){kind=link}
As part of its efforts to improve digital access and create a supportive learning environment in Nigerian tertiary institutions, the Federal Government has inaugurated a fibre-to-home internet infrastructure at the hostels of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja).
This initiative is part of a broader plan aimed at providing 24-hour internet connectivity to designated special institutions across the country by the end of 2026.
The launch event, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday, was attended by key government officials and university stakeholders. Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, emphasized the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of education through the provision of modern technological infrastructure.
“President Bola Tinubu is energising institutions. We have special institutions in the country today enjoying 24-hour electricity via the presidential renewable mini-grid project—the solarisation project,” Alausa said. “The University of Abuja is one of the beneficiaries. You have a 3.3 megawatt mini-grid here, and everybody can attest to the fact that you now have 24-hour electricity supply.”
Dr. Alausa added that the internet connectivity project complements the government’s ongoing renewable energy initiative. He assured that the rollout of similar facilities would be extended to all special institutions before the close of 2026, highlighting the synergy between uninterrupted power supply and digital connectivity in advancing learning and research.
Echoing the Education Minister’s sentiments, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, noted that the University of Abuja is the first of seven universities included in the initial phase of a pilot scheme under the federal government’s digital transformation agenda.
“This initiative we are launching here today is the first of the seven in the pilot scheme. By the end of July, all seven institutions will be connected,” Dr. Tijani stated. “Galaxy Backbone already has the infrastructure in place. What we are doing now is taking the fibre directly to students’ hostels.”
He further stressed the importance of reliable internet connectivity in modern education, saying, “We believe that Nigerian university students cannot continue to learn effectively without access to meaningful connectivity. By providing this access, we are not only improving learning outcomes but also enabling students to contribute meaningfully to the future of Nigeria.”
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Patricia Lar, expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government for selecting the university as a pilot beneficiary. In her welcome address, she highlighted the transformative potential of the project for the campus community.
“This is a special initiative that will create opportunities for students of all economic backgrounds to access data for learning, research, and innovation,” she remarked. “We are grateful for the deployment of fibre to our hostels. This initiative is further reinforced by the solar power backup systems already installed on our campus, ensuring consistent access to electricity.”
Students of the university also expressed their gratitude and optimism. Representing the student body, the President of the Medical Students Association, Faith David, commended the government for the dual provision of power and internet, which she described as crucial to academic success.
“We appreciate both ministers for this initiative. We are now enjoying 24-hour power supply, and our hostels have been connected to the internet, which makes learning much easier for us,” she said.
The inauguration marks a significant step toward digital inclusivity in Nigeria’s tertiary education system. With reliable electricity and high-speed internet now being prioritized, the government aims to bridge the digital divide and empower students to excel in a competitive global academic environment.