NOUN Students Revitalize Port Harcourt Study Centre Through Community Service

The desk officers (4th and 5th from right) and participating students in group photograph during the exercise

Students enrolled in DES 303, Community Development Service, a core course for 300-Level and above students at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), have significantly enhanced the environment of the university's Port Harcourt Study Centre.

As observed by a NOUN News correspondent on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the study centre was abuzz with activity. Students were actively engaged in repainting walkways, tending to flower hedge pavements, and refurbishing fences, resulting in a remarkable transformation of the entire compound.

Our correspondent spoke with Mrs. Atamunonengiya Wohuruche and Mr. Bright Iwu, the dedicated desk officers for the course, to learn more about the initiative.

"The individuals you see working diligently are all NOUN students fulfilling their Community Service requirements as part of DES 303," explained Mrs. Wohuruche. "This course is a compulsory, zero credit hour component for all NOUN students at the 300 Level and above."

Mr. Iwu elaborated that the course aims to educate and raise awareness among the public, particularly young people in secondary schools, about the dangers of cultism, drug addiction, and risky sexual behavior. It also encourages students to actively contribute to community development.

"It's a way to instill a sense of social responsibility in our students," Mrs. Wohuruche added. "Some student groups conduct outreach programs in secondary schools and colleges, delivering informative talks on sex education, anti-cultism, and drug addiction. Others, especially those from the Faculty of Health Sciences, have provided free health check-ups to the community."

Mrs. Wohuruche further highlighted that another group of students chose to focus on improving sanitation by thoroughly cleaning all 35 restrooms at the centre. She noted that this was a particularly valuable contribution given the limited number of cleaning staff available.

When questioned about ensuring student participation, Mr. Iwu emphasized that the compulsory nature of the course eliminates the need for enforcement.

"Compliance isn't an issue because the course is mandatory. Failure to participate means a student cannot graduate. Therefore, any student aspiring to graduate must actively engage in the Community Development Service," he stated.

Abdulrahim Sadiq, a student of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, shared that his group focused on empowerment initiatives for children in orphanage homes.

"We equipped the orphans with valuable skills by teaching them how to produce liquid soap, insecticide, air freshener, bleach, and other essential household items," Sadiq explained. "We also organized environmental cleanup campaigns in local marketplaces."

Charity Eke, a Broadcast Journalism student, lauded the practicality and value of the course. “It’s inspiring to see so many students come together to beautify our campus," she remarked.

Mabel Akata, a Mass Communication student, described her group's work in secondary schools, where they educated students on the impact of social media on social vices among young adults.

During her outreach, Akata observed that many students were struggling due to child labor. "Some were clearly exhausted and even falling asleep during our sessions. They explained that they wake up as early as 4:00 a.m. to perform household chores before coming to school," she said, expressing her hope that the government would address the issue of child labor.

Prince Fubara, Akata's classmate, praised DES 303 as an innovative program that exposes students to the realities of social issues and empowers them to contribute to positive change.

He suggested that the central coordinator of the program at the NOUN headquarters should enhance their accessibility to provide students with more comprehensive guidance regarding the course requirements and objectives.