The Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) has entered into a strategic partnership with 3-Way Communications Limited to significantly enhance its digital infrastructure and technological capacity.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Omojola, described the initiative as a key component of the University’s digital transformation agenda, aimed at positioning BOUESTI as a benchmark for technologically driven universities in Nigeria. He made this known during the groundbreaking and fibre duct-laying ceremony held on campus.
According to him, the project—christened the BOUESTI Internet Distribution Service (BIDS), is designed to revolutionize teaching, research and overall institutional development. He emphasized that access to reliable internet connectivity is indispensable in modern academia, noting that no university can thrive in isolation without being connected to the global knowledge ecosystem.
Professor Omojola explained that upon completion, the project will enable staff to collaborate seamlessly with colleagues worldwide, facilitate high-quality research output and improve scholarly publications. He added that the initiative would also enhance the University’s webometric ranking. The Vice-Chancellor expressed satisfaction that the landmark project is being realized during his tenure.
In his remarks, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of 3-Way Communications Limited, Mr. Biodun Ogunlabi, stated that the collaboration aligns with BOUESTI’s vision of becoming a high-tech academic environment. He noted that the project will deliver high-speed internet connectivity, strengthen virtual learning systems, and expand access to global academic resources.
Mr. Ogunlabi highlighted that the deployment of fibre-optic technology will transform the University’s digital landscape by enabling seamless online teaching, accelerating research activities, supporting smart classrooms, and improving administrative efficiency. He added that the initiative will effectively connect the University community to the global academic space in real time.
Beyond internet connectivity, he disclosed that the BIDS project will also feature an ultra-modern Multimedia Centre to serve as a hub for academic excellence and digital innovation. The facility will include an international-standard conference centre for global engagements, a fully equipped audiovisual studio for e-learning content production, a reprographic studio for digitizing academic materials, and a modern high-definition lecture recording studio.
He described the project as a landmark development that will significantly boost teaching, learning and research capacity within the University.
Also speaking, the President of the Student Union Government, Comrade Sanya Ifeoluwa, commended the initiative, noting that it will alleviate the burden of high data subscription costs among students while providing more reliable internet services across campus.
