FG To Provide AE-FUNAI With Broadband Infrastructure, Fiber Optics-Powered Internet Access

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State has been selected as one of the tertiary institutions in Nigeria earmarked for broadband infrastructure and end-to-end fiber optics- powered internet access by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Myschoolnews reports this decision was communicated to the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Sunday Elom via a letter from the Honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), referenced HMCIDE/025/GEN/Vol. 111 and dated 31st March, 2023.

The letter read in part:

 “In fulfillment of one of the pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS 2020 – 2030) i.e Digital Literacy and Skills by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR vision on economic development, the Federal Government intends to provide broadband infrastructure in selected tertiary and higher learning institutions

“We wish to inform you that, the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State has been earmarked as one of the beneficiaries of the broadband infrastructure projects. Consequently, your support is required to enable its implementation by the contractor, as awarded by the Nigerian Communications Commission on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria”.

The Vice-Chancellor through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Abel Ezeoha, noted that when completed the internet infrastructure will enhance the capacity of the university in blended learning.

 He added that the university is one of the 6 universities in Nigeria in partnership with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) on blended learning – a combination of face-to-face teaching and online interactions, stressing that uninterrupted internet access will enhance blended learning activities in the university.

Professor Elom also assured the contractor of the university’s commitment to providing the necessary enabling environment to carry out the project in stipulated time and specifications.

Mr. Okey Ikpe, the representative of the contracting firm, on his part noted that the contract covers the laying of fiber optics within a 10 km radius and the provision of hybrid inverter with the contract time scheduled for 6 months.