In a step towards bridging Nigeria’s digital divide, the Federal Government has rolled out a fibre-to-hostel broadband project at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), bringing blazing-fast internet speeds directly into student residences.
The pilot launch, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, was held at UNILAG’s Akoka campus and marks the first phase of a broader infrastructure push under the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria.
Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, led the unveiling and explained that the project is designed to revolutionise internet access in public institutions, starting with four student hostels at UNILAG. These include the Gbajabiamila Hall Residence and Erastus Akingbola Hall, which will now enjoy secured Wi-Fi and dedicated fibre connectivity capable of reaching speeds between 50 and 100 Mbps.
“This isn’t your average phone connection. We’re talking about fibre-optic broadband — the kind that powers global innovation hubs,” Tijani said during his keynote.
A Historic Leap Toward a Digital Nigeria
Supported by Galaxy Backbone, Huawei, and Tizeti, the initiative is aimed at providing high-quality and affordable internet to all 774 local government areas and major public institutions across the country.
Dr Tijani linked the project to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s larger vision of growing Nigeria into a $1 trillion digital economy, anchored on infrastructure that leaves no one behind.
“When I was in school, internet access was N30 per minute on dial-up,” he recalled. “Now, we’re giving you access to the kind of connectivity that enables online learning, remote work, and tech startups — right in your rooms.”
Students were encouraged to take full advantage of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, a nationwide tech skill development scheme introduced by the ministry. “If you’re not learning tech alongside your course, you’re not future-ready,” the minister warned, urging students to enrol before the end of his campus visit.
He also emphasised accountability, asking students to report internet issues directly to him. “If you’re not getting the speeds we promised, send me a message on LinkedIn. Call us out. We’re building a culture where quality and accountability matter,” Tijani added.
UNILAG’s Digital Dream
UNILAG’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the launch as a turning point in the university’s digital transformation journey.
Tijani reflected on how reliable internet during his own university days helped shape his career, from leading in AIESEC to founding startups in Lagos. He challenged students to use the newly available infrastructure to build tech-driven futures, referencing Nigerian success stories like Andela and Flutterwave that began in similar university environments.
“This free high-speed internet should be your springboard. The digital future isn’t coming — it’s already here,” Tijani concluded.The project is expected to expand to seven more universities in the coming months, eventually scaling nationwide.
I am passionate about crafting stories, vibing to good music (and making some too), debating Nigeria’s political future like it’s the World Cup, and finding the perfect quiet spot to work and unwind.
3 replies on “UNILAG Hostels Go Digital as FG Launches Fibre Initiative”
[…] many venture-funded edtech platforms that prioritise investor returns, OurSchool.africa is entirely free. It represents what […]
[…] including the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, as well as the Vice Chancellors of UNILAG and UniAbuja—Professors Folashade Ogunsola and Patricia Lar. Also present was Galaxy Backbone […]
[…] higher education sector is on the cusp of a major digital shift. On Tuesday, the Federal Government officially launched a […]