Nigerians urged to gear up for 6G revolution

A Professor of Computing at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Olumide Adewale, has urged students and tech enthusiasts to gear up for the emergence of the 6G network, projected to emerge by the end of 2030.

Adewale made the call during a lecture held by the School of Computing, McPherson University, Alapako, Ogun State, on Wednesday.

Delivering the lecture titled, “Innovating the Digital Future: Trends in Computing Technology,” he said the 6G network is expected to be 100 times faster than the 5G network.

Adewale said, “These networks are anticipated to emerge by the conclusion of this decade, promising substantial improvement in communication speed, with expectations of being 100 times faster than current 5G networks.

The advent of 6G will further facilitate the evolution of the metaverse, bringing us closer to the realisation of real-time, customised 3D environments. Business applications are expected to proliferate in sectors such as education and training, mobility services, e-commerce, and healthcare delivery.

“Moreover, future wireless communication technologies will transform our online connectivity and interactions, both with one another and with computers.”

He urged the students to cultivate a culture of adaptability and collaboration in navigating the digital landscape.

“These principles for a prosperous digital future act as beacons guiding us on our journey ahead. By cultivating a culture of ethics, adaptability, collaboration, and foresight, we can successfully navigate the changing digital landscape and aspire to a future that enhances individuals’ lives,” Adewale added.

In his remarks, the Acting Dean of the Computing department, Dr Emmanuel Ibam, said the university organised the lecture to immerse the students in the nitty-gritty of their profession in preparation for real-world experience.

He stated that, through continuous training, a student of the institution won a $5,000 grant in 2024, while through another grant won by one of the lecturers, the university was poised to build a world-class tech hub.

“The purpose of the training is to prepare our students for the real-world experience by exposing them to the reality through engagement with industry experts.

“This annual training has been rewarding, as one of our students won a $5,000 grant last year. One of our lecturers is preparing to participate in an international programme because he was selected as one of Nigeria’s participants,” Ibam said.

The highlight of the lecture included a technology product fair by the students, with the winners winning cash prizes.