University of Nigeria Membership with ITU

University of Nigeria Membership with ITU

The University of Nigeria has joined the International Telecommunication Union, (ITU), a United Nation’s agency  charged with the responsibility of protecting the rights of people to communicate.  The University became the first Nigerian university to have joined other 140 reputable universities across the world in the academia of ITU after paying its membership dues in February 2017.  Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba said the institution’s membership of ITU would boost his administration’s drive to launch Science Park at the university.  Prof Ozumba, while inaugurating the steering committee for the UNN-ITU relationship, charged members of the committee to key into his administration’s agenda of producing affordable laptops for Nigerian students. “We cannot grow if we keep importing laptops from outside; we must produce our own”, he said. The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that the committee would live up to its expectation.  Chairman of the steering committee, Dr Agozie Eneh outlined  some of the benefits the University would gain from joining  the ITU to include engaging in real time standardization and being a principal player in the relevant areas of evolving technologies; breaking into cutting edge horizons, markets and expansion of strategic opportunities; increasing network and linkages, and strengthening the international reputation of the university.

“By joining the ITU, and in effect, by being the first university in Nigeria to join ITU” Dr Eneh said that “the University of Nigeria has underlined commitment to not just the development of ICT, but to welfare of its staff and students, and the veritable advancement of learning and research that is consistent with those of admirable international standards and acclaim”. Part of the terms of reference of the steering committee, according to Dr Eneh included seeing to the establishment of space research centre, renewable energy centre, armature radio practice centre and other research and development projects.  He noted that the duties fall under the ambiance of the ITU programmes and efforts. Dr Eneh thanked the Vice-Chancellor for inaugurating the committee and promised that the committee would be diligent in the pursuit of its mandate.