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ESTATE DEVELOPERS BRANDISH HOUSING PLANS FOR NOUN STAFF

In a significant shift towards addressing the housing needs of staff, the National Housing Fund Unit of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has facilitated an interactive session with Estate Developers to present their housing and mortgage plans.

The session facilitated by the NHF Unit, was part of efforts for the staffers to patronize and own affordable properties.

It was held on Tuesday, May 28, 2023 at the Conference Hall, Senate Building, NOUN headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, as the staff from faculties, directorates and units welcomed the Talik Developers.

In his opening address, the Head of the NHF Unit, Dr. Chukwuto Nnamdi, expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasising its importance for the university community and beyond.

“This partnership demonstrates our dedication to improving the welfare of our staff. Access to affordable housing enhances our community’s quality of life and contributes to reducing the national housing deficit,” Nnamdi said.

On her part, Ms. Patience Adahigiri, Desk Officer at the unit, highlighted the benefits of the federal mortgage plans, stressing that "These plans offer individuals and families homes with flexible payment options and favorable interest rates.

"This initiative is especially beneficial to staff of all income levels who need a stable living arrangement but who aren't particularly financially buoyant, because the mortgage plans make room for them to pay in bits."

Representatives of the Talik Developers led by Ms. Rachael Oputa, detailed their commitment to affordable housing through innovative designs, cost-effective construction, and sustainable materials. "Our aim is to close the housing gap by providing quality homes at affordable prices.

"We recognize the financial challenges many Nigerians face, and our partnership with the Federal Housing Authority through its federal mortgage schemes aims to ease the burden of home acquisition."

Meanwhile in her remarks, the immediate-past head of the Unit, Mrs. Busari Idayat, encouraged staff to take advantage of the housing options and federal mortgage plans while emphasizing the importance of home ownership as a means of financial stability and personal security.

"Owning a home is not just about having a place to live in, it's about building equity and securing your future," she added.

Idayat further highlighted the various benefits that come with engaging in the housing market, including investment potential and long-term financial planning.

BUTSWAT OKAYS CONDUCT OF PoP EXAMS AT BOGORO CENTRE

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Issac Butswat, has on Saturday, May 25, 2024, visited the Bogoro Community Study Centre, Bauchi State, where he commended the frictionless process and the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2024_1 PoP examination.

While commending the management of the study centre, led by its acting director, Mr. Peter Akintola for a good working relationship, Butswat said the measures put in place at the centre have ensured a smooth exercise, grading it as excellent.

The DVC, who was visibly satisfied and impressed with the students’ behaviours for abiding by the rules and regulations guiding the conduct of the examination, also disclosed that there was no case of examination irregularity recorded at the centre during his monitoring exercise.

“I think everything I found to be well organised; the environment was well organised as well. The students are well behaved, the seating arrangements are very okay. So, I think on the whole, Bogoro Study Centre did very well in this particular exam process,” he said.

He therefore encouraged the management of the centre to continue to their best by managing the available resources deployed to them, and keep up the good work of moving the study centre to the greater height.

THE INTEGRITY OF OUR EXAMS MUST BE PROTECTED - ALIEDE

A Professor of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Jonathan Elom Aliede, has asserted that the integrity of exams at the university must be protected.

Aliede made the assertion on the sidelines during his tour of Uromi Community Study Centre, Edo State, to monitor the ongoing 2024_1 Pen-on-Paper (PoP) examination.

The communication expert, who was warmly received by the Centre Director, Dr. Oluyemi Ogundiwim, said that the decision of the management of the university to monitor the exams meticulously underscored its commitment to protect the integrity of the institution’s assessment system and quality assurance jealously.

Aliede counseled the students to embrace the virtue of hard work in their studies and to eschew the temptation to cheat in order not to incur the wrath of the university.

The former Centre Director, Fugar Community Study Centre, spent Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd May, 2024, to monitor exams at Uromi Community Study Centre.

INEGBEDION LAUDS CONDUCT OF EXAM AT BADAGRY CENTRE

The Badagry Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has earned a vote of confidence over its conduct of the 2024_1 Pen-on-Paper (POP) examination.

The vote of confidence was conferred on the centre by Prof Juliet Inegbedion who was at the study centre for the official supervision of the ongoing examination.

Based on her satisfactory on-the-spot assessment, Inegbedion commended the centre for strictly sticking to the assessment criteria governing the university examinations conduct.

Inegbedion arrived two hours before the commencement of the first session examination of the day and was highly impressed to meet dedicated members of staff on ground in readiness for the day’s business.

She could not but vent out her favourable commendation on the centre’s commitment to growing its students population through organised and successful advocacy campaigns within one year of its establishment.

The professor was also impressed with the clean environment that greeted her eyes on arrival and commended the environmental staff and security personnel for their efforts in keeping the centre clean and safe from unauthorised access.

