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Vice Chancellor
Prof. M.O. Faborode
Obafemi Awolowo University

Welcome to Obafemi Awolowo University, STEP B Projects

A Big STEP Forward for Science and Technology Education and Research in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor formally launched the step-B project in OAU.
The launching took place at Chris Ogunbanjo Hall on 13th November, 2008.

Rationale for the project: Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife strategic plan places emphasis on the development of ICT for teaching, learning and community services. The existing infrastructures are not well developed and equipped to make ICT accessible to both staff and students because of the paucity of fund. Therefore, upgrading the infrastructures and building capacity of both staff and students in ICT will not only produce more qualified science and technology graduates and relevant research but also build a sustainable ICT driven Post-Basic Institution at OAU.

 

Objectives of the OAU step-B Project

The specific objectives are:

  1. Upgrade ICT and Educational Technology infrastructure in OAU

  2. Establish virtual laboratories through remote experimentation in some S & T courses.

  3. Record, produce and deliver web-based instruction modules for some Foundation Year Courses in Science & Technology-based Departments in the University (CHM 101 & 102, PHY 101 &102, CSC 221 and 333). All these are courses that attract large students’ enrolment.

  4. Build capacity for staff and students of OAU through specialized workshops, study tours, and motivation for female students in S & T.

The Deliverables and expected Performance Improvements:

  1. Upgraded ICT Infrastructure: The upgrade of ICT (with installation Blackboard Learning Management Software (LMS), 2 Hardware Servers for the LMS, bandwidth upgrade by 3.0 Mbps and expanding students Internet access with additional 300 PCs to be acquired and installed) will bring about improved Computer and Internet access for the University Centre for Distance Learning to establish e-learning courses for the University.

  2. Remote Experimentation Laboratory: The establishment of virtual laboratories will enable students to remotely perform experiments which hitherto they were not able to perform because of non-availability or the decrepit nature of existing laboratory equipment.

  3. Online Course Material in Foundation Year Courses: Availability of web-based instructional modules in S & T courses will solve problem of congested classrooms as well as make learning accessible to learners outside the classroom.

  4. Competent and Qualified Staff in Web-based Material Development and Management: The capacity-building for staff will upgrade their technical skills and understanding in specific areas of S & T and inculcate active learning techniques of teaching and Science and Technology.

  5. Sensitized and Motivated Students: the sensitization efforts for the students will demystify Science and Technology and encourage more female students to take up Science and Technology courses.

  6. Upgraded Educational Technology Infrastructure: This will facilitate the creation of modern Educational Technology Studio facilities for the development and recording of web-based on-line instructional materials in S & T based courses.

Benefits to staff The project provides opportunity for members of the academic community and students both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels who may wish to submit proposal for funding under the project. For further information, visit the step-b project national website: www.stepbnigeria.org .Please note that the OAU step-b project is under construction.