Students of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Okene, in Kogi State, celebrated on Sunday, July 5, after a free campus-wide WiFi facility was installed. The initiative was facilitated by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.
Free WiFi Installation Celebrated by Students
According to a statement from Senator Natasha's media team, the initiative is hailed as a strategic intervention to bridge the digital divide and expand access to quality education through technology across Kogi Central. Students described the free internet initiative as transformative, enhancing teaching, learning, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the institution.
Senator Natasha Backs Students' Digital Future
Speaking after the installation, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to empowering young people for success in a digital world. She stated, "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 added, "This free WiFi 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."
Students Seek Wider WiFi Rollout
Reacting to the development, many students and residents expressed hope that similar digital infrastructure projects would be extended to other tertiary institutions across Kogi Central, positioning the district as a hub for innovation and digital education. According to them, the initiative would reduce internet data costs, improve academic research, provide easier access to digital libraries and online courses, and create opportunities to acquire globally competitive digital skills.
Per Leadership, students added that reliable internet access would enable participation in virtual learning, development of innovative ideas, building technology-driven businesses, and competing effectively in the global digital economy. Education stakeholders welcomed the initiative, noting that reliable internet connectivity is essential for modern higher education, particularly in research, online learning, academic collaboration, innovation, and digital inclusion.
Broader Context of Senator Natasha's Work
Previously, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan proposed a motion directing the Nigerian Immigration Service and Nigerian Correctional Service to collaborate with Libyan authorities to fast-track the release and repatriation of Nigerian female inmates and their children born in detention. This resolution followed a motion by Senator Aniekan Bassey on the urgent need to safeguard Nigerians from smuggling, slavery, and human rights abuses in Libya.