She, however, charged the study centre to leverage on their border closeness to drawing more international students to the university.

During the visit, Inegbedion was welcomed by the Director of the centre, Dr. Julius Paul Eyanuku as well as some staff members of the study centre.

SEN. LALONG INAUGURATES NOUN CENTRE IN WASE

Former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau-south Senatorial District, Simon Bako Lalong, has performed the official inauguration of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Community Study Centre in Wase, Wase Local Government Area of the state.

The event, which was held on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Wase, was part of the federal projects conceived and attracted by the former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase.

While performing the event, the senator appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the ministry of education for making sure that the collaboration with the National Assembly yielded a positive result.

He stressed the need to strengthen education and give Nigerians, particularly from the rural areas, an opportunity to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance.

Lalong, who lauded Wase for attracting the project and ensuring that it was completed, said he was proud of him, apart from giving him support during his tenure as governor, he has also continued to push for the interests of the state as well as making the achievements of their party, the APC, to stand out.

The senator said the centre will give the marginalised, and even those who are willing to acquire additional education an opportunity to do so with ease.

He assured that he will work with Wase and other legislators to ensure that federal presence is attracted to not only the southern zone but the whole state.

In his remarks, the former Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, appreciated his constituents for giving him the opportunity to serve them at the National Assembly for many years, assuring them that he will also continue to bring development that will impact the present and future generations.

He thanked the former Governor Lalong whom he described as a leader and true democrat that loves unity, peace and collective achievements.

Wase said the vision behind Wase Community Study Centre is to make tertiary education accessible to most rural dwellers in the area and also build capacity for national development.

Wase centre
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olufemi Peters, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Isaac Rabo Buswat, said the Wase Community Study Centre is a viable educational platform for emancipation which the young and old should take advantage of.

Stressing the significance of the centre, Peters mentioned that it will empower the underserved, foster social cohesion and catalyze development.

The VC added that the centre will seek partnerships by collaborating with local and state government agencies to align with broader development, and will partner with universities, colleges, vocational schools and with non-profit organisations and private sector for job placement programmes and entrepreneurship support.

“The centre stands as a transformative hub, empowering the local community and paving way for a brighter, more equitable future. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase CON, representing the good people of Wase Federal Constituency, has demonstrated passion for the education of his people and those within his environment through the facilitation of the establishment of this community study centre.

“We invite all stakeholders to join us and him in this journey of community empowerment and sustainable development, especially in the area of security, securing lives and properties," the VC said.

He used the occasion to request support in procuring operational vehicle, even as he encouraged them to be involved in advocacy drive. “Advocacy has to be done by one and all. In doing advocacy encourage inclusivity and local partnerships leaving no one behind, include, particularly the girl child, women in ‘Purda’ and the aged as well as the physically challenged or disabled, the blind, the crippled.”

Peters appealed to the neighbouring local government areas of Kanam, Langtang North and others including neighbouring states to take advantage of their proximity to the Wase Centre to enroll, in order to add knowledge and improve themselves.

The activities climaxed with the senator cutting the ribbon to unveil the facility, as the guests toured the offices, ICT rooms, and laboratories.

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I’M EXCITED ABOUT WHAT I SEE IN PORTHACOURT CENTRE - OMACHONU

Prof. Omachonu observing the Script Submission System (SSS) at Port Harcourt Centre during his visit
A Professor of Linguistics, Faculty of Arts, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Gideon Sunday Omachonu, has said that he was happy and excited about what he saw at the Port Harcourt Study Centre, Rivers State.

Omachonu made the assertion in a chat with NOUN News correspondent during his exams monitoring tour of the centre on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

The linguist, who is a veteran external examiner and public exams resource person, having worked with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), described the manner in which exams were administered at the Port Harcourt centre as near perfect.

“The vigilance with which the invigilators man the exams as well as how everything is well arranged and properly organised indicates that the centre director, Dr. Theresa Ucheoma Ettu, is already on top of the game in terms of trying to uphold standard as expected of us at NOUN,” he said.

Omachonu, who was warmly received by Ettu, along with members of staff of the centre, opined that what upholds the sanctity of NOUN and any other university that is worth the name is the quality of its examinations. “Once that standard is compromised, the sanctity of the university and what it offers is lost and there is nothing to be proud of any more,” he added.

The don urged the management of NOUN to provide, as a matter of university-wide measure, a continuing education opportunity for invigilators and all resource persons involved in exams administration, "so that we may continue to improve on rather than regress from the standard we have achieved so far."

Omachonu observed that diverse novel methods of cheating and exams malpractice are being evolved especially with the ever-advancing technological innovations.

"We know that the younger generation is by far more tech savvy than we older people. The university has got to watch this carefully and be proactive in placing checks to these diverse new methods of exams malpractices.

