The University of Sharjah (UoS) signed a contract to implement one of the important strategic projects with Computer and Power Technology - CPT, with the aim of modernising the infrastructure of the Wi-Fi network inside the campus and converting it to the new generation of wireless communication technology known as (WiFi6).
His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, signed the contract along with Mr. Roger Kikhia, Deputy CEO of CPT. His Excellency Dr. Tariq bin Khadim, Chairman of the Directorate of Human Resources, Member of Sharjah Executive Council, and Chairman of the Compliance and Audit Committee of the University’s Board of Trustees, attended the signing along with His Excellency Mohammad Abdallah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank, Chairman of the Financial Committee of the University’s Board of Trustees; Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies and Chairman of the Technical Governance Committee at the University; as well as a number of members of the technical committees overseeing implementation of the project.
Commenting on the signing of the contract, His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy stressed the importance of this project in modernising the infrastructure according to the new generation technology known as (Wifi6), which he said will be used to ensure complete wireless coverage inside and outside the University buildings, including University housing and facilities, and the sports complexes and deanships of male and female students' affairs in which student activities and events are held.
The University Chancellor affirmed that this project will help achieve one of the main themes of the current five-year strategic plan, as the project will work on modernising internet services at the University using the latest technology to contribute to the digital transformation of all services provided by the University, starting from teaching, learning and scientific research processes to all support services such as admission, registration, library systems, and administrative processes to be provided electronically via electronic services platforms. This in addition to the importance of this project in supporting the distance learning process that the University applies during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
His Excellency added that the contract includes the establishment of two laboratories at the University concerned with training students on the latest systems and wireless communication technology in cooperation with major companies in the world.
For his part, Dr. Hussein El Mahdi, Dean of Academic Support Services at the University, stated that the Information Technology Center at the University will start implementing the project with the company within the next few days, and it is expected to be completed within a year, after which all University facilities, including classrooms, buildings, student housing, support facilities and extracurricular activities facilities are completely wirelessly covered with the new generation technology (WiFi6). Members of the University family, he added, can practice their work and activities without any technical problems related to the slowing or interruption of the network even in peak periods.
El Mahdi added that this project will work to modernise classrooms, computer labs, and virtual laboratory laboratories that depend on the quality of the network, especially interactive virtual lectures that use simulation programs, which the University has begun to implement under the current circumstances. It will also contribute to improving the administrative services provided by the University through its electronic platforms.