Introduction
Babcock University has received state-of-the-art drones and supporting technology equipment from New Horizons Nigeria as part of efforts to establish a dedicated drone technology department, further strengthening the institution’s drive toward digital innovation.
The donation, made on July 14, 2026, comes exactly one year after New Horizons Nigeria commissioned a ₦1.5 billion ICT Centre at the university to commemorate Babcock University’s 23rd Convocation Ceremony. The latest initiative reinforces the shared commitment of both institutions to equipping students with emerging digital skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, drone technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Nigeria, Tim Akano, personally familiarized the attendees with the capabilities of the drone technology while reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting technological advancement within Nigerian universities.
The CEO stated that the drones and accompanying equipment were donated exclusively for Babcock University and disclosed that New Horizons would provide professional training for both students and instructors. According to him, experienced specialists from the organization will train members of the university community, ensuring they develop the expertise required to operate the technology effectively and, in turn, pass that knowledge on to future learners.
He noted that beyond serving as an educational resource, the drone technology is expected to strengthen practical learning by exposing students to real-world applications while also providing valuable support for campus security and surveillance operations.
The Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, expressed appreciation to New Horizons for the generous donation, describing it as another milestone in the university’s pursuit of technology-driven education. He emphasized that the equipment would broaden students’ exposure to emerging technologies while creating opportunities for hands-on learning in one of the world’s fastest-growing technological fields. He also highlighted the potential security applications of the drone system across the university campus.
The professional drone system was donated with its controller and a dedicated monitoring station. The drone is capable of operating at altitudes of up to 19,000 feet, has an operational range of 13 kilometres, and features a powerful camera with up to 52× optical zoom, enabling long-range monitoring, GPS capabilities and aerial observation.
Guests at the event witnessed a live flight demonstration conducted by a New Horizons certified drone specialist, who explained the drone’s operation, technical capabilities, and the wide range of industries in which the technology can be deployed. The presentation showcased applications spanning security, environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, mapping, emergency response, and research, leaving attendees impressed by the system’s versatility and potential.
The ceremony concluded with the official handover of the equipment to Babcock University, reaffirming the strong and enduring partnership between New Horizons Nigeria and the institution. Both organizations expressed optimism that their collaboration would continue to grow, driving innovation and preparing students with the practical technological skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
