Computer and ICT Centre

The history of the Computer Centre dates back to 1992, when the then Vice-Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Nur Alkali, established a mini Computer Centre at the Essien Udom Court (Science Complex). Initially it was under the supervision of Mr. Filibus Y. Mshelia, the then Deputy Director of Academic Planning Unit. In 1995 there were 16 computers and five staff working in the Centre.

However, in view of the need for the University to have a befitting Computer Centre with adequate qualified personnel, Mr. Peter M. Ogedebe was appointed to head this unit in 2001, and the Centre was moved from the Science Complex to its present location (the old Ramat Library) in 2002.

In 2002, the Education Trust Fund (ETF) donated a set of Zinox computers and one Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) to the University, which allowed the Centre to commence internet services to the University community and the general public. Though before this, the Nigerian Universities Network (NUNET) had been established in the University and e-mail services were available to both staff and students.

At present the Centre has 350 computers, including the College and Faculty cafes, 16 permanent and 28 temporary staff, and six units, namely Maintenance, Training, Networking, the Cafe, Business and Finance.

The University of Maiduguri established a Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology. The terms of reference of this committee are to:

• Coordinate all ICT-related activities in the University in order to avoid duplication and ensure maximum utilisation of available resources through the Computer Centre.
• Propose and champion ICT policies for the University.
• Oversee, in particular, the activities of the Computer & ICT Centre, MIS and other ICT-related units on campus.
• Advise the Vice-Chancellor on the development of ICT in the University.
• Carry out any other function assigned to it by the Vice-Chancellor.

The committee meets once every month and discusses ICT-related issues. In particular, it receives monthly reports from the heads of both the Computer & ICT Centre and the Management Information System (MIS) unit of the University.

Internet services

The Centre runs internet services, including Sundays and public holidays, throughout the year. Staff, students and other members of the community can browse either at the Centre or via wireless. Internet users are charged a token fee of N100.00 per hour or N60.00 for 30 minutes.

On-line registration of students

The Centre has developed its own on-line registration programme and portal, which has been in use for the last few sessions. A lot of data can be generated with the use of this portal, such as details of course registration, the number of registered students in each department and faculty, and details of fees paid by students. The web site address for on-line registration is www.umstad.online.

Unimaid e-mail accounts

The Centre obtained 2,000 official e-mail accounts for use by staff. E-mail accounts have been created for all academic staff and non-academic staff on grade level CONTISS 12 and above.

Computer maintenance and training

The maintenance unit of the Centre carries out repairs of computers and peripheral devices of the Centre and other departments and individuals of the University. It also conducts a training programme on computer repair and maintenance. Every three months a new batch of students is admitted for this programme, and a certificate of attendance is awarded on successful completion.

VSAT installations

The Centre provides VSAT installation services to individuals and organisations.

Web design and hosting

The Centre undertakes web design and web hosting. For example, it has developed the official web site of the University, www.unimaid.edu.ng. The Centre has also developed the Wireless Internet Management Captive Portal (MPOT) that manages wireless internet user access.

Other activities performed by the Centre

• Networking services
• Software development
• Practical demonstration to students in computer laboratories
• Support to various departments and units of the University
• Specialised computer training programmes within, and in partnership with, foreign computing organisations (i.e. CISCO Academy)