The Federal Government has announced a major infrastructure project to deploy 30 kilometres of fibre-optic cable across the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus. This initiative, funded through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), aims to significantly enhance internet connectivity and digital access for both academic buildings and student hostels.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, revealed the plan during a recent visit to the university, insisting that the project is part of the government’s agenda, which prioritizes the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy through strategic investments in technology.
The deployment aims to transform OAU’s digital landscape, ensuring that students and faculty have the high-speed tools necessary for modern research and learning. Dr. Tijani lauded OAU’s “longstanding legacy of academic excellence,” noting the institution’s history of producing leaders in technology, infrastructure, and enterprise.
“OAU’s record of excellence shows what can be achieved when academic rigour meets national purpose,” the Minister stated, highlighting the university’s role in driving national goals.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the Federal Government is also investing in the university’s human capital. Under the National Digital Economy Research Scheme, the government will fund one professorial research grant, three post-doctoral positions and three PhD scholarships.
These opportunities are specifically tailored to core areas of Nigeria’s digital economy, aimed at developing a pipeline of highly skilled individuals within the tech sector.
By combining infrastructure development with research funding, the government seeks to position Nigerian universities as hubs for innovation.
“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.