Oluwatoyin Asaju, spectrum expert, retires from NCC amid accolades

*Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission at the event describes Engr. Oluwatoyin Asaju as the retiring staff epitomising ‘hard work, resilience, professionalism and humility’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Engr. Oluwatoyin Asaju, former Director of Spectrum Administration Department at the  Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has bowed out of the telecoms sector regulatory body, with encomiums from the Management and industry experts, having turned 60 after 17 years of meritorious service.

ConsumerConnect reports Engr. Asaju led the team that managed the 3.5Ghz Spectrum auction process that attracted fame and fortune to the Federal Government through the transparent auction process for the sale of the 5G licences conducted by the Commission December 12, 2021.

A group photograph with Engr. Asaju at the event in Abuja

Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, stated that the leadership and staff of the Commission recently hosted the spectrum expert to a valedictory session to celebrate his performance,

The Commission noted Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, who presided over the event, described Engr. Asaju’s performance in superlatives, stating that the retiring staff epitomizes hard work, resilience, professionalism and humility.

Danbatta stated: “I have worked closely with the celebrant while he was the Director in the Special Duties Department, and later Spectrum Administration Department, and in his capacity as Director in these departments, he demonstrated high level of professionalism and excellence.

“He was also impartial, forthright and resoluteness in discharging his duties. This is worthy of commendations and emulation from younger staff present in this room.”

The NCC EVC/CEO described the retired engineer as a staff who “exceeded all expectations throughout his service years at NCC.”

Danbatta also said  Asaju “is so competent, confident and resourceful. I am happy to have come into NCC at a time when there are resourceful people like Engr. Asaju in the system to help drive our digital agenda for the Nigerian economy.”

He particularly expressed the gratitude of the staff and management of the Commission for Engr. Asaju’s dedication to duty.

“I recall your efforts which led to successful auction of two slots in the 3.5 gigahertz spectrum for the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) services in December, 2021.

“Of course, these are just examples of your many contributions to the achievement of the strategic vision of the Commission and we cannot thank you enough.

“On behalf of the Board, management and staff of the Commission, I wish to thank you for your dedication throughout your 17 years of commendable, laudable and dedicated service to the Commission in particular and to the Nigerian telecom sector in general,” said Danbatta.

The NCC further stated that a rain of tributes poured on Engr. Asaju from colleagues, led by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Ubale Maska, and other friends and members of the family of the celebrant who joined the Commission in 2005 as a Senior Manager.

According to NCC, the retiring staff later rose from the ranks to become a Director at the telecoms sector regulatory Commission.

Before he joined the Commission, he had worked at then Federal Ministry of Communications where he rose to the position of Chief Engineer, stated Muoka.

Engr. Asaju began his career after obtaining a Bachelor of Engineering degree specializing in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

He also holds a Master of Business Administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science from same university in addition to a Master’s Degree in Telecommunications Regulation and Policy with a Distinction from the University of West Indies, through a scholarship offered by the International Telecommunication Union, ITU.

In his response on the occasion, Asaju, who is a Fellow of several professional bodies, expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve at a globally respected institution like the NCC.

The spectrum expert also commended Prof. Danbatta for his remarkable leadership qualities which has repositioned the Commission as a flagship Nigerian public sector institution, committed to championing the Federal Government’s vision for a robust digital economy and culture.

Joined by his wife, Ayisat, children and family members and friends, Engr. Asaju expressed gratitude to colleagues of many years with whom he shared the vision and commitment to a better digital Nigeria.

Engr. Asaju’s career was one of exemplary professionalism, expressed in his top level fellowship and membership of many professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronics in Engineers, NIEEE, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), West Africa Society for Communication and Administration (WASCA), and the Nigerian Institution of Information and Communications Engineers (NIICTE), said the NCC.