Introduction

Njala University embarked on an ambitious project, with the support of external partners, to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in all its functions as one of the critical elements of its strategic plan. Within the context of this plan, the vision of ICT is “University wide access to, and utilisation of Information and communication Technology to enhance the position of Njala University as a centre of academic excellence and its contribution to the sustainable development of society.” In recognition of the global scarcity of ICT expertise, and to contain escalating costs that would result from multiple hiring of such expertise, the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology Service (DICTS) was established in 2014, under the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal as a central service unit to provide expert services and guidance to all academic and administrative units of the University.

Vision:

To use ICT optimally with the view to increasing efficiency and quality among both staff and students and endeavour to fit into the global information and knowledge economies

Mission:

To provide high quality, cost-effective, efficient and effective management information systems that supports the University’s scholars, students, teachers and administrators, and enhances the University’s contribution to the sustainable development of society

Functions

1. Policy support advocacy
2. Secretariat and administrative arm of the University ICT Committee
3. Day to day ICT Policy and Master Plan interpretation for users
4. Offering ICT awareness workshops to user units to facilitate understanding of the benefits of integrating ICT into all University function within the context of the ICT Policy and Master Plan.
5. Recommend policy and policy objective adjustments to the ICT Committee.
6. Develop, implement, and manage a new distributed Internet network to provide a more robust, efficient, and secure University wide infrastructure;
7. Provide enhanced and expanded ICT services to meet the growing needs of departments and units in the University. Support schools, departments and units in providing secure and reliable ICT operations;
8. Manage the university wide agreements for quality ICT products and services to reduce the cost and increase the value of University’s IT hardware, software, and services;
9. Provide ICT baseline audit, mapping, and selective benchmarking efforts that are guided by a clear vision and goals to make policymaking more focused, and effective.
10. To Promote Innovative Use of ICT that Adds Value to the administrative academic environment in the university e.g Online portal, e-learning, etc.
11. Provide ICT capacity building to staff and students’

ICT Master Plan Implementation

Project formulation and sourcing of funds within the context of the ICT Master Plan Liaison with external development partners and ICT consultants Project planning and management support to the Project Committees set up for the various projects under the ICT Master Plan Offering ICT planning, design, procurement, installation and maintenance guidance and support to all user units. This applies to software, hardware, and Njala University ICT Policy Master plan phase (2018-2028).

Management, Control and Maintenance of ICT Resources

Ownership, management, control and maintenance of the University’s ICT resources. These include the backbone and all backbone points of presence as well as the Network Operations Centre (NOC), which incorporates email and Internet/intranet services. Management, control and maintenance of ICT resources owned by the units responsible for the main systems and databases. This includes centrally located servers (for databases and software) for the Academic Records Information System, the Library Information System, the Finance Information System and the Human Resource Information system. Development, implementation and monitoring of access policy, security policy, and service level agreements. Website design, development and maintenance

Learning Resource Centre

Providing technology and application foresight for the University so that user units can leverage technology to maximum advantage while minimising the risks of obsolescence DICTS administration is located at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University Secretariat, Njala Campus, Njala. Tel: +232 79 453322

The Internet Centre and Network operations Center are on the University Library, Njala Campus, Njala

For your ICT needs please contact the Helpdesk on telephone number +223 79 453322 or Email: [email protected]

For more information

Dr. Thomas Philip Songu
Director of Information & Communication Technology
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +23279453322