Jerome Hall brings technology to Nigerian university

One of the perks of attending Tech is undoubtedly the access students have to free, high-speed internet and other modern technologies. However, others are not so fortunate.

For the past four months, Jerome Hall, an Executive Master of Science student from Tech, has been working to give the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) the little luxuries-stable power and reliable internet-that Tech students take for granted. Hall has been hired as the chief technology officer for NOUN.

According to www.nou.edu.ng, NOUN provides open and distance learning with over 50 programs and 27 centers for people throughout different regions of Nigeria. Hall hopes to make education significantly more available through distance learning via the internet.

"[Distance learning] is a means of education for students that would not normally have access. I've signed on for two years and my goal is to get the study centers connected," Hall said.

In an area that is heavily reliant on generators and prone to blackouts, this will be a significant challenge. NOUN's various study centers are connected through an infrastructure that Hall has set out to improve.

"[My job responsibility is] to design, implement and maintain a wide area network," Hall said.

The infrastructure is, according to Hall, poor at best. Still, he maintains an optimistic outlook.

"It's a challenge I welcome," Hall said.

Despite his new job responsibilities, Hall is still working on finishing up his degree with Tech's Management of Technology program while living in Nigeria. He relies on recorded lectures and conference calls every Wednesday. Ironically, this is the very experience he hopes to provide for Nigerian distance learners.

Hall said that the Management of Technology program has provided him with a practical education. He said that pursuit of a master's degree is "purely coincidental" to being hired as chief technology officer.

"[The program] has taught me about cultural differences: how to interpret things being said in other cultures, the underlying meaning and how to navigate through the political landmine. [There are] cultural differences with any organization. [My experience at Tech] has given me the ability to go in and assess the situation...what motivates people, what increases their morale," Hall said.

"It's a big value to be able to read subtle nuances [and] realize what I can and cannot change," Hall said.

Politics and culture are vital components of Hall's life in Nigeria.

"This year is an election year in Nigeria. [One concern is] what happens to the funding once the changing of the guard has taken place. We want the university to become self-sufficient before funds from the state run out," Hall said.

Living in Lagos, Nigeria-the country's most populated city-comes with its fair share of culture shock. In a city with an estimated population of 10-15 million, rush hour traffic can be a nightmare when, according to Hall, 75 percent of the traffic lights do not work.

"Learning to adapt to the environment [has been challenging]. I was in a meeting once [when the power went out] and the meeting continued [like nothing had happened]. The things we take for granted, they consider luxury...it's just a way of life there," Hall said.

According to Hall, the most significant luxury that Tech students take as a given is educational opportunity.

"Tech students have access to resources that some of these students have never had access to....I've witnessed [in NOUN students] a lot of drive but also defeat," Hall said.

However, Hall said that one thing Tech students do have in common with NOUN students is a passion to learn.

When asked what he hopes to accomplish, Hall said that he will probably not see the true results of his work for decades.

"The instantaneous gratification comes from [knowing that] people are able to access the internet for the first time," Hall said.