Evaluation of Internet Service Quality Among University Students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Reliable internet connectivity is a foundational requirement for academic productivity, digital learning, and research activities in higher education institutions. This study evaluates the quality of internet service experienced by students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in Enugu State, South East Nigeria, focusing on bandwidth adequacy, latency, packet loss, and service reliability. A descriptive survey design was adopted, combining network performance measurements using open-source speed testing tools and structured questionnaires administered to 380 students drawn from six faculties. Measurements were taken across the campus network at peak and off-peak periods over eight weeks. Results reveal that average download speeds available to students were well below the 25 Mbps threshold considered adequate for modern academic use, with mean speeds of 4.3 Mbps recorded during peak hours. Latency consistently exceeded 150 milliseconds on campus-wide wireless networks, adversely affecting video conferencing and e-learning platform usability. Student satisfaction with internet quality was low, with 78% rating the service as inadequate for their academic needs. Infrastructure congestion, limited bandwidth provisioning by the institution's internet service provider, and aging networking equipment were identified as primary causal factors. Recommendations include bandwidth upgrading, implementation of quality of service traffic prioritization, and procurement of modern access point infrastructure. The findings provide actionable evidence for institutional telecommunications investment planning. Keywords: internet quality, campus network, bandwidth, latency, University of Nigeria Nsukka.