UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

FACULTY OF SCHOOL OF SCIENCE LABORATORY

TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

A REPORT
ON
COMMUNITY SERVICE

WRITTEN & PRESENTED BY:

NAME: ODI NIGEL OMELGHARA

MAT NO: U2023/5740019

COURSE TITLE: COMMUNITY SERVICE

COURSE CODE: SLT 2C1.2

FACULTY COORDINATOR: PROF. E. B. OCHEKWU

DEPT. SUPERVISOR: MR. UZOMA M. C.

PREFACE

On August 27th, 2025, students from the Department of Biology and Biotechnology, under
the Faculty of Science Laboratory Technology (SSLT) at the University of Port Harcourt,
participated in a community service exercise.

The activity was carried out in and around the Laboratory building and its immediate
surroundings, with the main goal of improving the environment and promoting a sense of
cleanliness and responsibility within the academic community.

Page 2 of 15
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 ACKNOWLEGMENT ……………………………………………….……….. 4
 INRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY SERVICE …………………………..… 5
 HISTORY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE………………………………….… 6
 OBJECTIVE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ……………………………..….. 7
 IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ………………………….….. 8
 ACTIVITY PERFOMED ……………………………………………….……. 9
 MATERIALS USED ………………………………………………………… 10
 PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE SERVICE ………………… 11
 SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS TO THE LISTED PROBLEMS………………. 12
 PHOTO GALLERIES ……………………………………………………….. 13
 CONCLUSION …………………………………………………………….… 14
 REFERENCE ……………………………………………………………….... 15

Page 3 of 15
ACKNOWLEGMENT

I am deeply grateful to God Almighty for His unwavering guidance and protection throughout the
course of my community service.

I would also like to sincerely thank Mr. Uzoma Miracle C., my departmental supervisor, for his
steadfast support, guidance, and encouragement.

My heartfelt appreciation also goes to Prof. E. B. Ochekwu, our faculty coordinator, whose leadership
and oversight played a vital role in the successful execution of this community service initiative.

Page 4 of 15
INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Community service is an essential aspect of fostering social responsibility and contributing to

the betterment of society. As part of our academic program, we embarked on a community
service project aimed at making a positive impact on our community. This report provides an
overview of our community service experience, highlighting its history, objectives,
importance, and outcomes.

Page 5 of 15
HISTORY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE
Community service at UNIPORT traces back to the university’s earliest days. At the first
meeting of the provisional Senate, held on 29 October 1976 at the residence of Principal
Professor Donald E. U. Ekong, at No. 2, Col Shittu Alao Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt,
proposal emerged from the joint board of the Schools of Humanities, Social Studies, and
Educational Studies. The recommendation was clear: establish a committee on national self-
reliance to involve staff and students in addressing community needs through hands-on
engagement.
To give effect to its practical realization, Senate set up an ad hoc committee to prepare a
working programme for consideration. The members of the ad hoc committee were,
1. Professor E. J. Alagoa (Chairman)
2. Dr. R. A. Odihirin
3. Mr. C. B. Powell
4. Dr. (Mrs) A. I. Spiff
5. And three persons from the Schools of Humanities, Social Studies and Educational
Studies.

By the second Senate session on 5 January 1977, it was considered appropriate to

redesignated the programme from "National Self-reliance" to "Community Service Field
Courses.” These were designed as credit-bearing components, mandatory across all degree
programmes. The underlying aim was to promote the dignity of labour and to cement the
university’s role in societal development.

Each academic department appointed a liaison to work with students in identifying potential
community projects. These proposals then passed through faculty coordinators to the Central
Community Service Board for approval.

Page 6 of 15
OBJECTIVE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

The University of Port Harcourt designed Community Service as a compulsory, credit-

earning course with clear objectives that guide both students and staff. Historically and in
practice, the main objectives include:

1. Promotion of the dignity of labour

2. Application of knowledge to real needs
3. Development of self-reliance
4. Strengthening town–gown relationship
5. Cultivation of civic responsibility
6. Teamwork and leadership skills
7. Raising awareness and promoting social change
8. Environmental and health improvement

Page 7 of 15
IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

 The importance of Community Service at the University of Port Harcourt lies in

the benefits it provides to students, the university, and the surrounding society.
Key points include:
 Practical application of learning
 It allows students to translate classroom knowledge into real-life solutions for
community problems.2. Character and value formation
 By emphasizing the dignity of labour, it helps students develop humility,
discipline, and respect for honest work.
 Skill development
 Students gain experience in project planning, leadership, teamwork, and problem-
solving, which are useful after graduation.
 Social responsibility
 It nurtures a sense of duty to society, preparing students to become active,
responsible citizens.
 Stronger town–gown relations
 Health and environmental benefits
 Activities such as sanitation, tree planting, and health campaigns improve living
conditions both on campus and in surrounding areas.
 Promotion of self-reliance
 Students learn to initiate, manage, and complete projects with limited resources,
which fosters independence.
 Community awareness and education
 National development

