Learning Outcomes:

• Students will understand the essential roles that cleaners and security personnel play in maintaining a functional and safe environment in Nigerian higher institutions.
• Students will appreciate the importance of cleanliness and security in enhancing the overall campus experience.

Overview: Cleaners and security personnel are vital to the daily operations of any university or higher institution. Though often working behind the scenes, their contributions are critical in creating a clean, safe, and conducive environment for learning. These staff members ensure that the campus remains orderly, hygienic, and secure, allowing academic and non-academic activities to proceed smoothly. For students, understanding the value of these services encourages a culture of respect and cooperation with staff.

Role of Cleaners: Cleaners in Nigerian higher institutions are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of classrooms, offices, hostels, laboratories, and public spaces. Their work directly affects the health and well-being of students and staff by reducing the spread of diseases and creating a welcoming environment.

• Classrooms and Lecture Halls: Cleaners ensure that lecture halls and classrooms are swept and mopped daily, allowing students to study in clean surroundings. They are also responsible for disposing of trash and ensuring that the facilities remain usable.
• Hostels and Dormitories: For students living on campus, the role of cleaners is particularly important. They maintain the cleanliness of common areas like corridors, restrooms, and kitchens. Their work helps to promote hygiene, especially in densely populated spaces.
• Laboratories and Offices: In research environments, cleaners ensure that laboratories are free from debris, spills, or contamination that could affect experiments or safety. They also maintain the offices where academic and administrative work is conducted.

Cleaners often face challenges like large workloads or dealing with untidy spaces left by students. It is important for students to cooperate by maintaining personal hygiene, using waste bins, and respecting the efforts of cleaners. This mutual respect improves the overall campus experience for everyone.

Role of Security Personnel: Security personnel are tasked with maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all individuals on campus. Their work involves preventing crime, responding to emergencies, and managing access to certain areas of the institution. In large universities, the security team often works round the clock to ensure that the campus remains safe at all times.

• Campus Patrols: Security personnel frequently patrol the campus to deter criminal activity, such as theft or vandalism. They monitor key areas, including lecture halls, hostels, and administrative buildings, ensuring the safety of both students and staff.
• Access Control: In many institutions, security guards are positioned at campus gates to regulate who enters and leaves the premises. This helps to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing restricted areas or disrupting academic activities.
• Crisis Response: Security personnel are trained to respond to emergencies such as fire outbreaks, accidents, or medical crises. They are often the first responders in situations requiring immediate attention, providing first aid or coordinating with other emergency services.
• Night Security: For students living on campus, security is particularly important at night. Security personnel ensure that hostels and academic buildings remain safe after dark, conducting patrols and responding to incidents that may arise during late hours.

Security challenges can range from theft to harassment, and the presence of security personnel helps to reduce these risks. Students are encouraged to report any suspicious activities and cooperate with security guidelines, as this enhances their own safety and that of others on campus.

Challenges Faced by Cleaners and Security Personnel: Despite their essential roles, cleaners and security personnel often face challenges such as low pay, long hours, and a lack of appreciation for their efforts. In some cases, they may encounter disrespectful behavior from students or staff, which can make their jobs more difficult. It is important for students to treat cleaners and security staff with respect and recognize their contributions to making the university a better place.

This lesson emphasizes the critical roles that cleaners and security staff play in ensuring a functional, clean, and safe learning environment. Understanding and appreciating their work fosters a more respectful and cooperative campus culture.