FG approves N16.7bn for broadband infrastructures in selected Universities, markets

The Federal Government says it has approved the sum of N16.7bn for the provisions of broadband infrastructures in 18 universities and 20 markets selected from the 6 geopolitical zones, with a view of deepening broadband penetration across the country.

The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of broadband infrastructure Project and the unveiling of his book titled, “Skills Rather than Degrees”, which was organized by The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).

Prof. Pantami said one of the challenges hindering the broadband penetration and services coverage in Nigeria is the infrastructural deficit across the country’s economy.

The minister, however, noted that the implementation of the proposed project will give the country a push into economic advancement and create opportunities for digital job creations and innovations in the country.

He said: “A second broadband initiative being launched today is for the provision of broadband infrastructures for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs), tertiary and higher learning institutions across the country.

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“This will significantly enhance the quality and ease of access across our markets and educational institutions and will also deepen broadband penetration across the country.

Prof. Pantami listed the beneficiary tertiary institutions to include: the University Of Lagos, College Of Education (Special), Ibadan, as well as Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Others were: the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, The University of Calabar, University of Benin, University of Port Harcourt, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Bayero University, Kano, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina, Borno University, and ATBU, Bauchi.

Also included were: Gombe University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Ilorin and University of Abuja.

Earlier, the minister, during his book presentation, with the title: “Skills Rather Than Just Degrees”, said the book identified the challenges confronting Nigerian tertiary institutions.

He said the book focused on the importance of skills, creative thinking, team work, training and its potential impact in addressing the problems of unemployability, unemployment and underemployment.

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READ ALSO: Pantami stresses importance of techology to national development

“I am very delighted to unveil my latest book. “I am passionate about the importance of skills and have been speaking about this at many events. This book is a research and productive work implementing the paradigm shift that I am advocating’”, he said.

FCT Minister, Malam Mohammed Bello giving his address during the launch of broadband projects. @ProfIsaPantami

On his part, The FCT Minister, Malam Mohammed Bello, commended Prof. Pantami for the giant strides he has recorded in the country particularly the tremendous expansion of the personal identities of Nigerians, digital financial inclusion and broadband penetration.

Mallam Bello, said as part of its efforts to encourage broadband penetration, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) would provide a 90% discount by collecting N14.50k per linear meter for any telecommunication companies that want to deploy broadband services within green areas in the FCT.

There were also goodwill messages from the EVC of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria University Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, various vice chancellors of universities and Directors General of agencies under the ministry of communications and digital Economy.