… To Support 49 Higher Institutions, 20 Airports, 6 Markets
…NUC, NBTE, NCCE also
The Nigerian Communications Commission has progressed to the second and third phase of its support to tertiary institutions, markets and airports around the country through the Broadband Connectivity initiative which provides the designated beneficiaries with unlimited broadband at no cost to enable themdeliver more effectively on their mandates.
This disclosure was made by the Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy , Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami Thursday on the occasion of the presentation of certificates to the representatives of the beneficiary-institutions/ organisations which held at the Commission’s Complex at Mbora in Abuja.
It will be recalled that the first phase which covered 18 higher institutions and 20 markets was announced on November 24, 2022 at a press conference which held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
In his remarks yesterday the Minister confirmed that the first phase had achieved an average implementation level of 80% which provided a reasonable basis for the commencement of the new phases.
Some of the higher institutions covered under the new phases include University of Ibadan, Lagos State University, Federal University, Dutse; Usman DanFodio University, Sokoto; Alex Ekwueme University, Ebonyi State; Federal University, Oye-Ekiti; Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi; Nekede Polytechnic; Delta State Polytecnic, Ogwashi- Uku; Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic among many others. An interesting inclusion was that of a private university , the Achievers University,Owo.
Another pleasant surprise for stakeholders was the inclusion of the regulatory bodies in the new phase that is, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
Putting the source of funding in proper perspective, the Minister explained,“Historically it is important to realize that this is not just a direct government intervention but it is a government intervention that we willingly sacrificed from our internally generated revenue… from our operating surplus.”
“All in all we can say that from this number we have 113 interventions,” Pantami concluded.