UNILORIN: N95m Fibre-Optics project to be commissioned Oct 29

The University of Ilorin will, on Tuesday,
October 29, 2013, commission its N95
million Fibre-Optics Network project.
The World Bank-assisted Science and
Technology Education Post Basic (STEP-B)
funded project, which is designed to
enhance internet and intranet connectivity
in the University, involves massive
deployment of Information Communication
Technology (ICT) infrastructure at the
Network Operating Centre (NOC) and
underground laying of cables across the
main campus.
The project was handled by Lagos-based
ICT company, Information Gateway
(Infogate) Digital Systems Limited.
This is aside from several other projects to
be commissioned by the University Visitor
during the Convocation Ceremonies.
According to a statement made available to
Unilorin Bulletin by the Deputy Vice-
Chancellor, Research, Technology and
Innovation (RTI), Prof. F.A. Oladele, who is
the University Project Manager for STEP-B
projects, the commissioning of the fibre
optics project will be done at the University
Auditorium and at the NOC.
A foremost alumnus of the University and
senior official of the Nigeria Office of the
World Bank, Abuja, Dr. O. A. Adekola and
the National Coordinator of STEP-B
projects at the Federal Ministry of
Education, Abuja, Mrs. G. O. Takerhi, are
among dignitaries expected to attend the
occasion.
Prof. Oladele said, “Before this Project,
internet connectivity on campus was poor,
as browsing on the net was very slow,
epileptic and erratic. Downloading and
uploading of documents were slow, time
consuming and cumbersome”.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, however,
pointed out that “the reverse is the case
now. Internet connectivity is better, more
consistent and faster especially with the
expansion of our bandwidth to 155
megabits per second as recently approved
by the University Council”.
Other Step-B funded projects in the
University that have strengthened the
capacity of the University to deliver on its
core mandate of teaching, research and
community service include state-of-the-art
laboratories in Chemistry and Electrical
Engineering Departments from where
several research breakthroughs have been
recorded.
The provision of robust network of fibre-
optics has enhanced internet connectivity
and the cyber reputation of the University.
Also, the Network Operating Centre (NOC)
has been equipped with modern ICT
equipment and the Training /Seminar room
of the Centre for Research, Development
and In-House Training (CREDIT) has been
made ICT compliant.
This fibre-optics project was the result of
the dedicated effort of a University
Committee set up to prepare a road-map
on ICT infrastructure and deployment of
fibre-optics network in the University for
the approval of the Federal Ministry of
Education and the World Bank.
The Committee comprised Prof. K.L.
Ayorinde, Prof. O.A. Mokuolu, Prof. I.A.
Adimula, Prof. M.O. Yusuf, Dr (Mrs.) O.V.
Mejabi, Dr. J.F. Opadiji, and Mr. Hussain O.
Akande.
The proposal was approved and subjected
to National Competitive Bidding (NCB) in
October last year where out of eight
contractors, Infogate Digital System Limited
emerged winner.
Prof. Oladele disclosed that the University
has put in place adequate arrangements to
sustain the fibre optics and other STEP-B
projects at the expiration of the World Bank
intervention period.
He disclosed that the University
administration had decided to include
these projects in the University budget
while the Federal Ministry of Education
searches for alternative continuous funding
option.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor then urged
“staff and students to take advantage of
these facilities to conduct industry-oriented
research, which would address the
country’s socio-economic, industrial,
political and environmental challenge

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