UI, Oke -Ogun Poly, Ibadan Airport to enjoy free internet facilities

 

Students, lecturers, and visitors to the University of Ibadan (UI) and Oke- Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, (TOP) as well as passengers at the Ibadan Airport, all in Oyo State, will soon begin to enjoy free and unlimited Internet facilities, as beneficiaries of the second phase intervention broadband connectivity programme of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government had approved N41.6 billion for the provision of Internet facilities at airports, some institutions of learning, and markets across the country.

Meanwhile, the College of Education (Special), Oyo and Bodija market, Ibadan were beneficiaries of the first phase of the programme in Oyo State.

Mega Icon Magazine reliably gathered that the latest beneficiaries of the second phase of the programme were presented with their letters on Wednesday by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, at a colourful event in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The programme, as learnt, was to provide free internet access at the nation’s tertiary institutions, airports, and markets as part of an integral programme to boost the digital economy in the country.

Under the scheme, telephone subscribers have free and unlimited internet connectivity in their locations.

A total of 49 tertiary institutions , 20 airports, and six markets across the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory are benefitting from the scheme.

Remarking at the epoch-making event, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, explained that the programme was designed to produce a population of Nigerians that will be active stakeholders in the digital economy.

The NCC boss, further noted that the extension of the facilities to the universities and other tertiary institutions would promote research, enhance teaching, and make students learn more efficiently even as the broadband connectivity makes their social life more active and productive.