TETFund upgrades 120 NOUN study centres with fibre optics

The recently held 13th Convocation Ceremony of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) may have come and gone, its memories will linger for a long time to come.

The very fact that interventions of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) dots the length and breadth of the university is not in doubt as attested to by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, in the buildup and during the convocation ceremony.

At a pre-convocation forum, the Vice Chancellor had revealed TETFund’s intervention in the area of upgrading all the 120 study centres of NOUN with fibre optics to transmit information and data with the speed of light.

Also known as optical fibre, fibre optics refers to the technology that transmits information as light pulses along a glass or plastic fibre. Referred in some quarters as the new bride, it has revolutionised the way information and data are transmitted, offering numerous benefits compared to traditional methods such as copper wiring.

It offers a multitude of benefits in transmitting information and data, ranging from unparalleled speed and bandwidth to enhanced reliability, security, scalability and environmental sustainability.

Unlike copper wires which transmit data using electrical signals, fiber optic cables utilize light pulses to convey information. This allows for significantly faster transmission speeds, thereby making it ideal for applications requiring high data rates such as internet browsing, streaming and video conferencing.

With the National Open University of Nigeria’s ever-increasing demand for faster internet speeds and more bandwidth-intensive services, fibre optics will provide a future-proof solution capable of meeting these needs.

Also, fibre optics offer exceptional reliability compared to traditional copper cables. Since fibre optic cables are made of glass or plastic fibers, they are immune to Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio-Frequency Interference (RFI) that can disrupt data transmission in copper wiring. This means that fibre optic networks are less susceptible to signal degradation or loss, resulting in more consistent and reliable performance, especially over long distances.

In addition to reliability, fibre optics provide enhanced security for data transmission. Since light signals are used to transmit data through fibre optic cables, they are inherently more secure than electrical signals traveling through copper wires. It is much more difficult to intercept or tamper with light signals without detection, making fibre optics an ideal choice for transmitting sensitive information, such as financial data, government communications or personal information.

Furthermore, they offer significant advantages in terms of scalability and flexibility. Fibre optic cables have a much greater capacity for carrying data compared to copper cables, allowing for more efficient use of network infrastructure. This scalability means that fibre optic networks can easily accommodate future growth and expansion without the need for costly upgrades or replacements. Additionally, fibre optics are lighter and thinner than copper cables, making them easier to install and maneuver in various environments, whether it is through underground conduits, aerial installations, or underwater cables.

Another key benefit of fibre optics is their low latency or delay in transmitting data. Because light travels at incredibly high speeds through fibre optic cables, data can be transmitted almost instantaneously, resulting in minimal latency compared to copper wiring. This low latency is critical for applications requiring real-time communication, such as online gaming, financial trading, or remote surgery, where even the slightest delay can have significant consequences.

Moreover, fibre optics are more environmentally friendly than copper cables. Unlike copper mining which can have adverse environmental impacts such as habitat destruction and water pollution, the materials used in fibre optic cables are abundant and easily recyclable. Additionally, fibre optic networks require less energy to operate and maintain compared to traditional copper-based systems, contributing to lower overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Analysts said that as the demand for high-speed, high-capacity communication continues to grow, optical fiber will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of telecommunications and information technology.

It was therefore not a surprise that the Sonny Echono-led TETFund has sought to upgrade all NOUN Study Centres across the country with fire optics.

An elated Professor Peters said the rate of technology advancement at the institution attracted the offer from the interventionist agency.

“Right now, our academics all over the faculties and departments have video components to assist our students and we deploy this with ease.

“And because of the manner we deploy technology, TETFund has offered to assist us with fibre optics in all our study centres across the country. It is a testimony to where we are in terms of technology”, Prof. Peters said.

Since assuming office, Echono has never relented in his earlier promise to making teaching and learning easier and more conducive in the country. His drive for projects and another has earned him the title, “Mr. Project”.

The unassuming but highly focused Echono believes in actions speaking louder than words. This, he combined with his “Open Door Policy” to take TETFund to the enviable height it has assumed.