SLC32-W1 | Explore On The Maps : Explore Educational Zone.

National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Lafia Study Centre

Location, History and Foundation

Google map

The educational zone that this entry has explored is the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Lafia Study Centre. The institution is situated on Jos Road, Bukan-Sidi, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

And according to my research the NOUN had its origins when it was founded in July 22, 1983, under the civilian administration of President Shehu Shagari as the first institution to pioneer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in West Africa, but it was soon suspended by the military regime in April 1984. It was resurrected again under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo on October 1, 2002, who perceived an urgent need to expand higher education to meet the needs of citizens in any corner of Nigeria.

On-Site Facilities and Infrastructure

The Lafia Study Centre provides an educational area, consisting of basic administrative and learning facilities for distance-learning students.

• Classrooms/Examination halls:The site has the usual class rooms and tiled corridors to examination halls where examinations are conducted by the institution (although since it's an ODL institution, lectures are often done online).

• Electricity/Technology: As illustrated in the picture of the courtyard, there are satellite dishes attached and overhead power lines used to transmit electricity throughout the premises, although dependence on local generators is high. An overhead water tower is used to provide water within the center.

Security It is an enclosed area with peripheral walls, security wiring on it to secure from intruders, a gate and a device for security measures i.e. Fire extinguishers along the corridors. Playground/Recreational area The area of the center is a big courtyard with short trimmed plants/ bushes and trees where the students relax instead of playing in it.

Environmental Conditions.

This Lafia Study Centre is in a quiet suburb ideal for study. The compound is typical of an ODL compound with interconnecting inner courtyards and dirt tracks. The inner compound is shaded with trees and hedges that provide some cool fresh air; the exterior compound is rather dusty with some obvious accumulations of waste and plastic littered around the outer drains and poles.

Recommendations for Improvement.

• Consistent disposal of waste within the center's outer walls to clear refuse build up and expansion of concrete pavement to the outer pathways.

• Installation of solar panels would drastically improve energy efficiency, eliminating over-dependence on generators.

Verification and Links.