FG Plans 30km Fibre-Optic Deployment at OAU
The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy up to 30 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure across the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to significantly improve internet connectivity and digital access for students and staff.
The initiative is aimed at addressing persistent connectivity challenges on campus while supporting the university’s digital transformation agenda.
Project Aligned With Nigeria’s Digital Economy Agenda
The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, during a visit to the university last week.
According to the minister, the project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s digital future through targeted infrastructure investment, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that expanding digital infrastructure within higher institutions is critical to driving long-term economic growth and innovation.
Fibre Network to Cover Academic Buildings and Hostels
Tijani said the planned 30km fibre-optic rollout will span OAU’s academic buildings, student hostels, and staff quarters, significantly improving broadband availability and reliability across campus.
The intervention is being supported by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), which focuses on extending digital services to underserved communities and institutions.
FG to Fund Research Grants and Digital Scholarships
Beyond infrastructure, the Federal Government also announced additional investments in research and talent development at OAU.
Under the National Digital Economy Research Scheme, the government will fund:
- One professorial research grant
- Three post-doctoral research positions
- Three PhD scholarships
These awards will focus on core areas of Nigeria’s digital economy, with the goal of developing skilled human capital for emerging technology sectors.
Minister Praises OAU’s Academic Legacy
Tijani described OAU as a university with a strong legacy of academic excellence and national impact, noting its contributions to sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and enterprise.
“OAU’s record of excellence shows what can be achieved when academic rigour meets national purpose,” the minister said.
He added that investing simultaneously in infrastructure, research, and talent will help universities play a stronger role in building a more inclusive and innovative digital Nigeria.
OAU Says Project Will Improve Campus-Wide Internet Services
Speaking on the initiative, OAU’s Public Relations Office said the fibre-optic deployment will enhance internet services across all platforms, including academic buildings, staff areas, and student hostels.
The upgrade comes amid widespread complaints from students over poor network quality, particularly during online lectures, assessments, and examinations.
Students Report Persistent Internet Challenges
Many OAU students have described campus internet access as unreliable and frustrating. In recent feedback collected by the Association of Campus Journalists, OAU (ACJOAU), several students said they struggle to stay connected during online classes.
One student using MTN said she often has to move around campus searching for network signals during virtual lectures. Another student on Globacom noted that while service is sometimes stable, outages are frequent, forcing her to rely on friends’ hotspots to access academic information.
Fibre Rollout Expected to Ease Academic Disruptions
The planned 30km fibre-optic infrastructure is expected to address these long-standing challenges by providing faster, more stable internet access across the university.
For students and staff, improved connectivity will support online learning, research collaboration, digital assessments, and access to academic resources, boosting productivity and overall campus experience.
