Abuja: The Federal Government has launched an initiative to provide 24-hour internet access to hostels at the University of Abuja as part of a broader plan to ensure uninterrupted internet service to special institutions across the nation by the end of 2026. This initiative is part of a larger effort to create an optimal environment for education and learning.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure during an event in Abuja. He highlighted that the University of Abuja, recognized as a special institution, is now equipped with round-the-clock internet service, with plans to extend the same service to other special institutions by 2026.

Dr. Alausa remarked, "President Bola Tinubu is energizing institutions. We have special institutions in the country today enjoying 24-hour electricity via the presidential renewable mini-grid project, the solarisation project." He pointed out that UniAbuja benefits from a 3.3 megahertz mini-grid, ensuring constant electricity supply. The initiative is expected to expand, with all special institutions anticipated to have mini-grids by the end of next year, providing them with continuous power supply.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, stated that UniAbuja is the first of seven universities in the pilot phase of this project. He assured that by the end of July, all seven institutions would have internet connectivity, facilitated by Galaxy Backbone's existing infrastructure.

Tijani added, "We have taught it to be important that Nigerian university students cannot continue to learn without access to meaningful connectivity. When we give you this access, then not only are you going to be better in what you are learning, but you are actually going to create the future that our president is asking that we create as a nation."

Prof. Patricia Lar, Acting Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja, welcomed the project, stating it would offer significant benefits to the school community by providing students of varied economic backgrounds with access to data for educational purposes. The President of the Medical Students Association, Faith David, expressed the students' appreciation for the enhanced learning conditions, citing the integration of internet access and reliable power supply as key improvements.