The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), Ilorin Chapter, held a public lecture on Thursday at the Branch Engineering Centre, Tanke, Ilorin, focusing on the rising cost of internet connectivity and possible community-driven solutions.
Speaking to Just Event Online TV after the lecture, the guest speaker, Prof. Abdulkarim Oloyede, Director, Centre for Research Development and In-House Training at the University of Ilorin, noted that internet prices are steadily rising.
He emphasized the need for collective action to make connectivity more affordable for the average Nigerian.
“We have to empower ourselves to come together and reduce the price of internet. It’s become a basic need of humanity,” Prof. Oloyede said.
He advocated for the adoption of community networks—a model already in use in parts of Latin America, Europe, America, and even Africa. According to him, these networks, built and managed by communities, significantly reduce costs as they are not profit-driven.
He further stated that the Internet Society is currently supporting such initiatives globally through training and financial assistance, encouraging communities interested in setting up their own networks to explore the opportunity.
The Deputy Chairman of NIEEE Ilorin Chapter and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Engr. Aliyu Garba, explained that the lecture topic was chosen because it addresses a critical issue affecting everyone. He reaffirmed the engineering profession’s commitment to finding practical solutions to societal problems.
In his goodwill message, the Special Guest of Honour, Kwara State Commissioner for Energy, Engr. AbdulAzeez Abdulganiyu—represented by Engr. Dada Fisayo, Director of Engineering at the Ministry of Energy—commended the organisers for selecting a timely and relevant topic. He urged them to continue engaging in solution-driven initiatives.
The event was well attended by professionals and academics, including the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the NSE Ilorin Branch, the Chairman of NIEEE Osogbo Chapter, lecturers and students from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State University (KWASU), Kwara State Polytechnic, and officials of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), among others.
