The Federal Government has launched the Fibre-2-Hostel Initiative at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, to deliver high-speed internet access directly to student hostels.

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, who flagged off the broadband initiative on Monday, May 26, 2025, during a visit to Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, says the move aims to advance digital education and research capabilities in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

Dr Tijani says the programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen broadband infrastructure, enhance smart campus development, and close the digital divide in Nigerian higher education. “The Fibre-2-Hostel Initiative will revolutionise how students learn, innovate, and communicate,” he says according to a statement by the university.

Dr Tijani says the programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen broadband infrastructure, enhance smart campus development, and close the digital divide in Nigerian higher education. “The Fibre-2-Hostel Initiative will revolutionise how students learn, innovate, and communicate,” he says according to a statement by the university.

Minister to UNILAG: Fibre-2-Hostel Initiative will revolutionise how students learn

The project, a public-private collaboration involving broadband providers and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), will roll out in phases, beginning with four halls of residence: Femi Gbajabiamila, Elkanemi, Honours, and Erastus Akingbola hostels.

Professor Ogunsola commends the government’s choice of UNILAG as the pilot location, noting that the project aligns with the university’s digital transformation strategy. “This initiative supports our vision to fully digitalise UNILAG and create an environment where students and staff can thrive,” she says.

According to the Ministry, the new fibre-optic connectivity will provide UNILAG students with reliable access to digital learning platforms, research tools, and virtual collaboration resources.

The Federal Government underscores that the Fibre-2-Hostel Initiative is designed to equip Nigeria’s academic communities for a digitally driven global economy by expanding broadband access across campuses nationwide.