Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji, has launched a high-speed Internet connectivity project on campus as part of its strategic efforts to promote technology-driven teaching and learning and position the institution as a model for digital education in Nigeria.
The facility, developed in partnership with the Nigeria Google for Education Project and its implementing partners, had been undergoing test runs for several weeks before its official launch on Friday at the Oba Olashore Auditorium.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olasebikan Fakolujo, described the initiative as a deliberate and forward-thinking step toward transforming the university into a globally competitive, technology-enabled institution.
He explained that the project was the outcome of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between JABU and the Nigeria Google for Education Project in 2024, following a series of consultations, meetings, and technical assessments.
According to him, the high-speed Internet facility will enhance teaching and learning across all departments by enabling lecturers to integrate Google for Education tools such as Google Classroom, Google Meet, and Google Workspace into their instructional processes. This, he noted, will foster interactive learning, real-time feedback, and increased student engagement.
Professor Fakolujo added that the connectivity will remove barriers to accessing global knowledge resources, expand research collaboration with scholars and institutions worldwide, and improve the efficiency of administrative operations such as admissions, record management, and result processing.
He assured that the university is committed to maintaining the facility for optimal performance, noting that the ICT Directorate would be strengthened with seasoned experts and a dedicated Internet management team to oversee daily operations.
While urging staff and students to make responsible and productive use of the facility, the Vice Chancellor emphasized that the project aligns with JABU’s vision of becoming a leading institution in innovation, digital literacy, and academic excellence.
In his remarks, the Country Coordinator of the Nigeria Google for Education Project, Mr. Jude Alawode, commended JABU’s management for its proactive embrace of digital transformation.
He said the initiative would significantly transform teaching and learning experiences within the university, giving students a competitive edge by connecting them to global classrooms and virtual learning opportunities.
Alawode explained that Google Classroom allows lecturers to create, distribute, and grade assignments seamlessly, generate originality reports to check plagiarism, and engage students through multimedia and real-time discussions.
He added that the integration of Google tools would make classes more dynamic and interactive while promoting transparency and creativity in learning assessment.
Some members of staff and students who spoke at the event praised the university management for the innovation, describing it as a bold step toward modernizing academic learning, research, and administration at JABU.
