By …Engr. Oluwatoyin Asaju Retires After 17 Years of Service at NCC
After 17 years of outstanding service, Engr. Oluwatoyin Asaju, the former Director of the Spectrum Administration Department at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has retired at the age of 60, receiving tributes from colleagues, management, and industry experts.
Engr. Asaju was recognized for his exceptional leadership, particularly in managing the 3.5 Gigahertz (GHz) Band Auction, which played a pivotal role in the successful and transparent auction of Fifth Generation (5G) licenses in December 2021. This process not only contributed to Nigeria’s telecom development but also brought significant benefits to the federal government.
A valedictory session was held by the NCC leadership and staff to celebrate Engr. Asaju’s remarkable contributions. NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who presided over the event, praised Engr. Asaju for his hard work, professionalism, resilience, and humility throughout his career.
“I have had the privilege of working closely with Engr. Asaju during his time in the Special Duties and Spectrum Administration Departments. In both roles, he demonstrated high levels of professionalism and excellence,” Prof. Danbatta remarked. “His impartiality, forthrightness, and commitment to duty are qualities worthy of emulation by younger staff.”
Prof. Danbatta further highlighted Engr. Asaju’s instrumental role in the 3.5 GHz spectrum auction for 5G deployment in 2021. He expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the Commission, recognizing Engr. Asaju’s dedication to the success of the NCC’s strategic vision. “On behalf of the board, management, and staff of the Commission, I extend our gratitude for your commendable service to the Commission and the Nigerian telecom sector,” he added.
Tributes flowed from colleagues, including Engr. Ubale Maska, NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, and other staff members who had worked with Engr. Asaju since his start at NCC in 2005. Over the years, Engr. Asaju advanced from senior manager to director, building a reputation for his dedication to the growth of the telecom sector. Prior to joining the NCC, he worked at the Federal Ministry of Communications, rising to the position of Chief Engineer.
Engr. Asaju holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Ilorin, an MBA, a postgraduate diploma in Computer Science, and a Master’s in Telecommunications Regulation and Policy from the University of the West Indies. He is a fellow of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
In his retirement speech, Engr. Asaju expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve at a globally respected institution like the NCC. He commended Prof. Danbatta for his visionary leadership, which has repositioned the Commission as a leading public sector entity committed to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. Surrounded by his wife Ayisat, children, family, and friends, Engr. Asaju thanked his colleagues for their support and shared commitment to a digital Nigeria.
Throughout his career, Engr. Asaju’s exemplary professionalism was evident in his active membership and fellowship in various professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institution of Information and Communications Engineers (NIICTE) and the West Africa Society for Communication and Administration (WASCA). His contributions to the Nigerian telecom industry have left an indelible mark.
