The Osun State Government’s Imole Free Public WiFi, launched with fanfare under Governor Ademola Adeleke, has been criticised after checks revealed that the service is currently active only at Osun Mall in Osogbo, with schools and libraries still waiting.
The project was initially announced as a statewide digital breakthrough expected to provide free internet access across communities, schools, and libraries.
However, visits to listed locations showed that the service had yet to be activated at institutions such as Salvation Army Grammar School and the State Library, where staff confirmed the WiFi remained pending.
Outside the state capital, no town has been included in the rollout. Residents in Ife, Ilesa, Ede, Iwo, Ikirun, and other areas expressed disappointment that the much-publicised project excluded them entirely, with no installations or timelines announced.
Critics argue that the choice of Osun Mall as the first site raises questions about the government’s priorities, noting that students, teachers, and researchers remain without access while shoppers enjoy free internet.
Additionally, education experts said the rollout undermines the stated goal of bridging digital inequality, stressing that schools, libraries, and community learning centres should have been prioritised.
