The Federal Government of Nigeria has awarded contracts for the deployment of broadband infrastructure in 18 tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
According to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, each of the projects will cost N400 million, as approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Apart from universities, the Minister said that 20 selected markets in Nigeria will also benefit from the broadband infrastructure projects.
The projects are part of moves to achieve 70% broadband penetration in the country by 2025, as set out in Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (NNBP 2020-2025).
The universities: Speaking during the awarding of the contract letters in Abuja, Pantami said that 18 higher institutions are the first to benefit from the government’s broadband initiative. On how they arrived at the number, he said that 3 were selected from each geopolitical area of the country.
The beneficiary institutions, which comprised 17 universities and 1 College of Education, include the University of Lagos; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; University of Calabar; University of Benin; and the University of Port Harcourt.
Others are Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Bayero University, Kano; Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina; Borno State University; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; Gombe State University; Federal University of Technology, Minna; University of Ilorin; University of Abuja; and College of Education (Special), Ibadan.
The markets: Similarly, Pantami said 20 markets, 3 from each geopolitical zone, were selected to benefit from the broadband projects. Markets include the popular Computer Village in Lagos; Wuse Market in Abuja; Kantin Kwari Market, Kano; Central Market, Lafia, Nasarawa State; Mandate Market, Ilorin; Jos main market, Plateau State; Jimeta Central Market, Yola; New Market, Gombe; Monday Market, Maiduguri; Central Market, Gusau, Zamfara State; Central Market, Katsina, Katsina State; and Bodija Market, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Others are Oja Oba, Akure, Ondo State; Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State; Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia State; International Modern Market, Owerri, Imo State; Main Market, Onitsha, Anambra State; Watt Market, Calabar, Cross River; Oba Market, Benin, Edo State; and Swali Market, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.
The Minister said that the broadband projects will improve the quality of education in Nigerian schools and link local businesses with the international community for economic growth.
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