The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy up to 30 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure across the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus. This initiative aims to significantly enhance internet access and overall connectivity within the University.
During a recent visit to the University, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, stated that this project is a key component of the government's commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital future. The federal government intends to drive the nation’s digital and economic development through strategic investment in such infrastructure.
Dr. Tijani elaborated that the deployment of 30 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure will span OAU’s academic buildings and student hostels, thereby improving internet connectivity and digital access for all on campus.
He further noted that this plan aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the development of the digital economy. The intervention to support the university’s digital transformation efforts will be funded by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
The Minister acknowledged OAU's long-standing legacy of academic excellence and its substantial contributions to national development. He highlighted that OAU has produced influential leaders across various critical sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and enterprise, underscoring the profound impact of academia on national objectives.
“OAU’s record of excellence shows what can be achieved when academic rigour meets national purpose.”
In addition to the infrastructure upgrade, the Federal Government will fund one professorial research grant, three post-doctoral positions, and three PhD scholarships. These will focus on core areas relevant to Nigeria’s digital economy and will be administered under the National Digital Economy Research Scheme, designed to cultivate skilled professionals 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,” Dr. Tijani added.
Impact on the University Community
Responding to inquiries about the project, particularly the 30-kilometre fibre-optic infrastructure, OAU Public Relations indicated that the initiative is expected to significantly “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 arrives at a critical juncture, addressing ongoing disruptions in internet access experienced by students on campus.
For students, reliable and high-quality internet access is indispensable for staying informed about academic matters, participating in virtual classes, and ensuring a smooth experience during online tests and examinations. Poor internet connectivity often leads to frustration and diminishes student productivity.
Recent feedback from OAU students regarding campus internet quality has been largely negative, with many describing their network experiences as frustrating and “very bad.”
In a report by ACJOAU, a student using MTN as their primary network service expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “Most times when I have online classes, I cannot stay here. I have to walk around looking for network signals.”
When asked about how she manages to obtain information during network fluctuations, she explained, “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, who relies on Globacom, noted that while the network is generally good, there are periods of complete network absence on campus. To overcome these outages and avoid missing academic information, she resorts to using mobile hotspots provided by friends.
The forthcoming 30-kilometre fibre-optic infrastructure is poised to effectively address these prevalent challenges, thereby improving internet connectivity and digital access throughout the University.