By PRINCE OSUAGWU

THERE are strong convictions among world renowned telecom analyst that given the exponential influence, mobile devices powered by the potency of the broadband capacity may replace books.

Statistics have also proven that it takes just right policy framework and investment in broadband capacity, to turn any economy around no matter the poor state. Therefore it is only economies that are comfortable to play catch-up that would hesitate in taking advantage of broadband ubiquity.

Perhaps that is why Nigeria’s frontline cable company, MainOne is tailoring its broadband roll out plan towards the American style to ensure that Nigeria’s education benefits from the ubiquity of the broadband access.

The company is saying that recognizing the imperative of quality education in building and developing a socio-economically virile society, it has commenced the process of integrating Nigeria’s higher institutions to other global institutions of higher learning through the deployment of internet broadband capacity.

A cross section of the university students at a digital class

Applause and commendation
This initiative by Main One has drawn applause and commendations from the various benefiting schools across Nigeria. In the last count, three higher institutions of learning, namely: American University of Nigeria, University of Nigeria, and Lagos Business School have directly benefited from the initiative.

Chief Executive Officer of Main One, Funke Opeke said that “the effort is hinged on strengthening global competitiveness of the Nigerian student and the need to get Nigeria’s educational institutions relevant on the global stage through improved access to ICT”.

Opeke therefore went on massive deployment of broadband capacity in many learning institutions in Nigeria. For example, Main One Cable Company recently provided bandwidth capacity to the American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa state.

The new connection is already contributing significantly to academic activities, improving online learning as well as supporting administrative processes on the campus. An elated President of the institution, Margee Ensign confessed that the initiative has helped the school in the implementation of its mission as a development university.

She also expressed hope that the initiative will improve significantly the level of the educational system and the knowledge base of students; thereby increasing hope for the country.

Similarly, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka is also regarded as one of Nigeria’s digital universities today, thanks to Main One’s provision of broadband capacity in October 2010.

In the South West, the company has also connected the Lagos Business School and as well provided  internet broadband capacity of up to 155 Mbps recently, to Addyson Limited which is University of Lagos, UNILAG’s internet services company.

Expressing happiness at the gesture, Dean School of Media & Communication Studies, LBS, Prof Emevwo Biakolo stated that this singular initiative from Main One would further assist the institution, sharpen the students research skills and broaden the scope of their studies.