Olowu Says MAPOLY’s 10Gbps Smart Campus Could Transform Tech Education in West Africa
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, has described Moshood Abiola Polytechnic’s (MAPOLY) newly unveiled 10Gbps Smart Campus Fibre Infrastructure as a major step that could reshape technology education, research and innovation in Nigeria.
The monarch made the remarks while serving as chairman of the occasion at the unveiling of the 10Gbps fibre Smart Campus infrastructure in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
According to Oba Matemilola, the project has the potential to place MAPOLY among the most digitally advanced tertiary institutions in West Africa if the facility is properly managed and fully utilised.
Olowu: High-Speed Internet Can Change What Students Achieve
The monarch said the infrastructure goes beyond providing faster internet access, describing it as a strategic investment in technology-driven education and research.
He noted that reliable high-speed connectivity would give students greater access to practical digital learning while creating an environment where they can develop technological solutions to real-world problems.
The Olowu also stressed the importance of the project to academic research, saying a strong digital backbone is essential for institutions seeking to compete at the highest level globally.
He pointed out that inadequate digital infrastructure remains one of the challenges limiting research, innovation and technological development across many tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Oba Matemilola expressed confidence that MAPOLY’s Smart Campus could help address some of those challenges by supporting teaching, research, innovation and stronger collaboration between the institution and industry.
He added that the initiative could also encourage technology transfer while giving graduates digital skills needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
The monarch, however, urged MAPOLY and other stakeholders to prioritise the maintenance, security and effective use of the facility to ensure that its benefits reach students, researchers and the wider society.
MAPOLY Rector: Smart Campus Puts Polytechnic on Global Stage
Earlier, the Rector of MAPOLY, Arch. Babatunde Jolaoso, described the 10Gbps Smart Campus Fibre Infrastructure as a landmark achievement for the institution.
Jolaoso said the facility would strengthen innovation, technological advancement and technical education while improving the polytechnic’s visibility beyond Nigeria.
“This facility places us more prominently on the global stage than ever before. Its impact will extend beyond the institution to contribute meaningfully to national and global development,” he said.
The rector said the infrastructure would provide a stronger foundation for research and innovation across different areas of technical education.
He also addressed concerns over the possibility of the high-speed network being abused for cybercrime or other unlawful activities.
According to him, monitoring and security measures have been incorporated into the system to prevent misuse and ensure that the infrastructure remains focused on productive and legitimate activities.
“All these facilities are built in to check the antics of negative users. The objective is to ensure that the facility remains a platform for development and progress,” he said.
Jolaoso reaffirmed MAPOLY’s commitment to responsible technology adoption, saying the institution intends to create a secure digital environment where students can develop skills and pursue opportunities within the growing digital economy.
Ogun Central Senator Backs MAPOLY’s Digital Push
Also speaking at the event, the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, described the Smart Campus project as an important milestone in Nigeria’s push for technology-enabled education.
Salisu said MAPOLY had grown from a state-owned institution into a polytechnic with a stronger reputation for technological, scientific and entrepreneurial education.
He described education as a critical driver of national development, stressing that knowledge and skills remain some of the most valuable assets a country can build.
The senator also disclosed that he had supported the training of more than 2,000 young people in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital content creation.
According to him, participants in the training programmes were also provided with laptops to help them pursue entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.
MAPOLY Students Urged to Maximise the Opportunity
Salisu urged students to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the new Smart Campus infrastructure.
He acknowledged that the full impact of the project may not be immediately visible but said its long-term value could extend well beyond the current generation of students.
With its 10Gbps fibre infrastructure, MAPOLY now has a stronger digital foundation for expanding technology-focused learning, supporting research and creating opportunities for students to participate more actively in the digital economy.
