Staff of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Abuja, have acquired practical First Aid and emergency response skills aimed at strengthening workplace safety and preparedness.
The training, conducted by the Nigerian Red Cross Society and facilitated by the Management of NOUN, was held on August 4, 2026, as part of the university’s efforts to enhance staff capacity and ensure a safer environment for employees, students and visitors.
The exercise went beyond classroom theory, with participants engaging in practical demonstrations on how to respond to accidents, injuries, unconsciousness and other medical emergencies before the arrival of professional medical assistance.
Among the participants were the Centre Director, Dr. Francis O. Enobore; Admin Officer I, Mr. James M. Idoko; Counsellor II, Mr. John Moses; and Mrs. Kete Folake.
A major highlight of the training was a practical demonstration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using a training manikin. Participants were guided through the appropriate procedures for responding to a person who suddenly becomes unresponsive and requires immediate assistance.
They subsequently practised the techniques themselves, gaining hands-on experience that could prove invaluable in a real-life emergency.
The training also covered the basic principles of First Aid, including casualty assessment, recognition of emergency situations and appropriate responses to persons who are unconscious, injured or in distress.
The hands-on approach provided participants with an opportunity to move beyond theoretical knowledge and develop the confidence needed to respond promptly and responsibly in critical situations.
For a study centre that serves students and accommodates staff and visitors regularly, the importance of emergency preparedness cannot be overemphasised.
Accidents, sudden illnesses and other medical emergencies can occur without warning. In such situations, the ability of people nearby to provide immediate and appropriate assistance can make a significant difference while awaiting professional medical intervention.
The training therefore forms part of broader efforts by the university to promote a culture of safety, preparedness and responsibility across the NOUN community.
The participating staff expressed appreciation to the Management of the University for providing the opportunity to undergo the training, describing it as a valuable professional development initiative and an important investment in the safety and wellbeing of the university community.
They noted that the knowledge acquired would not only enhance their performance of official responsibilities but also equip them to assist students, colleagues and members of the public during emergencies.
The staff also commended the university’s commitment to continuous staff development and expressed the hope that similar practical capacity-building programmes would be extended to personnel across other NOUN study centres.
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