Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has commissioned a free campus-wide Wi-Fi network at the Federal College of Education, Okene as part of efforts to improve digital access and strengthen learning in the institution.
The internet facility was unveiled on Sunday and is expected to provide students and staff with free connectivity to support academic research, teaching, innovation and other educational activities.
The development was announced in a statement issued in Abuja by the senator’s media aide, Mike Idoko.
The project follows the recent launch of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “Growing Kogi Central, Building Our Future” initiative, under which 10,000 economic trees are being planted to promote environmental sustainability and create economic opportunities across the senatorial district.
Speaking after the commissioning, the lawmaker said expanding access to digital tools remains a key part of her commitment to improving education and preparing young people for opportunities in the modern economy.
“Education remains one of the greatest investments we can make in our future. Access to the internet is no longer a luxury; it is an essential tool for learning, innovation, research, and economic empowerment. Our students deserve the same digital opportunities available anywhere in the world.”
She said the initiative would help eliminate obstacles that limit access to knowledge while encouraging creativity, academic excellence and digital literacy among students.
“This free Wi-Fi initiative is designed to remove barriers to knowledge, encourage innovation, support academic excellence, and equip our young people with the digital skills required to compete globally. We will continue to invest in projects that improve lives and build a stronger, more prosperous Kogi Central.”
According to the senator, the improved internet service will enable students to access global educational resources, online certification programmes, artificial intelligence tools, software development platforms and remote employment opportunities, while also encouraging entrepreneurship.
Students who attended the unveiling described the initiative as a timely intervention, saying it would significantly improve their academic experience.
They noted that the free internet service would reduce the financial burden of purchasing mobile data, provide easier access to digital libraries and online courses, and expose them to skills needed to compete in today’s digital economy.
They also said reliable internet access would strengthen virtual learning, research, innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship within the institution.
Education stakeholders similarly praised the initiative, noting that dependable internet connectivity has become an essential requirement for research, online education, academic collaboration and digital inclusion in tertiary institutions.