InterWeb at the University of Jos By Stephen A. Akintunde, PhD Deputy University Librarian Systems University of Jos

1. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 1 InterWeb at the University of JosByStephen A. Akintunde, PhDDeputy University Librarian (Systems)University of Jos This is a trend report on what has been taking place at the University of Jos in the area of Information and Communication Technology since the University took a bold step to join the digital world.This is a trend report on what has been taking place at the University of Jos in the area of Information and Communication Technology since the University took a bold step to join the digital world.

2. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 2 Where we are Internet Access and web browsing now a reality at the University of Jos (since May 2001) Web site hosting and maintenance next Status versus: Computer literacy rate on campus Access to ICT by staff and students Support from University Administration Internet access in the University of Jos started with a small step of accessing electronic mail through American Online in 1996 and Skannet in early 1997. Then in June 1997 the backbone for a campus wide area network was laid with a server maintained in the NUNet office. The intranet was activated in 1998. The Intranet was used to send and receive mails as well as host the University�s newly created web site which was created in 1998 by an American Fulbright scholar � Cliff Missen, with the assistance of student Interns he had trained. This web site now has sufficient data on the University of Jos and is been updated from time to time. It can be accessed on the Intranet at http://192.168.101.6/. Since then, browsing of the Intranet had been done and was much useful when eventually the University was connected to the Internet May 2001. The Intranet experience was therefore ensured a smooth graduation from Intranet to the Internet. Our experience suggests that this graduation process is necessary for institutions/organizations seeking Internet access because it tests the organizational, administrative as well as technical support and skills of managers of network environments. However, the University of Jos web site has, since 1999 being hosted by the University of Iowa at http://www.uiowa.edu/intlinet/unijos/ since at that time, Unijos did not have a direct connectivity to the Internet. With the present direct Internet connectivity achieved in May 2001 via a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), the next project is to host and maintain the site here in the University of Jos within the next two years. However, it is pertinent to observe that use of computer facilities, especially the Intranet and Internet is still limited to a few but steadily growing cluster of staff and students. Students though, appear more eager to use the new facility for their various needs. Staff appear to use the email facility more for communication of academic papers and conferences. But the rate and trend of use will be ascertained only when a use survey is undertaken. Generally, computer literacy on campus is (without empirical support) below 50%. But efforts are being made to improve this through various programmes such as training of staff � academic and administrative - in short courses, running of Diploma and Certificate courses by the Computer Centre. This is coupled with the provision of machines in every Department and Faculty on campus, and the rule that students results presented to Senate for consideration must be in a machine-readable format. Moreover, all Heads of Departments and Principal Officers of the University have desktop computers, apart from those of their Secretaries, to do their work. Principal Officers have, in addition, laptops, to enhance their use of the new information and communication technology. The Computer Centre had pursued the vision of innovation descending from top down, which appears to be strategic; because, having found ICT versatile, requests for ICT equipment have, generally, met with approval from the University Administration. Internet access in the University of Jos started with a small step of accessing electronic mail through American Online in 1996 and Skannet in early 1997. Then in June 1997 the backbone for a campus wide area network was laid with a server maintained in the NUNet office. The intranet was activated in 1998. The Intranet was used to send and receive mails as well as host the University�s newly created web site which was created in 1998 by an American Fulbright scholar � Cliff Missen, with the assistance of student Interns he had trained. This web site now has sufficient data on the University of Jos and is been updated from time to time. It can be accessed on the Intranet at http://192.168.101.6/. Since then, browsing of the Intranet had been done and was much useful when eventually the University was connected to the Internet May 2001. The Intranet experience was therefore ensured a smooth graduation from Intranet to the Internet. Our experience suggests that this graduation process is necessary for institutions/organizations seeking Internet access because it tests the organizational, administrative as well as technical support and skills of managers of network environments. However, the University of Jos web site has, since 1999 being hosted by the University of Iowa at http://www.uiowa.edu/intlinet/unijos/ since at that time, Unijos did not have a direct connectivity to the Internet. With the present direct Internet connectivity achieved in May 2001 via a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), the next project is to host and maintain the site here in the University of Jos within the next two years. However, it is pertinent to observe that use of computer facilities, especially the Intranet and Internet is still limited to a few but steadily growing cluster of staff and students. Students though, appear more eager to use the new facility for their various needs. Staff appear to use the email facility more for communication of academic papers and conferences. But the rate and trend of use will be ascertained only when a use survey is undertaken. Generally, computer literacy on campus is (without empirical support) below 50%. But efforts are being made to improve this through various programmes such as training of staff � academic and administrative - in short courses, running of Diploma and Certificate courses by the Computer Centre. This is coupled with the provision of machines in every Department and Faculty on campus, and the rule that students results presented to Senate for consideration must be in a machine-readable format. Moreover, all Heads of Departments and Principal Officers of the University have desktop computers, apart from those of their Secretaries, to do their work. Principal Officers have, in addition, laptops, to enhance their use of the new information and communication technology. The Computer Centre had pursued the vision of innovation descending from top down, which appears to be strategic; because, having found ICT versatile, requests for ICT equipment have, generally, met with approval from the University Administration.

3. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 3 Progress Campus Wide Area Network One of three campuses networked Distance a major problem for total network: Wireless, or Satellite As mentioned in the last slide, the campus Wide Area Network was activated in 1998. Presently, there are not less that three hundred computers on the network. However, much of the network is on the Main Campus of the University, Bauchi Road. The network itself is made up of a few other local area networks as those of the University Libraries and the Law Faculty. The University Libraries have a server maintained in her Systems Unit. Each of the faculties are being encouraged to maintain their own servers too so that there shall be sufficient back-up of resources in case of a systems failure at any of the points in the network. Each of the Faculties on campus has a Computer Laboratory that is serviced by a hub connected to the main hub in the server room at the NUNet office in the Computer Centre. Each of the laboratories has a Manager who is a staff of the Faculty. The manager is responsible for the daily use of the machines and maintenance of the hub there. The manager has some technical knowledge such that s/he is able to give some �first aid� treatment before running to the Computer Centre Workshop for �surgery� or to the NUNet office in case of network failure. However the extension of the Wide Area Network to the other two campuses of the University has become more needful today than ever before. The problems which have hindered the networking up till now include the vast distance link from the Main Campus on Bauchi Road: five kilometers to the Permanent Site Campus and 7 kilometers to the Township Campus. Both sites have undulating topography which require a choice between satellite and wireless communication. The situation is still being studied and discussed as the need for the link-up has grown immensely since we had Internet connectivity last year. As mentioned in the last slide, the campus Wide Area Network was activated in 1998. Presently, there are not less that three hundred computers on the network. However, much of the network is on the Main Campus of the University, Bauchi Road. The network itself is made up of a few other local area networks as those of the University Libraries and the Law Faculty. The University Libraries have a server maintained in her Systems Unit. Each of the faculties are being encouraged to maintain their own servers too so that there shall be sufficient back-up of resources in case of a systems failure at any of the points in the network. Each of the Faculties on campus has a Computer Laboratory that is serviced by a hub connected to the main hub in the server room at the NUNet office in the Computer Centre. Each of the laboratories has a Manager who is a staff of the Faculty. The manager is responsible for the daily use of the machines and maintenance of the hub there. The manager has some technical knowledge such that s/he is able to give some �first aid� treatment before running to the Computer Centre Workshop for �surgery� or to the NUNet office in case of network failure. However the extension of the Wide Area Network to the other two campuses of the University has become more needful today than ever before. The problems which have hindered the networking up till now include the vast distance link from the Main Campus on Bauchi Road: five kilometers to the Permanent Site Campus and 7 kilometers to the Township Campus. Both sites have undulating topography which require a choice between satellite and wireless communication. The situation is still being studied and discussed as the need for the link-up has grown immensely since we had Internet connectivity last year.

4. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 4 ICT Leaders It�s a Team work Computer Centre MIS NUNet University Libraries The progress of the University of Jos in ICT has been possible largely because of the commitment of the key actors in pursuing a common goal of providing leadership for ICT development in the University. The leaders who have worked as a team are: the Computer Centre, Management Information Systems Unit, Nigerian Universities Network, and the University Libraries. Certainly, innovation requires visionaries who are ready to take risks. The various team players mentioned had taken various risks, incurred certain financial and other costs (individually and/or jointly), and had been stressed severally to reach the level of development on campus today. The progress of the University of Jos in ICT has been possible largely because of the commitment of the key actors in pursuing a common goal of providing leadership for ICT development in the University. The leaders who have worked as a team are: the Computer Centre, Management Information Systems Unit, Nigerian Universities Network, and the University Libraries. Certainly, innovation requires visionaries who are ready to take risks. The various team players mentioned had taken various risks, incurred certain financial and other costs (individually and/or jointly), and had been stressed severally to reach the level of development on campus today.

5. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 5 The Computer Centre A great start: Director with neither a PC nor office! Today: Computer Centre is too small for the many facilities! So, what next? The Computer Centre has been the centre of innovation and activities on campus. Started in 1991 with the employment of a Director without neither an office nor a machine to work with, the Centre today is a beehive of activities because of its many facilities. Staff of both the MIS and NUNet came off the Centre. The first Programmer in the Libraries was also a staff of the Centre. The Centre hosts NUNet, while MIS is accommodated in the Administrative block of the University. The short distance between the Main Library and the Computer Centre perhaps makes interaction between her and the Centre very close. Indeed, one of the first main challenges of the Computer Centre had was that of the automation of the library�s technical processes, namely, cataloguing and classification, because as at that point in time, even though the library had two machines and the Centre had none, library staff were yet to be computer-literate. It was imperative therefore that a Programmer from the Computer Centre be deployed to the Library to lead automation there. That was also the period of the World Bank assisted book procurement project for Nigerian universities. Machines were supplied to federal universities in other for them to enter their requests for books and journals acquisitions on a machine-readable format. A software (The Information Navigator for Libraries � TINLIB) was also acquired for the libraries to prepare for an on-line public access catalogue (OPAC). The use of these facilities was done with the assistance offered by the Computer Centre. The Computer Centre is today structured into several Units, viz: Training, Workshop, Software Development. The Centre runs training programmes that promote computer literacy on campus and in the locality. The Diploma and Certificate courses are targetted at meeting the needs of the University�s immediate environment. The Diploma course is in two tracks: Computer Science, and Computer Applications. Customised courses are also run for specific organizations/institutions depending on their spelt need. Only last month, Senate of the University approved of a Bachelor Degree programme to be hosted in the Department of Mathematics. The take-off date is the coming academic year, i.e. 2002/03 session. There are three main laboratories in the Computer Centre � Undergraduate Laboratories I & II, and Postgraduate Laboratory. There is also a lecture hall with a capacity for 80 students. There is a workshop/seminar room, as well as maintenance workshop where all faulty machines on campus are fixed for a token fee. The Undergraduate Laboratory I is used for as a main seminar room, although presently it serves as a cyber caf�. The Undergraduate Laboratory II is the main lecture room with not less than 30 machines for practicals. It is a room in the University of Jos that never lacked users in their tens all year round. The Postgraduate Laboratory was created to provide for lecturers and postgraduate students who may not be able to compete for machines with undergraduate students in Laboratory I. The Computer Centre of the University of Jos is recognized by the Administrative Tenders Committee of the University to certify specifications for computer-related purchases for the university (from any unit), before approval is given for purchase by the university administration. When the purchases are made, the Centre also certifies that the specifications have been complied with before payment is made. However, it had been observed that some units are still able to make some purchases without the knowledge of the Centre. Over time it has become obvious that the present building of the Centre, built in 1995 and completed in 2000, is already too small to contain the many activities taking place there on daily basis. With the several other challenges facing the Centre, the future looks very eventful. However, something may have to be done to the present building to sufficiently accommodate the facilities in place and activities taking place. The Computer Centre has been the centre of innovation and activities on campus. Started in 1991 with the employment of a Director without neither an office nor a machine to work with, the Centre today is a beehive of activities because of its many facilities. Staff of both the MIS and NUNet came off the Centre. The first Programmer in the Libraries was also a staff of the Centre. The Centre hosts NUNet, while MIS is accommodated in the Administrative block of the University. The short distance between the Main Library and the Computer Centre perhaps makes interaction between her and the Centre very close. Indeed, one of the first main challenges of the Computer Centre had was that of the automation of the library�s technical processes, namely, cataloguing and classification, because as at that point in time, even though the library had two machines and the Centre had none, library staff were yet to be computer-literate. It was imperative therefore that a Programmer from the Computer Centre be deployed to the Library to lead automation there. That was also the period of the World Bank assisted book procurement project for Nigerian universities. Machines were supplied to federal universities in other for them to enter their requests for books and journals acquisitions on a machine-readable format. A software (The Information Navigator for Libraries � TINLIB) was also acquired for the libraries to prepare for an on-line public access catalogue (OPAC). The use of these facilities was done with the assistance offered by the Computer Centre. The Computer Centre is today structured into several Units, viz: Training, Workshop, Software Development. The Centre runs training programmes that promote computer literacy on campus and in the locality. The Diploma and Certificate courses are targetted at meeting the needs of the University�s immediate environment. The Diploma course is in two tracks: Computer Science, and Computer Applications. Customised courses are also run for specific organizations/institutions depending on their spelt need. Only last month, Senate of the University approved of a Bachelor Degree programme to be hosted in the Department of Mathematics. The take-off date is the coming academic year, i.e. 2002/03 session. There are three main laboratories in the Computer Centre � Undergraduate Laboratories I & II, and Postgraduate Laboratory. There is also a lecture hall with a capacity for 80 students. There is a workshop/seminar room, as well as maintenance workshop where all faulty machines on campus are fixed for a token fee. The Undergraduate Laboratory I is used for as a main seminar room, although presently it serves as a cyber caf�. The Undergraduate Laboratory II is the main lecture room with not less than 30 machines for practicals. It is a room in the University of Jos that never lacked users in their tens all year round. The Postgraduate Laboratory was created to provide for lecturers and postgraduate students who may not be able to compete for machines with undergraduate students in Laboratory I. The Computer Centre of the University of Jos is recognized by the Administrative Tenders Committee of the University to certify specifications for computer-related purchases for the university (from any unit), before approval is given for purchase by the university administration. When the purchases are made, the Centre also certifies that the specifications have been complied with before payment is made. However, it had been observed that some units are still able to make some purchases without the knowledge of the Centre. Over time it has become obvious that the present building of the Centre, built in 1995 and completed in 2000, is already too small to contain the many activities taking place there on daily basis. With the several other challenges facing the Centre, the future looks very eventful. However, something may have to be done to the present building to sufficiently accommodate the facilities in place and activities taking place.

6. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 6 Management Information Systems Unit First thoughts: Administrative unit or mainstream Computer Centre? Get going- Databases Payroll System Personnel records Student records Demographic Academic On-line registration Identity cards production The Management Information Systems (MIS) Unit of the University of Jos has been a major actor in the automation of administrative records in the university. Situated at the Administrative block of the University, the MIS leads in the design and digitization of staff and student records in the university. The initial decision that had to be taken was whether it would remain as a unit in the Computer Centre or stand alone. The National Universities Commission helped in resolving this when Unijos was chosen as one of the pilot MIS units in the country as a primary administrative records unit in 1991. Since that time, MIS in Unijos has been able to design databases for a payroll system for the university (still being used today), personnel records (junior and senior staff), student records (demographic and academic). Moreover, it is now possible for both staff and students to register on-line in the university. This was experimented for students in the 1999/2000 session. It worked very well. It enabled MIS to capture records of fresh students at point of registration. The process helped in alleviating problems associated with early issuance of matriculation numbers, authentication of bona-fide students of the university, and in compiling departmental lists for academic departments in the university. The MIS has also succeeded in producing identification cards for both staff and students. This was initiated two years ago. The process has helped in taking a more accurate census of both staff and students in the university. The MIS now recruits its own staff. The Management Information Systems (MIS) Unit of the University of Jos has been a major actor in the automation of administrative records in the university. Situated at the Administrative block of the University, the MIS leads in the design and digitization of staff and student records in the university. The initial decision that had to be taken was whether it would remain as a unit in the Computer Centre or stand alone. The National Universities Commission helped in resolving this when Unijos was chosen as one of the pilot MIS units in the country as a primary administrative records unit in 1991. Since that time, MIS in Unijos has been able to design databases for a payroll system for the university (still being used today), personnel records (junior and senior staff), student records (demographic and academic). Moreover, it is now possible for both staff and students to register on-line in the university. This was experimented for students in the 1999/2000 session. It worked very well. It enabled MIS to capture records of fresh students at point of registration. The process helped in alleviating problems associated with early issuance of matriculation numbers, authentication of bona-fide students of the university, and in compiling departmental lists for academic departments in the university. The MIS has also succeeded in producing identification cards for both staff and students. This was initiated two years ago. The process has helped in taking a more accurate census of both staff and students in the university. The MIS now recruits its own staff.

7. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 7 Nigerian Universities Network (NUNet) Timely birth Customised structure helpful No limit to possibilities The creation of a Nigerian University Network (NUNet) in 1995 by the National Universities Commission (NUC) is the starting point of more compulsive use of computers to communicate on campus and with the outside world. Use of email started in 1996 with the use of two computers at a token cost. Then it grew, in 1997 to 10 computers, and in 1999 to more than fifty computers. Today, there are more than 250 machines on campus that communicate with each other. The composition of a management structure � committee - for NUNet by the NUC has helped to avoid bureaucratic stuffing within the larger institution. This has allowed the committee to take initiatives in breaking new grounds for networking. NUNet is hosted by the Computer Centre, and for most clients, there is no distinction between the Centre and NUNet. NUNet, since 1999 now has a career structure for its staff. However, the attainment of Internet connectivity has put pressure on NUNet to deliver. There is presently a glaring need for more competent technical staff who are difficult to retain because of the highly competitive IT market. In spite of this, NUNet stands out to lead in maintaining linkage with the outside world through networking. This provides opportunities for clients like the University Libraries to use resources on the world Wide Web to get resources and link-up with academic databases for staff and students. The creation of a Nigerian University Network (NUNet) in 1995 by the National Universities Commission (NUC) is the starting point of more compulsive use of computers to communicate on campus and with the outside world. Use of email started in 1996 with the use of two computers at a token cost. Then it grew, in 1997 to 10 computers, and in 1999 to more than fifty computers. Today, there are more than 250 machines on campus that communicate with each other. The composition of a management structure � committee - for NUNet by the NUC has helped to avoid bureaucratic stuffing within the larger institution. This has allowed the committee to take initiatives in breaking new grounds for networking. NUNet is hosted by the Computer Centre, and for most clients, there is no distinction between the Centre and NUNet. NUNet, since 1999 now has a career structure for its staff. However, the attainment of Internet connectivity has put pressure on NUNet to deliver. There is presently a glaring need for more competent technical staff who are difficult to retain because of the highly competitive IT market. In spite of this, NUNet stands out to lead in maintaining linkage with the outside world through networking. This provides opportunities for clients like the University Libraries to use resources on the world Wide Web to get resources and link-up with academic databases for staff and students.

8. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 8 The University Libraries Grandmother of them all First thoughts Digitization efforts Library catalogue Other library records Services to clients Computer-Aided Literature Search Serials List Web browsing Printing Electronic mail Portals Power back up - Solar What next? NVLP Digitization in the University Libraries has transformed the image of the library. Though still making a modest progress, the library has forty machines that are currently used for various purposes � digitization of library records in the various units of the libraries, computer-aided literature search, web browsing, and electronic mail services. Thirty of the machines are currently on the Wide Area Network on campus. The library has a web page within the University�s. The web page immediately provides clients with first facts about the libraries and some resources on line � such as the Serials List, Documents and Special Collections, and the Libraries� Handbook � �Know Your Library�. Effort is being made to arrive at an on-line public access catalogue (OPAC) in the nearest future. The software used by the libraries to catalogue materials is Bibliophile. It is an off the shelf software acquired in August 2001 after failure with The Information Navigator for Libraries (TINLIB). TINLIB failed largely because there was not much familiarity with it, and cost of yearly registration was considered very high. The software provides for records as far back as the beginning of the 20th century. Both original and customized cataloguing are done with the software. Records that are matched can be modified and saved into Current file. We see this as the beginning of our OPAC. However, we have observed that some of the records have bias towards American publications With the attainment of Internet connectivity, librarians are being encouraged to create portals of relevant resources for their clients in the respective disciplines offered in the university. This will be enhanced by the Subject Libraries organization of the libraries in which librarians qualified in various academic disciplines are in charge of resources in their areas of specialization. The University Libraries in the University of Jos is made up of five libraries � the Main Library, and Law Library (both at the Main Campus of the university), the Medical, and Centre for Continuing Education library (both at the Township Campus), and the Arts & Social Sciences Library at the Permanent Site campus. The Main Library now has a solar power back-up system that was activated only last week. The system provides for between 800 and 900 wattage of electricity for the library�s computers. In order to provide adequate service to clients, the Systems Unit of the libraries has embarked on the training of all categories of library staff on the application of information and communication technology to work in the library. Only last month, the Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), selected the University of Jos Library as one of the nine pilot centres for the National Virtual Library Project. Whenever this project takes off, it shall be a further progress for the library in providing needed materials for clients from the largest possible resource base and in a timely manner. In all the libraries� progress, the Computer Centre had provided guidance and technical support. The NUNet provides network, and MIS both technical and administrative support. Digitization in the University Libraries has transformed the image of the library. Though still making a modest progress, the library has forty machines that are currently used for various purposes � digitization of library records in the various units of the libraries, computer-aided literature search, web browsing, and electronic mail services. Thirty of the machines are currently on the Wide Area Network on campus. The library has a web page within the University�s. The web page immediately provides clients with first facts about the libraries and some resources on line � such as the Serials List, Documents and Special Collections, and the Libraries� Handbook � �Know Your Library�. Effort is being made to arrive at an on-line public access catalogue (OPAC) in the nearest future. The software used by the libraries to catalogue materials is Bibliophile. It is an off the shelf software acquired in August 2001 after failure with The Information Navigator for Libraries (TINLIB). TINLIB failed largely because there was not much familiarity with it, and cost of yearly registration was considered very high. The software provides for records as far back as the beginning of the 20th century. Both original and customized cataloguing are done with the software. Records that are matched can be modified and saved into Current file. We see this as the beginning of our OPAC. However, we have observed that some of the records have bias towards American publications With the attainment of Internet connectivity, librarians are being encouraged to create portals of relevant resources for their clients in the respective disciplines offered in the university. This will be enhanced by the Subject Libraries organization of the libraries in which librarians qualified in various academic disciplines are in charge of resources in their areas of specialization. The University Libraries in the University of Jos is made up of five libraries � the Main Library, and Law Library (both at the Main Campus of the university), the Medical, and Centre for Continuing Education library (both at the Township Campus), and the Arts & Social Sciences Library at the Permanent Site campus. The Main Library now has a solar power back-up system that was activated only last week. The system provides for between 800 and 900 wattage of electricity for the library�s computers. In order to provide adequate service to clients, the Systems Unit of the libraries has embarked on the training of all categories of library staff on the application of information and communication technology to work in the library. Only last month, the Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), selected the University of Jos Library as one of the nine pilot centres for the National Virtual Library Project. Whenever this project takes off, it shall be a further progress for the library in providing needed materials for clients from the largest possible resource base and in a timely manner. In all the libraries� progress, the Computer Centre had provided guidance and technical support. The NUNet provides network, and MIS both technical and administrative support.

9. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 9 ICT Administrative Structure in the University of Jos In the beginning The Old structure What Benefits Why it was dumped The teamwork is facilitated by a sensitive administrative committee structure of ICT in the university. The main committee had been the University Computer Committee (UCC) which oversees the development of ICT policies on campus. Comprising of the heads of all ICT units and representatives of academic and administrative units, UCC was instrumental in arriving at where we are today. There are also the NUNet and MIS Committees that are meeting specific needs of their units. However, a new structure was last December approved by the Governing Council of the University to replace the former because of the several overlap of membership of all the three committees. For instance, the chairman of UCC is the chairman of both MIS and NUNet too. The teamwork is facilitated by a sensitive administrative committee structure of ICT in the university. The main committee had been the University Computer Committee (UCC) which oversees the development of ICT policies on campus. Comprising of the heads of all ICT units and representatives of academic and administrative units, UCC was instrumental in arriving at where we are today. There are also the NUNet and MIS Committees that are meeting specific needs of their units. However, a new structure was last December approved by the Governing Council of the University to replace the former because of the several overlap of membership of all the three committees. For instance, the chairman of UCC is the chairman of both MIS and NUNet too.

10. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 10 The New ICT Structure What hope for the future? The newly approved ICT structure provides for a hierarchy of delegation and accountability, from ICT units up to an ICT Board with the following membership: Vice-Chancellor (Chairman), 2 persons nominated by the University Council, the 2 Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, the Chairmen of the MIS, NUNet and Computer Committees, the Directors of Computer Centre, MIS and NUNet, the Bursar, the Registrar, the Librarian, and the President of Student Union. With expansion of ICT possibilities, the new structure will provide leadership for ICT development in the University system. Specifically, the Board will: �have oversight over all information and communication technology services of the University, including voice, data, video, wireless networks and services, Internet services and all academic and administrative ICT services. It will be responsible for setting overall ICT policy, the overall ICT budget and for stimulating development in all directions�. The newly approved ICT structure provides for a hierarchy of delegation and accountability, from ICT units up to an ICT Board with the following membership: Vice-Chancellor (Chairman), 2 persons nominated by the University Council, the 2 Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, the Chairmen of the MIS, NUNet and Computer Committees, the Directors of Computer Centre, MIS and NUNet, the Bursar, the Registrar, the Librarian, and the President of Student Union. With expansion of ICT possibilities, the new structure will provide leadership for ICT development in the University system. Specifically, the Board will: �have oversight over all information and communication technology services of the University, including voice, data, video, wireless networks and services, Internet services and all academic and administrative ICT services. It will be responsible for setting overall ICT policy, the overall ICT budget and for stimulating development in all directions�.

11. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 11 Change Agents Internal Change agents Effectiveness curtailed by bureaucracy Outside Change agents Freedom exploited One of the critical factors in organizational development and change is change agent. The change agent could be internal or external, or both. The internal change agents have been largely staff of the various ICT units who were employed with specific job descriptions. However, their initiatives were soon curtailed by the overwhelming organizational bureaucracy. In some instances, non-technical ICT personnel had been used as change agents in ICT units. Their efforts met with the same constraint of the technical internal change agents. However, the most rewarding decisions have been to engage services of external change agents. We�ve had two so far, and their initiatives have contributed immensely to the development of ICT in the University of Jos. One characteristic of external change agents is that the are not bound by many of the cultural and bureaucratic norms that otherwise constrain the internal agents. In the experience of the University of Jos, they have also been able to attract foreign aid for ICT projects in the university. The bureaucracy also respects them because they have limited time to operate, and would not want o interfere with their plans of action. One of the critical factors in organizational development and change is change agent. The change agent could be internal or external, or both. The internal change agents have been largely staff of the various ICT units who were employed with specific job descriptions. However, their initiatives were soon curtailed by the overwhelming organizational bureaucracy. In some instances, non-technical ICT personnel had been used as change agents in ICT units. Their efforts met with the same constraint of the technical internal change agents. However, the most rewarding decisions have been to engage services of external change agents. We�ve had two so far, and their initiatives have contributed immensely to the development of ICT in the University of Jos. One characteristic of external change agents is that the are not bound by many of the cultural and bureaucratic norms that otherwise constrain the internal agents. In the experience of the University of Jos, they have also been able to attract foreign aid for ICT projects in the university. The bureaucracy also respects them because they have limited time to operate, and would not want o interfere with their plans of action.

12. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 12 Internet Access Connect! The trial period Access fee structure The first steps Who bears the cost? How about the infrastructure? Can�t wait any longer! Operational Imperatives Internet Access in the University of Jos is a reality. We were held back all the while because of the financial implications. When we applied through the Nigerian Communications Commission in 1999, we were given a bill of about N40million for license fee alone. We had hoped for succour from other sources like the Federal Government, NUC, or some other funding agency. None came by. So, we counted our cost. It was difficult to generate funds internally. However, when UCC finally made up her mind to acquire a VSAT, the University Libraries volunteered its vote to be depleted as loan for the project. However, the University Administration eventually raised the loan elsewhere internally. And so, the vendor � BT was chosen out of those that bidded for the supply. The connectivity came alive in May 2001 to the delight of he academic community that had for long looked up to the day of communicating directly to the outside world. The entire package cost about N14 million. But the monthly bill is still one issue that the UCC is still to meet up with. The NUNet office is directly overseeing the running of the connection. Technical manpower is still needed to fully man the set-up. Right now, the technical team combines the duties of running the internet proxy server, general network administration and support, and the Intranet. The connectivity took off with some failures in the first few days before peaking off. Then, after some months, we had problem with the software used for metering access. This problem is yet to be resolved. To fill in the gap, and to keep generating the needed fund, a cyber caf� had to be set up December this last year. When an update of the metering software � Wingate � is released, or whenever we are able to find another equally good substitute, access would be liberalized again. Meanwhile, long queues seeking access to the Internet continue to build up daily at the cyber caf�. The present cyber caf� system requires good accounting procedure which our past Interns and Apprentices our assisting in keeping. An arrangement had been made with the Bursary Department to retire monies realized at the end of each day. Internet Access in the University of Jos is a reality. We were held back all the while because of the financial implications. When we applied through the Nigerian Communications Commission in 1999, we were given a bill of about N40million for license fee alone. We had hoped for succour from other sources like the Federal Government, NUC, or some other funding agency. None came by. So, we counted our cost. It was difficult to generate funds internally. However, when UCC finally made up her mind to acquire a VSAT, the University Libraries volunteered its vote to be depleted as loan for the project. However, the University Administration eventually raised the loan elsewhere internally. And so, the vendor � BT was chosen out of those that bidded for the supply. The connectivity came alive in May 2001 to the delight of he academic community that had for long looked up to the day of communicating directly to the outside world. The entire package cost about N14 million. But the monthly bill is still one issue that the UCC is still to meet up with. The NUNet office is directly overseeing the running of the connection. Technical manpower is still needed to fully man the set-up. Right now, the technical team combines the duties of running the internet proxy server, general network administration and support, and the Intranet. The connectivity took off with some failures in the first few days before peaking off. Then, after some months, we had problem with the software used for metering access. This problem is yet to be resolved. To fill in the gap, and to keep generating the needed fund, a cyber caf� had to be set up December this last year. When an update of the metering software � Wingate � is released, or whenever we are able to find another equally good substitute, access would be liberalized again. Meanwhile, long queues seeking access to the Internet continue to build up daily at the cyber caf�. The present cyber caf� system requires good accounting procedure which our past Interns and Apprentices our assisting in keeping. An arrangement had been made with the Bursary Department to retire monies realized at the end of each day.

13. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 13 Web Page Design The Way Out Internship Programme Students are Creative & Fast learners Intlinet class Teachers are also taught! Web Masters Club Way to improve on designs Web page design was introduced by Cliff Missen as part of his projects when he was the Unversity of Jos as a Fulbright scholar in 1998/99. He trained a number of students Interns who, under his coaching, designed the University�s web page. Since then, the page and site have been updated by the Interns. The Internship idea happens to be a very novel and fruitful idea for ICT in the University of Jos. The Interns, apart from web page designs, have gained knowledge of server management and network administration. For most of the time that the technical crew were on one form of industrial dispute or the other, the Interns had kept our server and network running. Generally, they fill in for the shortfall in the ICT technical personnel on campus. Another method to design web pages is the institutionalization of the Intlinet class. It is an inter-geographical class on Internetworks in International Development whereby students from developing and more developed nations participate in on-line discussions. This, again, was initiated by Cliff Missen and it has enhanced internet capabilities of many senior administrative and academic staff that had participated in the last three years it had held. The Web Masters� Club was designed to improve skills on web page creation by members. Members register on-line and meet once in a month to discuss problems encountered in their web page creations. Solutions are proferred and new methods are shared. Web page design was introduced by Cliff Missen as part of his projects when he was the Unversity of Jos as a Fulbright scholar in 1998/99. He trained a number of students Interns who, under his coaching, designed the University�s web page. Since then, the page and site have been updated by the Interns. The Internship idea happens to be a very novel and fruitful idea for ICT in the University of Jos. The Interns, apart from web page designs, have gained knowledge of server management and network administration. For most of the time that the technical crew were on one form of industrial dispute or the other, the Interns had kept our server and network running. Generally, they fill in for the shortfall in the ICT technical personnel on campus. Another method to design web pages is the institutionalization of the Intlinet class. It is an inter-geographical class on Internetworks in International Development whereby students from developing and more developed nations participate in on-line discussions. This, again, was initiated by Cliff Missen and it has enhanced internet capabilities of many senior administrative and academic staff that had participated in the last three years it had held. The Web Masters� Club was designed to improve skills on web page creation by members. Members register on-line and meet once in a month to discuss problems encountered in their web page creations. Solutions are proferred and new methods are shared.

14. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 14 Updating Web Pages �Webmaster� needed Interns still important To update web pages, it is imperative, from our experience that a �webmaster� be appointed. He coordinates web page development on campus. There is a committee overseeing the project. The committee comprises of �owners� of web sites and representatives of Interns. Interns continue to play a significant role in web page designs beause they have the creative ideas on setting up pages. But the webmaster proviides a guide. To update web pages, it is imperative, from our experience that a �webmaster� be appointed. He coordinates web page development on campus. There is a committee overseeing the project. The committee comprises of �owners� of web sites and representatives of Interns. Interns continue to play a significant role in web page designs beause they have the creative ideas on setting up pages. But the webmaster proviides a guide.

15. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 15 Goals for the Future Versatile Internet Service Provider Academic communication fully on-line Synchronized personal number for both staff and students Virtual library The goals for the future are amusing: become a versatile Internet Service Provider, commence academic communication fully on-line, start off a synchronised personal number for both staff and students, and, the University Library graduating to a virtual library.The goals for the future are amusing: become a versatile Internet Service Provider, commence academic communication fully on-line, start off a synchronised personal number for both staff and students, and, the University Library graduating to a virtual library.

16. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 16 Credits Mr. E. G. Eseyin Mr. S. E. Adewumi Mr. Daniel Yakmut Coach Cliff Missen, and Noble Interns and Apprentices

17. Unijos uses its height advantage to gain access to the Internet 17 Thank you all � and � Welcome to virtual Reality