World Bank partners Nigeria on 10 GB Fibre Optic Network for Universities

The Nigerian Government and the World Bank are targeting a 10 GB Fibre Optical Network for Nigerian Universities and other Higher Institutions of Learning. The project aims to provide fast internet access for students, visitors and staff in the academe. The Nigerian Ministry of Communication Technology, the National Universities Commission and Tertiary Education Trust Fund will supervise allocation to schools and maintenance. Speaking on the project, the Minister of Communications Technology, Omobola Johnson said, “Design of the network which will link higher institutions to a wider research and education universe has been completed and RFP (Request for Proposal) issued. The build out of phase one will commence in the first quarter of 2013 by connecting 36 federal universities, 28 off-campus sites and 12 medical colleges, while phase two will cover the state universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.”