The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy up to 30 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure across the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus. The move aims to enhance internet access and connectivity in the University.
According to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, during a visit to the University last week, the project is part of the commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital future. Through strategic investment, the federal government wants to drive the nation’s digital and economic development.
The minister noted that the deployment of 30 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure across OAU’s academic buildings and student hostels will improve internet connectivity and digital access on campus.
According to him, the plan is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on the digital economy. He noted that the intervention to support the university’s digital transformation effort is backed by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
Tijani noted that OAU has a longstanding legacy of academic excellence and has significantly contributed to national development. He added that OAU has produced credible leaders across key sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and enterprise, revealing how academia impacts national goals.
“OAU’s record of excellence shows what can be achieved when academic rigour meets national purpose,” Tijani stated.
In addition, the Minister revealed that the FG will fund one professorial research grant, three post-doctoral positions, and three PhD scholarships in core areas of Nigeria’s digital economy. The project will be executed under the National Digital Economy Research Scheme, tailored to developing skilled resourced individuals in the digital sectors.
“By investing in infrastructure, research, and talent, we are empowering our universities to help build a more innovative, inclusive, and digitally enabled Nigeria,” he added.
Speaking to Technext on the project, especially the 30 kilometres fibre-optic infrastructure, OAU Public Relations noted that the initiative will “enhance internet services across all platforms (academic buildings, academic calendar staff and non-academic staff quarters and hostels).”
30km fibre-optic: A timely arrival for OAU students
The planned network infrastructure upgrade comes at a time when students are experiencing disruptions in internet access on campus.
For students, quality internet access is important to stay updated on essential academic information, attend virtual classes, and experience a smooth internet during online tests and examinations. Inability to enjoy good internet access leads to frustration and makes students less productive.
In a recent reaction by OAU students concerning the quality of internet access on campus, most painted that the network experience has been frustrating and ‘very bad.’
In a recent report by ACJOAU, a student whose choice of network is MTN noted that the service has not been good. “Most times when I have online classes, I cannot stay here. I have to walk around looking for network signals,” she lamented.
On how she copes with getting information when the network fluctuates, she said, “That is why I like moving with my friends. If I’m not able to go on WhatsApp to check messages, I will just call them.”
Another student, whose choice of network is Globacom, explained that while the network is good, there are times when there will be no network on campus. On how she gets through when the network fails, she noted that she does rely on hotspots from friends to save herself from missing out on academic information.
The 30-kilometre fibre-optic infrastructure stands to address these challenges and improve internet connectivity and digital access across the University.
