The Federal Government has connected the University of Abuja hostels to fibre broadband. This initiative aims to provide 24-hour internet access to students, marking a major milestone in the government’s efforts to improve learning outcomes through better digital infrastructure.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Mahruf Alausa, highlighted the importance of this project, stating that it will provide seamless internet access to students directly in their hostels. “President Bola Tinubu is energizing institutions,” Alausa said. “The University of Abuja is one of the beneficiaries of the presidential renewable mini-grid project, enjoying 24-hour electricity supply via a 3.3 megahertz mini-grid.”
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, revealed that the University of Abuja is the first of seven universities to benefit from this initiative in the pilot stage. “By the end of July, we would have connected the seven universities,” Tijani said. “We believe that Nigerian university students cannot continue to learn without access to meaningful connectivity.”
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Patricia Lar, described the initiative as inclusive and transformational for students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. “It is a special initiative that is going to create opportunities for students of all economic status to access data to be able to use for knowledge and education and to feed their creativity with ease,” she said.
The government aims to provide reliable internet access to special institutions nationwide by the end of 2026. This initiative is expected to enhance students’ academic performance and contribute to the nation’s digital transformation. With the fibre broadband connection, students at the University of Abuja can now access the internet 24/7.
The successful implementation of this project in seven universities by July will likely set a precedent for further expansion across the country, bridging the digital divide and fostering a more digitally literate population.
