UNN, Google Sign MoU On Wireless Network

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Google International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide wireless infrastructure and information communication technology programmes at the institution, according to an official.

The initiative will enable the university to compete favourably with any other university in the world.

In a remark, Prof. Bartho Okolo, Vice-Chancellor of UNN, said that UNN ICT strategy programme was aimed at enabling staff and students to participate actively in the digital economy and use internet and communication technology to drive teaching, learning, and research.

“It is the dream of this administration to make UNN a world class university and this is part of the measures toward achieving that,” he said.

Okolo said that by the signing of the agreement Google was expected to provide internet bandwidth of 25 for an initial three years, grants for consultancy as well as support personnel for on-site email/APPS deployment.

“Google is providing grants of about $15,000 for consultancy and training,” he said.

The VC said that wireless project was being sponsored and supported by international and local companies as well as government and institutional donors.

“This project is expected to be completed within three months,” he said.

He said that MTN Nigeria had started installing optic fiber in the three campuses of the university as well as in UNTH Ituku-Ozalla while Hewlett Packard (HP) would provide switchers, servers and storage equipment at subsidised prices.

“I dream of a day when UNN will become a global resource for knowledge and contributor to the world of repository,” he said.

In a remark while signing the MoU, Nimbi Odero, Google Officer Lead, English speaking West Africa, said at the completion of the project UNN would be the largest wireless network in West Africa.

He added that it would make it easier for anybody in any part of the world to have access to activities and programmes in the university.

“Staff and students will enjoy free internet access within the university.

“UNN students will become international students as they can interact and exchange ideas with world class universities.

Odero said that Google would ensure that the project would be completed on schedule.

The Tide’s source  reports that the highlight of the occasion was ground breaking and foundation laying stone of the project by the VC.