STUDENTS of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Borno State, have called for improved network connectivity and Wi-Fi facilities within the varsity to boost their productivity.
According to the students, lack of connectivity has hindered so many of them in carrying out their academic tasks as it were.
While the campus battles a lack of connectivity, some students, especially those in the architectural department, complained about the number of hours spent trying to get their assignments done in the school library because some software on the computers is outdated and the library on campus lacks free WIFI facilities. A 300-level student in the department, who simply gave his name as Josiah, said: “outdated software facilities on some of the computers in the Library are a major challenge to getting assignments done as fast as possible. Students, most times, have to go to a cybercafé or if they have data, they sort something out through their mobile devices.”
The students complained that some lecture theatres, like E104 located within the Faculty of Social Sciences, Multipurpose Hall (MPH) situated in a complex area, and lecture hall within the Faculty of Engineering lacked a good and strong network. They appealed to network mobile operators (MNOs) to come and improve connectivity in and around that school complex.
A student, who preferred anonymity, said: “The University of Maiduguri, Information Communication and Technology centre lacks quality network and free WIFI, which is a major point of concern to students and also lecturers. Lecturers often complain about how they cannot give a virtual lecture to students on courses that need pictorial explanation for proper understanding due to lack of connectivity on campus and also lecture rooms.”
He stressed that UNIMAID still struggles to keep up with modern technological demands, saying the campus Internet connection is often unreliable, making students’ lives complicated, stressing that in today’s world, technology remains essential.
He disclosed that so many lecturers still rely on printed notes instead of using online tools or e-learning platforms. He added that administrative processes like course registration are slow and frustrating because of outdated systems and poor network connectivity.
According to the students, for the varsity to compete favourably well, there is a need to provide a strong network and Wi-Fi on campus to ensure reliable Internet access, school partners with tech companies to provide affordable laptops and software for students, train lecturers and staff to use modern teaching tools and online platforms and introduction of e-libraries and digital resources to help students study more effectively.
They noted that these steps will not only improve learning but also help UNIMAID graduates compete in the global job market.
