TheCable

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it will provide free internet to Technical University, Ibadan (Tech-U), in support of Oyo state government’s vision to become an information communication technology (ICT) hub.

Sunday Dare, executive commissioner, stakeholders management division of the NCC, disclosed this on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to Abiola Ajimobi, governor of the state.

He said the Oyo-based Tech-U would benefit from the commission’s free internet scheme since the state is the fourth largest telecommunication services consumer.

Dare said the commission’s support would “improve the educational and economic status of the state” as free Wi-Fi will provide Tech-U students with “access to world-class academic materials and exchange programmes”.

He said: “It is important for us to visit Oyo State because your (Ajimobi’s) administration has set up necessary pillars for sustainable benefits accruable from ICT.

“One is the Technical University, which is unique in nature. We are also monitoring your other steps towards building an industrialized economy for the state.

“Fiber optic lines will be laid to connect the institution with other universities and polytechnics in order to acquire synergy in academic and social aspects.

“Being the fourth largest in the country in telecommunication services patronage, Oyo State stands to benefit more from ICT, because modern development is attached to technology.

“We will assist the development of ICT in Oyo State in our own little way.”

Ajimobi, while expressing appreciation for NCC’s planned support to Tech-U, said the commission should hasten their plans to make the state an ICT hub, adding that it would lead to economic development on many fronts.

“Your visit is timely, particularly during this period when our repositioning agenda is at its peak in the state,” he said.

“We have deliberately ensured that our repositioning agenda is tailored towards making the state a hub of ICT.

“The technical university was established as the main thrust and springboard for this vision. And with this, I can say that we are emulating those countries that are at the forefront of global development. I thank and appreciate the NCC for this gesture.

“We will appreciate it more if you can expedite action on the support you have promised us for the university so that our aspirations towards growing an economy anchored upon technology would be achievable in record time.