By Mohammed Abubakat
A team of researchers from the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) has developed an innovative product known as CONNECTPLUS, aimed at transforming internet connectivity across educational and organizational environments. The product was formally presented to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Academic Publishing Centre, Main Campus.
Leading the research team, the Deputy Director, DRID, FUT Minna, Prof. Olatomiwa Lanre Joseph explained that the innovation was born out of the Transformative Innovation Workshop (TIW), which took place from Monday, June 9 to Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Innov8 Hub in Abuja.
He noted that the workshop was designed to empower academics to engage in community focused research and development. Participants underwent a 14-day hands-on innovation experience centered on addressing complex societal challenges within the university and its surrounding communities.
According to Prof. Olatomiwa, TIW emphasizes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes collaborative research, design thinking, and practical solution development. Focus areas included problem identification and definition, venture creation, business development, community engagement, and prototype design.
Further detailing the product’s capabilities, the Head of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Dr. Taliha Abiodun Folorunso described CONNECTPLUS as an AI-powered Smart Wi-Fi Signal Amplification System (SWiSAS). He noted that the system is a self learning solution designed to enhance internet connectivity on campuses and in corporate settings.
“Unlike conventional signal boosters, CONNECTPLUS adapts to real time usage patterns, anticipates network demand, and intelligently manages bandwidth to ensure uninterrupted and high-speed access,” Dr. Folorunso explained. “It provides a scalable, energy efficient approach to resolving persistent connectivity issues in educational and organizational environments.”
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, expressed profound pride in the research team for their commitment to developing cutting edge solutions to real-world problems. He described CONNECTPLUS as a timely and impactful innovation that aligns with both the university’s mission and the Sustainable Development Goals.
“This invention not only promises to improve internet access across our campuses but also places FUT Minna at the forefront of technological innovation in Nigeria and beyond,” Prof. Kuta stated. “The University is fully committed to supporting the further development and deployment of CONNECTPLUS for the benefit of our academic community and the larger society.”
Other members of the CONNECTPLUS research team include:
Prof. Ann Ebele, Department of Educational Technology,
Engr. Dr. Jibril Bala, Department of Mechatronics Engineering and Dr. David Michael, Department of Telecommunication Engineering
Photo Credit Elijah Yisa
