In a bid to improve the dwindling network service around the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Moytel Consulting limited, a consulting firm for MTN Nigeria and the Management of the institution have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on MTN network improvement in the institution.
The MOU which was signed at the Council Chambers was premised on the quest of the Faculty of Arts for improved network coverage within the Faculty and the University generally.
Prior to the signing of the legal documents, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, commended the Faculty of Arts for coming forth with innovative ideas that would transform the face of the University, as well as, improve on infrastructures.
While appreciating the quick response of Moytel, she said part of the strategies developed by her administration to enhance infrastructural development in the institution is to foster partnerships with multinational companies.
“I sincerely thanked MTN and Moytel for their quick response in making sure this MOU was signed. Let me say here that what the faculty of Arts has done is a sign that we are together in the drive towards making Unical a better place. I must sincerely commend the Dean and her team for thinking towards my line in the development of the University,” she said.
Prof. Obi expressed hope that upon completion of the mast installation, the University community would witness a new lease of life through good network coverage with benefits derivable in the area of improved teaching and learning.
She noted that with poor internet services on campus, teaching, learning and security would suffer, knowing how important good network service is in the learning process and curbing insecurity in recent times.
She called on MTN to develop the areas where the facilities would be located and get involved in providing social responsibility services to the University.
“We’re in the digital age where good internet network aids teaching and learning. So with this development, security on campus will also improve due to good communication arising from good network services.
“I’m using this medium to call on MTN Nigeria to develop areas where the masks installation will be located and to encourage the university by providing corporate social responsibility services,” she added.
In his remark, the Business Development Manager, Moytel Consulting limited, Mr Collins Ohiri, said the MoU, which affirms the standing partnership between the two institutions will leverage each others comparative advantage to support high-quality and sustainable development outcomes through effective use of the MTN Network while enhancing the development of the University’s infrastructures through digital connectivity.
He thanked the Vice Chancellor for giving approval for the space where the project will be cited, even as he commended the Faculty of Arts which started the process via a letter to MTN Nigeria over lack of signal network around the Faculty.
According to him, as consultant to MTN Nigeria, their job is to create a process that will enable the MTN network to be visible, maintaining that when completed, it will change the narrative of poor signal network in the institution and enhance academic/user experience in the University.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe, who is credited with initiating the process, said the Faculty’s decision to notify MTN over poor signal network around the faculty was inspired by the desire to support the Florence Obi led-administration in the scheme of things, noting that poor network signals around the Faculty has affected both staff and students in voice communication and internet connectivity.
She thanked the Vice Chancellor for listening to the cry of the Faculty and providing a lasting solution that will be of great benefit to the entire University community, maintaining that, the Vice Chancellor has, by this act, written her name in gold in the archive of the University.
While commending MTN Nigeria for their quick intervention, Prof. Effah-Attoe also thanked members of the Faculty Advancement and Development Committee headed by Dr Edward Adie Who painstakingly carry out their assignment to a commendable conclusion.
She hope that once the tower installation is completed, it will help improve the voice and data coverage, promote research as well as enhance academic excellence in the University.
The MoU was signed by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Obi, and the Registrar, Mr Gabriel Egbe on behalf of the University while Mr Collins Ohiri and Mr Tunde signed for Moytel Consulting limited.
