest includes human capital development, decision making process, organizational alliance, financial project management, corporate governance and corporate strategy. Until his appointment as the Executive Commissioner (Stakeholders Management), Dr. Itanyi has successfully directed various financial, investment and property development companies including Duke Brothers Limited, Valuehouse Limited, Rockcastle Limited and Wata Resources Limited. He is an NCC insider, who joined the agency in 2001 and was last year appointed Executive Commissioner, Technical Services of NCC. Turn to the next page to meet Engr. Ubale Ahmed Shehu Maska. [caption id="attachment_22538" align="alignleft" width="869"] Engr. Ubale Ahmed Shehu Maska , Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) of NCC[/caption] Engr. Ubale A. S. Maska, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services State of Origin: Katsina State Date of Appointment: November 28, 2013 Engr. Ubale Ahmed Shehu Maska is the Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) of the Nigerian Communications Commission. Following his graduation with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) - Electrical from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in 1982, Eng. Ubale Maska proceeded to Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt where he served as a teaching and laboratory assistant in the Electrical Engineering Department as his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) primary assignment. [blockquote right="pull-right"]He was then appointed Head of Cyber Security in the newly created New Media & Information Security Department, where he initiated the process of establishing the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) for Nigeria, and also initiated collaborative relationships with numerous International bodies, most notably the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Cyber Security issues.[/blockquote] He returned to ABU afterwards in 1983 as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Electrical Engineering in 1983, and was later promoted to Assistant Lecturer in 1986. During this period, he pursued and obtained a Master’s Degree (MSc.) in Electronics and Telecommunications from his alma mater. Engr. Maska joined the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 1989, leaving in 1997 as Head of Hardware & Networking Division after also having served as Head of the System Administration Team of the NUC’s computer network, and representing the NUC on the steering committee of the Nigerian Internet Group (NIG). While at the NUC, Engr. Maska obtained his second Master's Degree, this time in Software Systems Engineering from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, gaining experience in the design and deployment of automatic control systems as part of the Master's programme in Lunen, Germany. His education continued following his return from the University of Sheffield with training courses in systems integration and structured cabling, which took him to TNSI (Canada), MIPD (USA) and several other institutions. Engr. Maska next joined the Petroleum Equalization Fund (Management) Board (PEFB) as Manager in charge of its Management Information System (MIS) in May, 1997, where he spearheaded the development of various software packages to meet the needs of all arms of the fund and the training of more than half the workforce of the PEFB in basic computing skills. He also led the planning of the PEFB's computerization project for deploying Local Area Networks (LANs) in the Fund's Abuja and Lagos offices and other smaller installations in 22 NNPC depots across the country and connecting all networks together into a Wide Area Network (WAN) via satellite. Following his stint at the PEFB, Engr. Maska moved to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) in October 1999 as a Deputy General Manager in charge of Information Technology where he was responsible for all computing facilities and the LAN deployment and networking of the NSITF's Northern offices. In 2001, Engr. Ubale Maska joined the Nigerian Communications Commission as a Deputy Director (Engineering Directorate - now Spectrum Administration Department). He was part of the team that pioneered the Spectrum Administration procedures and processes in respect of commercial Spectrum in Nigeria and the creation of a Spectrum Pricing Structure for the nation. He was also a member of the team responsible for the initial automation of Frequency Management Records, the establishment of the initial National Frequency Allocation Table in accordance with the ITU's recommendations and participated in the resolution of several frequency interference issues. Notably, he represented the NCC at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) – World Radio Conference (WRC), 2003 He then moved to the Technical Research & Standards Directorate where he participated in the preparatory meetings of the ITU – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), 2008. He was then appointed Head of Cyber Security in the newly created New Media & Information Security Department, where he initiated the process of establishing the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) for Nigeria, and also initiated collaborative relationships with numerous International bodies, most notably the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Cyber Security issues. Engr. Maska was then posted to head the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Department in 2011, where he spearheaded the formation of the Industry Working Group on Multiple Taxation/Regulation in Nigeria, and was promoted Director of the Department in 2012. Engr. Ubale A. S. Maska is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and is happily married with children. This career banker bring to the NCC Board a banking and finance pedigree. Turn to the next page to meet Mohammed Mustapha Bintube. [caption id="attachment_22543" align="alignleft" width="770"] Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Bintube, NCC Commissioner[/caption] Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Bintube, Commissioner, NCC State of Origin: Borno State Date of Appointment: July 29, 2010 Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Bintube was nominated by President Goodluck Jonathan to the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission and confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 29th of July 2010. A career banker, Alhaji Bintube brings in decades of expertise in banking and finance. He began his career with New Nigerian Development Company (NNDC) in 1982 as an Investment Executive and rose to the position of Senior Investment Executive before he moved into core banking in 1989 with Commercial Bank (Credit Lyonnais) Nigeria Limited and served variously as Head of Corporate Finance and Medium Corporate and Private Banking Departments, and as a member of the Bank's Credit and Executive Committee. In 1995, he left to join FSB International Bank Plc. At FSB, Alhaji Bintube rose from the rank of Assistant General Manager to Executive Director and successfully oversaw the growth of various businesses within the bank including; Corporate Banking, Public Sector, Private Banking, Consumer Banking, Financial Institutions and the Energy Sector. He resigned from FSB in June 2004 to take up the new challenge of establishing and driving Nigeria's first non-interest based financial institution. Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Bintube is an alumnus of Wharton Business School (USA), Columbia Business School (USA) and INSEAD (France). He holds a Bachelors Degree in Busines Administration (1981) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and an Advanced Diploma (1989) in Banking from Finafrica Institute, Milan (Italy). He has served as a Director on the Boards of many notable Nigerian companies including: Nigeria Re-insurance Corporation, Hogg Robinson Limited, Nigeria Life and Pension Consultants and Nidogas Company Limited. [caption id="attachment_22540" align="alignleft" width="1024"] Dr. Michael Ebie Onyia, NCC Commissioner[/caption] Dr Emmanuel Ebie Onyia, Commissioner, NCC State of Origin: Enugu State Date of Appointment: June 6, 2006 Dr. Michael Ebie Onyia has over two decades worth of professional experience in civil engineering and project management. He was born on June 15, 1964 in Amechi Awkunanaw in Enugu State. Graduating from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) with B.Eng. (Hons) in Civil Engineering in 1987, Dr. Onyia subsequently obtained M. Eng. in Structural/Geotechnical Engineering from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology in 1997 and Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from UNN in 2005. He has participated in a significant number of civil engineering projects and was the General Manager/Chief Executive officer for the Enugu State Environmental Protection Agency (ENSEPA) from June 2003 to June 2004. With several research works to his credit, he is currently a Seniour Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering at UNN. Dr. Onyia is a Registered Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and a corporate member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE). The man representing South-South on the NCC Board brings “over 15 years experience in the Information Technology sector.” Turn to the next page to meet Dominic Nwator [caption id="attachment_22541" align="alignleft" width="887"] Mr. Dominic Nwator , NCC Commissioner[/caption] Mr Dominic Nwator, Commissioner, NCC State of Origin: Rivers State Date of Appointment: January 11, 2012 Mr. Dominic Nwator was nominated by His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) as the Commissioner representing South-South on the board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and was confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Government of Nigeria on 11th January 2012. Nwator hails from Eleme in Rivers State. [blockquote right="pull-right"]Mr. Dominic, came back to Nigeria and was welcomed by the Rivers State Government under the Dr. Peter Odili & The Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi Administrations respectively to bring his vast I.T experience to use.[/blockquote] A successful Business & IT expert, Mr. Dominic Nwator, studied in Manchester (United Kingdom) where he attended the Manchester Metropolitan University and obtained the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Business Studies & Information Technology. Mr. Nwator, a seasoned administrator, has over 15 years experience in the Information Technology sector. He began his career as a Senior Consultant in Business Management in IT industry for several leading UK private telecom operators. He brought his enormous wealth of experience on-board to leading l.T and oil & gas companies in the UK, which led to their massive expansion from small scale to large sized companies with branches spread across the world including Nigeria. Mr. Dominic, came back to Nigeria and was welcomed by the Rivers State Government under the Dr. Peter Odili & The Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi Administrations respectively to bring his vast I.T experience to use. This he did in several advisory capacities he handled for the Governor, Secretary to State Government, Ministry of Information and spread across all M.D.A's and especially the Information & Communications Technology Department under the Governor's office. His input in different committees he worked with has made a significant difference with the spread of ICT literacy and use across Rivers State. Until his appointment as the Commissioner (South-South), he has successfully directed various financial, investment and energy development companies including Horizon IT Consulting, Proez Logistics. He is an active promoter of Public Private Partnership and bring to on the NCC Board administrative experiences in both private and public sectors” Turn to the next page to meet Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, OON [caption id="attachment_22542" align="alignleft" width="890"] Alhaji Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar OON, NCC Commissioner[/caption] Alhaji Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, OON, Commissioner, NCC State of Origin: Kaduna State Date of Appointment: December 13, 2011 Alhaji Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar OON, a Barrister at Law and an Administrator, obtained his first degree (LLB) from Bayero University Kano, and furthered his education at the University of Exeter, United Kingdom where he obtained a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with specialisation in Financial Management. In addition to his studies, Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar has attended various executive training programmes both locally and abroad amongst which are Financial Management and Accounting for Senior Managers (SMU Dallas) USA, Negotiation Skills for Executives, Templeton College Oxford University UK, Corporate Governance Harvard Business School Boston USA, Chief Executive Program (CEP13) Lagos Business School Nigeria. Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar until his recent appointment has held several offices such as; Director General Bureau for Lands & Surveys Kaduna State, within which the commission witnessed a complete re-organization of Land Use Administration and Allocation in the state and the introduction of Public Private Partnership in the provision of information in new layouts. He further held positions twice as a Commissioner in Kaduna State (Health and Social Development & Finance and Economic Planning). Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar was actively involved in legal service until his appointment as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) where he designed a robust organizational structure, developed the Fund’s operational culture of excellence and fashioned it into a knowledge driven proactive organization. During his time as Executive Secretary, the country witnessed a re-institutionalization in the petroleum engineering field through the development of a twin-pronged approach to deliver its mandate through sponsorship of training and educational development, and provision and enhancement of local training institutions to meet World Class Status and International Best Practices. Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar is a lecturer in the University of Nigeria and Ahmadu Bello University and a member of various professional organizations such as the Nigerian Bar Association, International Law Societies, London and International Bar Association, International Association for Energy Economists, Society of Petroleum Engineers (Nigeria), Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN), etc. Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar has been the recipient of many awards and honours, among which is the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Fellow - Eisenhower Foundation (EF) Philadelphia USA, Honorary Doctor of Business, Robert Gordon University UK, Fellow - Institute of Petroleum Studies, Honorary Fellow - Nigeria Institute of Physics. Academically, he won the Mudiaga Odje Prize for Best Law Student Bayero University Kano, Vahe Baramian Prize for Best Student Criminal Procedure, Sir Lionell Brett Prize for Best Performance in Criminal Law, among others. Until his appointment as a Commissioner, Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar was an active participant in Public Private Investment and a key promoter of many private establishments. He is presently on the Board of Directors of many companies such as Niger Insurance Plc, Sahelian Power Ltd, etc.

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