Abuja: The Federal Government has launched a significant initiative to provide 24-hour internet and power supply to special institutions across Nigeria, starting with the University of Abuja (UniAbuja). The new fibre-to-home installation in the university’s hostels is part of a broader plan to ensure uninterrupted internet access in special institutions nationwide by the end of 2026.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning at an event in Abuja. Dr. Alausa emphasized that UniAbuja, as a special institution, now benefits from round-the-clock internet service, and similar facilities will be extended to other special institutions by 2026.
Dr. Alausa further elaborated on the efforts led by President Bola Tinubu to enhance energy provision across institutions. He noted that special institutions, including UniAbuja, currently enjoy continuous electricity via the presidential renewable mini-grid project and the solarisation initiative. UniAbuja, for instance, benefits from a 3.3 megahertz mini-grid, ensuring consistent power supply.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, stated that UniAbuja is the first of seven universities to be connected in the initial phase of this pilot scheme. By the end of July, all seven institutions are expected to be integrated into the network. Dr. Tijani underscored the necessity of providing Nigerian university students with meaningful connectivity to enhance their learning experiences and to help build the nation’s future.
Prof. Patricia Lar, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja, expressed her appreciation for the project and its potential to benefit the entire school community. She highlighted the initiative’s potential to provide students of all economic backgrounds access to data for educational purposes, complemented by the campus’s solar power backup.
Faith David, President of the Medical Students Association, voiced the students’ gratitude for the government’s efforts in enhancing their learning environment with reliable internet and power access. The connectivity is expected to significantly ease their educational pursuits.