FG Boosts Internet Connectivity In Universities With “Fibre 2 Hostel”

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has officially launched the “Fibre 2 Hostel” project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at delivering high-speed broadband connectivity to student hostels across seven major universities nationwide.

Head, Corporate Communications of Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), Chidi Okpala said the project was a significant stride towards bridging the digital divide and empowering Nigerian students with reliable internet access

The project is being implemented by GBB in partnership with Tizeti, Huawei, and the National Broadband Alliance Nigeria (NBAN). It seeks to provide secure, high-speed internet access to support online learning, research, digital entrepreneurship, and authenticated digital platforms for students.

According to the statement, the initiative was flagged off at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on May 26, 2025, and subsequently at the University of Abuja on May 28, 2025, marking the beginning of a phased rollout across selected institutions.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, managing director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim A. Adeyanju, described the project as a vital intervention to ensure students across Nigeria are not left behind in the global digital revolution.

“We are committed to creating equitable access to digital resources. This project is not just about connectivity — it’s about equipping our young people with the tools they need to learn, innovate, and thrive in a connected world,” Prof. Adeyanju stated.

The seven universities that would benefit from this Fibre to Hostel project include; University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State, University of Abuja, FCT, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Anambra State, University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Borno State and the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The first two universities have been deployed, while the remaining five will be commissioned in the next couple of months.

At the University of Abuja launch event, Mr. Sani Ibrahim, Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Communications, Galaxy Backbone Limited, who represented the MD/CEO, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative.

“This project is about empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders with the digital tools needed to excel in today’s global economy,” he said, adding that it also “aligns with the government’s broader broadband penetration agenda and Galaxy Backbone’s mandate to drive digital transformation across the nation.”

Industry stakeholders have applauded the initiative. Temitope Osunde of Tizeti hailed the project as “a bold move toward building smarter, future-ready campuses,” noting that it reflects a shared vision for enabling tech-driven academic environments.

Permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Olarinre Adeladan, in his goodwill message, urged students to leverage the infrastructure to build a better future, saying “this is not just about faster internet, it’s about building a more competitive, knowledge- driven Nigeria.”

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, also encouraged students to focus on academic excellence and personal development.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasised responsible digital citizenship. He charged the students to take advantage of the project, saying “what you know matters — but what you do with that knowledge matters even more.”

Student representatives from both University of Lagos and the University of Abuja expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government and partners, describing the initiative as “a game-changer” for campus life and learning outcomes.

With successful launches now completed at two institutions, the Fibre 2 Hostel project is set to continue its rollout to the remaining universities in the coming months, marking a major leap forward for digital inclusion and smart education in Nigeria, the statement added.

GBB is Nigeria’s premier digital infrastructure and shared services provider, established by the Federal Government to drive nationwide digital transformation. With an extensive fibre optic network spanning across close to 30 states within the country, GBB offers robust, secure, and high-speed connectivity that powers government operations, business innovation, and public service delivery.

Its state-of- the-art data centres, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity infrastructure enable seamless digital experiences, making it a trusted backbone for e-Government services and enterprise-level ICT solutions across Nigeria.