LAGOS, Nigeria, February 11, 2010 - Cisco announced today that AMB Multiserve in Nigeria is to deploy a Cisco® Unified Wireless Network that will connect more than 40,000 staff and students at the University of Lagos across its three campuses. In addition, the use of the solution will make way for a complete upgrade or, if needed, a replacement of the existing obsolete information technology infrastructure and networking equipment. The project will also see the provision of 300 computer terminals located at designated computer laboratories on campus for use by students and faculty members, amidst other benefits.

Highlights / Key Facts:

• The Cisco Unified Wireless Network is a wired and wireless network solution that cost-effectively addresses the wireless network security, deployment, management and control issues that any organization may face. It combines the best elements of wireless and wired networking in highly secure, scalable wireless networks with a low total cost of ownership.
• The Cisco Unified Wireless Network will deliver campus-wide connectivity via the university's Wi-Fi hotspots, through which authorized access to the Internet is available. It will also provide the university community with access to the university's corporate network.
• The Cisco Unified Wireless Network provides anytime, anywhere access to information, promotes collaboration between staff and students, and delivers real-time access to instant messaging, e-mail, and network resources and mobility services, such as voice, guest access and advanced security.
• AMB Multiserve will manage the Cisco Wireless Network as a commercial venture and transfer ownership to the university at the end of an agreed-upon term. AMB Multiserve is a young, dynamic company that provides information and communications technology (ICT) business consulting services focusing on strategy development, project management and implementation.
• The University of Lagos has, for more than four decades, provided high-quality education to both Nigeria and its neighbours. The university has built a legacy of excellence and has been instrumental in the production of top-rank graduates and academic research that have had a tremendous impact, directly or indirectly, on the growth and development of Nigeria. From a modest intake of 131 students in 1962, enrolment in the university has now grown to more than 39,000. The university now comprises nine faculties and a college of medicine.
• A token $7 USD per student, per semester, will be levied to new students and $3.5 USD to existing students for use of the university Internet services.

Executive Quotes:

• Professor Tolu Odugbemi, vice chancellor of the University of Lagos

"At the University of Lagos, we pride ourselves as being the university of choice in Nigeria and the nation's pride. In keeping with that, we are very keen to embrace the future of education with a system that exposes our students to a globally available body of knowledge and opportunities right here in Nigeria. Very recently we made good on our promise to computerize this citadel of learning when we commenced our project to provide a laptop to each staff member and student. In working with AMB Multiserve and Cisco, our objective is to ensure that the University of Lagos enjoys Internet service anywhere and anytime on this campus. With the new wireless solutions, the opportunities are limitless, and we are very proud to partner with these organizations on this project."

• Soji Romeo, chief executive officer, AMB Multiserve

"Our collaboration with Cisco has seen the emergence of a novel achievement in the Nigerian educational sector, where the scope of education is no longer restricted to the four walls of a university. The whole project was executed with no financial burden to the university. On the contrary, it will serve as a source of additional income to the citadel of learning, as the university will receive 40 per cent of the revenue from the commercial operation of the network."

• Richard Edet, general manager, Cisco Nigeria

"Cisco is very proud to be associated with this landmark project and thanks the university for choosing Cisco as its wireless networking platform. This solution will create an entirely wireless environment that will not only free teachers from the blackboard but also encourage student interaction and even allow them to carry a PDA or a laptop. Indeed Lagos University is set to engage the future of education globally, and we are excited that we were a part of this history-making experience."

Links / URLs:

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• For  details about Cisco Unified Wireless Network visit: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns340/ns394/ns348/ns337/networking_solutions_package.html

About University of Lagos

The University of Lagos founded in 1962 is made up of three campuses, the main campus at Akoka, Yaba and the College of Medicine in Idi-Araba, Surulere. Both sites are in the Mainland of Lagos. The main campus is largely surrounded by the scenic view of the Lagos lagoon and is located on 802 acres of land in Akoka, North Eastern part of Yaba, Lagos, the state of excellence and aquatic splendour.

The vision of the University is 'To be a top-class institution for the pursuit of excellence in knowledge through learning and research, as well as in character and service to humanity and the mission is 'To provide a conducive teaching, learning, research and development environment where staff and students can interact and compete effectively with their counterparts both nationally and internationally in terms of intellectual competence and zeal to add value to the world'. For more details visit: http://www.unilag.edu.ng