Page 8 of 15
ACTIVITY PERFOMED

On August 27, 2025, I performed community service at the School of Science Laboratory
Technology building along with the members of my department (Biology and
Biotechnology). We gathered as at 8am with our working tools. After which our faculty
coordinator (Prof. E. B Ochekwu) divided us into various groups and assigned us to our areas
of work.

My group was assigned to create a path way of about 4 feet wide from the road to the
department's poultry house. On our group leaders watch and guidance, we cut the grasses and
used rake to clear the path while our supervisor (Sir. Uzoma M.C) acted as a guide.

We wrote down our names on a list for attendance purpose.

Afterwards we had a conversation with our HOD and he commended us and encouraged us to
do better in our upcoming exams. Then we were given drinks after which we all dispersed
happy.

Page 9 of 15
MATERIALS USED

The following materials and tools were employed to execute the project successfully:

Brooms, mopping sticks and buckets, hand towels for cleaning windows and benches,
detergent, air freshener, Packers, cutlass and shovels.

Page 10 of 15
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE SERVICE

 Dust and Allergies

 Stubborn Stains and Dirt
 Inadequate Cleaning Tools or Materials
 Physical Strain
 Activities like clearing bushes outside can be physically challenging
 Safety Risks
 Handling laboratory slabs and sink may expose us to leftover chemical traces.
 Poor Ventilation During Cleaning
 Coordination Challenges
 Waste Disposal.

Page 11 of 15
SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS TO THE LISTED PROBLEMS

The following are the suggested solutions to the listed problems encountered:

1. Dust and Allergies

SOLUTION: Wear face masks and gloves during cleaning to reduce exposure to dust. Keep
windows open for better ventilation.

2. Stubborn Stains and Dirt

SOLUTION: Use appropriate detergents, disinfectants, or mild chemical cleaners designed

for laboratory use. For rust, scrubbing with wire brushes or specialized cleaning agents may
be required.

3. Inadequate Cleaning Tools or Materials

SOLUTION: Plan ahead by ensuring cleaning tools are available in sufficient quantity.
Group members can contribute small materials or request supplies from the department
before starting.

4. Physical Strain

SOLUTION: Share tasks among group members, take short breaks, and use proper posture
when bending or lifting.

5. Safety Risks

SOLUTION: Wear protective gear such as gloves, closed shoes, and long sleeves. Avoid
direct contact with unknown substances. Use cutlasses or hoes carefully when clearing
bushes.

6. Poor Ventilation During Cleaning

SOLUTION: Ensure windows and doors are kept open during cleaning. If possible, use fans
to improve air circulation.

7. Coordination Challenges

SOLUTION: Assign clear roles before starting. A group leader can supervise and ensure
fairness in task distribution.

8. Waste Disposal

SOLUTION: Identify designated waste collection points in advance. Use waste bags or
wheelbarrows to gather and transport refuse for proper disposal.

Page 12 of 15
PHOTO GALLERIES

A PHOTOGRAPH OF ME AT WORK

BBT GENERAL GROUP PHOTO

Page 13 of 15
CONCLUSION
In summary, my community service activities in the BBT/BMT/MCT laboratory contributed
to improving both the cleanliness and safety of the facility. Tasks such as sweeping,
mopping, cleaning windows, washing sinks, and scrubbing laboratory benches helped to
restore order and create a healthier working environment. Joining my group members to clear
the bushes behind the laboratory also improved sanitation and reduced potential health
hazards. The experience not only enhanced the physical state of the laboratory but also gave
me the opportunity to practice teamwork, responsibility, and the dignity of labour, which are
central aims of community service in the University of Port Harcourt.

Page 14 of 15
REFERENCES

 Ekong, D. E. U. (1977). Community Service Field Courses: A Senate Report.

University of Port Harcourt Senate Records.
 University of Port Harcourt. (1997). Community Service Handbook. Port
Harcourt: UNIPORT Press.
 Otfashionable Blog. (2017, September 27). History of Community Service in
UNIPORT. Retrieved from [Link]
[Link]
 Studocu. (n.d.). Community Service Report – University of Port Harcourt.
Retrieved from [Link]
harcourt/computer-science/community-service-report-philip-lebari-evans/
91712303

Page 15 of 15