The Faculty of Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has kick-started the 2023_2 laboratory practical for all the science students of the university.

The practicals are in Physic, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science for all affected students of the university across the country.

The exercise, which formed part of the requirements for graduation in the institution, is scheduled to last for four weeks, and is holding simultaneously in all the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Bauchi and Yola Study Centres have been designated to host all the science students of the North-east region for the exercise.

The acting Director, Bauchi Study Centre, which is the venue for the North-east zone, Mrs. Hauwa Dede,  while declaring the exercise open, advised students to take the exercise seriously and follow the guidelines strictly as well as  ensuring consistent participation in all the activities lined up for them.

She said the exercise which allow students to physically learn, would make them to demonstrate the practical knowledge of their courses which forms the basics of their respective requirements.

Dede also called on the students to help inform the importance of the exercise to those who were not around and if they have challenge they should channel it to the relevant officers for resolution

The desk officer of the Faculty of sciences at the Bauchi centre, Mrs Janet Tenebe described students participation as impressive and timely.

For his part, the acting Director, Yola Study Centre, Mr. Olumide Aladuge, while welcoming students for the practical, emphasised the importance of the exercise, describing it as a "practical application of knowledge, proof of our tests, and part of the requirements for graduation of our science students."

He advised them to strictly follow the guidelines and  always be consistent in the attendance and also to listen attentively to the technicians and the laboratory technologists while carrying out the practical exercise.

He added that the exercise will make them to prove their acquired skills and knowledge that will enable them to pass the examination as well as to share or teach others. 

The laboratory technologists assigned to coordinate the exercise at the venue are:  Prof. Bello Idi, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, (physics), Dr. Bamanga Raji, from Modibbo Adama University, Yola, (Biology), Dr. Muhammad Falalu Yahaya, American University of Nigeria, Yola (Chemistry), Dr. Usman Ochonyi (Mathematics), and Dr. HASSAN Shagal to handle Environmental science practical

In Bauchi Study Centre, Prof. Ahmad Abdulhameed from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, (Biology), Engr. aabdul Ishaku Dalyop (ATBU) Bauchi, (Computer), Daniel Solomon from Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic (ATAP), (Chemistry), Yahaya Ibrahim Zwal (Physics) , Nasiru Yunusa, Zainab Haruna both from ATBU Bauchi (Biology) and Zikirullahi Yusuf was assigned to take Environmental Science.

NOUN News gathered that the laboratory practical, an integral part of science courses, tests students and grades them in hands-on practical aspect of their respective courses, which constitutes 15% of the TMA.