The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, has said Moshood Abiola Polytechnic’s (MAPOLY) newly unveiled 10Gbps Smart Campus Fibre Infrastructure has the potential to transform technology education and position the institution among the most digitally advanced campuses in West Africa if effectively utilised.

Speaking as Chairman of the occasion at the unveiling of the digital infrastructure tagged ” unveiling of Mapoly’s 10GBPs fibre smart campus infrastructure in Abeokuta, the monarch described the initiative as a strategic investment in technology-driven education, research and innovation.

According to him, the facility is designed to enhance teaching and learning by providing students with practical technological experience while creating opportunities for them to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges.

He explained that the infrastructure would also strengthen research capacity within the institution by providing the digital backbone required for world-class academic work.

Oba Matemilola noted that inadequate digital infrastructure remains a major challenge confronting many tertiary institutions in Nigeria, limiting their ability to compete globally in research and innovation.

He expressed confidence that the Smart Campus project would bridge that gap by providing high-speed connectivity for teaching, research, and innovation while fostering stronger collaboration between the institution and industry.

The monarch added that the initiative would promote technology transfer and equip graduates with the digital skills required to thrive in the global knowledge economy.

He urged the institution and other stakeholders to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilisation of the facility to maximise its benefits for students, researchers, and society.

Earlier, the Rector of MAPOLY, Arch, Babatunde Jolaoso, explained that the 10Gbps Smart Campus Fibre Infrastructure was a landmark achievement that would strengthen innovation, technological advancement and technical education.

The rector said the facility would enhance the institution’s global visibility and establish it as a reference point for technology and innovation.

“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.

He added that the infrastructure would stimulate research, drive innovation, and support technological advancement across various fields of technical education.

Responding to concerns about possible misuse of the facility, particularly for cybercrime and other unlawful activities, the rector assured stakeholders that comprehensive monitoring and security mechanisms had been integrated into the system.

“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.

He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to responsible technology adoption, noting that the infrastructure would provide a secure environment for innovation while preparing students for opportunities in the digital economy.

Also speaking, the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, described the unveiling of the Smart Campus Fibre Infrastructure as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive towards technology-enabled education.

He said MAPOLY had evolved from a state-owned institution into a globally recognised polytechnic with a reputation for technological, scientific, and entrepreneurial education.

According to the senator, education remains the most effective instrument for national development because knowledge and skills are enduring assets.

Salisu disclosed that he had sponsored the training of more than 2,000 young people in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital content creation, adding that beneficiaries were also provided with laptops to support entrepreneurship and job creation.

He urged students to maximise the opportunities provided by the new digital infrastructure, noting that while its full impact might not be immediate, it would deliver long-term benefits for future generations and national development.