UNN - Google Begins N3 Billion Wireless Network

Work has commenced on building of the largest wireless network in Africa across the four campuses of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Google Inc., is the lead sponsor of the project to provide an internet bandwidth of 25 megabytes per second (25mbps) from an initial 8mbps.

At the groundbreaking ceremony at the Nsukka campus last week, Google's Office Lead, English Speaking West Africa, Mr. Nyimbi Odero, disclosed that the UNN wireless network infrastructure project is the first the company would execute as part of its Google University Access Programme in Africa.

Officials say the project would be delivered in three months at the end of August 2010.

The University of Nigeria wireless network project aims to enable students and staff participate actively in the digital economy of the 21st century and use internet as well as Information and Communication Technology to drive teaching and research, according to , Prof. Bartho Okolo. He said the project is "one of the major milestones in the quest to make the University of Nigeria a global centre of learning."

The project is projected to cost N3billion. The university is funding the ambitious project through "a network of friends of the University",being corporate organisations, governments as well as institutions and individuals.

Google Inc, lead sponsor, will provide international internet bandwidth of a minimum 25mbps over an initial three-year period.

MTN Nigeria Communications has committed to installation of the fibre capacity for the Nigerian end of the programme to link the UNN campuses at Nsukka, Enugu and Ituku Ozalla, with a microwave uplink to the Aba campus.

Governor Sullivan Chime's Enugu State Government has already granted right of way to MTN for laying of the fibre optic cables to the three campuses in Enugu State.


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