Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU)

 

Workshop on Strategies for ICT Development and Access to More Affordable Bandwidth for Universities, Research and Higher Educational Institutions in Nigeria, NUC Virtual Library Building, Abuja,  26th February, 2008

 

DECLARATION

 

We, the Vice Chancellors (and representatives of Vice Chancellors and Executive Heads) of the undersigned universities and organizations:

 

Recognizing the critical need for ICT Development, campus and inter-campus networking in order to more effectively fulfill the role of our institutions in supporting national development through:

 

  • Promoting sharing of online information resources
  • Supporting collaborative research among Nigerian Universities, Research and Higher Educational Institutions (in addition to collaborative research with others)
  • Supporting the development and sharing of e-learning materials
  • Running joint online courses and sharing expertise online
  • Sharing experiences and best practices
  • Providing opportunities for student and staff exchange

 

Noting that the required networking and access to online resources is impeded by:

  • the prohibitive cost of bandwidth and/or appropriate power caused by limited infrastructure, compounded by failure to share information and aggregate our various needs and negotiate as a group to benefit from economy of scale
  • policy issues, including the lack of education rates
  • the lack of adequate peering arrangements
  • inefficient utilization of the available bandwidth, compounded by inadequate and unstable power supply

 

Appreciating that the needs and problems are common to all Nigerian research and education institutions, organizations and associations;

 

Recognizing the opportunity provided by Nigerian and international development partners, the National Planning Commission (NPC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Federal Ministry of Education, the Association and Committee of Vice-Chancellors and others who are willing to support a coordinated and sustainable initiative to deliver cheaper bandwidth (among other network services) to Nigerian research and education institutions;

 

Hereby resolve to:

  1. establish a National Research and Education Network;
  2. mandate the Nigeria ICT Forum of Partnership Institutions LTD/GTE to drive the process under the supervision of the Chairperson, Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) in close collaboration with all relevant agencies, associations and bodies.