"Everyone involved in exams at NOUN must do their utmost to improve on their technology literacy in order to catch up with and be able to checkmate these new trends in exams malpractices," he said.

DEVELOPMENT OF GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY FRAMEWORK TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS STAKEHOLDERS, OTHERS MEET IN ABUJA

Sequel to the ongoing global concern of graduate employability in Higher Education Institutions (HIEs), stakeholders in education sector have recognised the need for graduates to be equipped with relevant skills and competencies to meet market demands.

This, they said, has become imperative in ensuring that graduates are not only academically proficient but also equipped with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge to thrive in the competitive job market and contribute to regional socio-economic development.

This formed the thrust of discussion at a 2-day training workshop with theme: “Development of Graduate Employability Framework for Directors of Academic Planning of Dual-Mode HEIs in West Africa,”organised by the Regional Training and Research Institute for Distance and Open Learning (RETRIDOL-NOUN) in collaboration with The Commonwealth of Learning (COL).

The workshop was held between May 16 -17, 2024, at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

The event aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement effective employability frameworks tailored to the unique context of their institutions.

It brought together stakeholders, academicians, and directors of Academic Planning of Dual-Mode HEIs in West Africa.

In his welcome address, NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters encouraged participants to make use of the opportunity provided by RETRIDOL in collaboration with COL to add knowledge.

Peters said RETRIDOL-NOUN continues to play a pivotal role in capacity building and enhancing graduate employability in the sub-region.

“To all the Directors of Academic Planning who are participants at this workshop, you have been entrusted with the critical task of shaping institutional frameworks. It is my hope that this workshop will both benefit from as well as enrich your expertise, paving the way for the development of robust employability frameworks that will produce well-rounded graduates, essential for sustainable development of our nations,”he said.

The Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, TIR, Prof. Godwin Akper, said employability has become an increasingly important consideration for HEIs especially in this age of rapid change and innovation.

“As we engage in deliberations on developing a framework tailored to HEIs utilising Open and Distance Learning, it’s crucial to acknowledge the unique characteristics of our student population. Many of our students are actively involved in various vocations, leveraging the flexibility offered by this mode of learning.

“It is imperative, therefore, to consider the diverse opportunities available to them within this educational landscape as we shape our framework.

“NOUN has embraced the challenge. Our proactive approach includes the development of an employability strategy in 2021, aimed at integrating employability skills across all our programmes.

“This move is in addition to initiatives like students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) for which NOUN established a directorate in 2012 and the Directorate for Entrepreneurship and General Studies (DE&GS) underscoring our commitment to preparing students for the future of work,”he added.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Director, RETRIDOL, Prof. Christine Ofulue, said the workshop was particularly timely as it tried to address the pressing issue of graduate employability.

According to her, it is a challenge faced by HEIs amidst the rapidly evolving landscapes of higher education and the workplace, influenced by technological advancements.

Ofulue, represented by Director, Quality Assurance, Prof. Juliet Inegbedion, said the objectives of the workshop were: Exploring the best practices to integrate industry-relevant skills, design impactful programmes and leverage data for continuous improvement, facilitate knowledge sharing and create a support network among participating institutions to advance graduate employability, among others.

Speaking on the expected outcome, Ofulue said at the end of the workshop, participants would have identified employability skills that would enhance university graduate performance across all programmes of study; developed graduate employability strategies that meet the needs of the learners, labour market and society.

the director appreciated the two distinguished resource persons, who would take the participants through the route of the workshop: Prof Juliet Inegbedion from NOUN, whose involvement in developing and implementing NOUN’s employability strategy brought an invaluable expertise and Barrister Christian Ugwuala form Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, whose extensive experience in the industrial sector would undoubtedly enrich the discussion.

On her part, COL adviser to education, Prof. Jane-Frances Agbu, said the COL recognises the imperative to enhance graduate employability in West Africa, particularly within the context of dual-mode HEIs.

Giving a brief insight on COL, Agbu said COL was created by Commonwealth Heads of Government in 1987 with the aim of promoting the development and sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources and technologies.

According to her, COL provides greater access to quality education and training through open, distance, and technology-enabled learning, thereby allowing improved livelihoods, greater gender equity, and overall economic, social, and cultural development leading to sustainable development.

“COL is committed to promoting equitable access to quality lifelong learning for all - believing, in effect, that access to learning opportunities will lead to progress in achieving sustainable development,”she said.

Participants were also taken through a hands-on session to develop a preliminary framework, peer review and feed back session on the draft frame work, sharing and discussion of the refined graduate employability framework as well as break out sessions and group presentations to ascertain their level of assimilation.

Certificates were presented to all the participants at the end of the 2-day workshop.

UIAA 24TH ALUMNI LECTURE: PETERS EXPLORES UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA

In a thought-provoking address delivered at the 2024 Alumni Lecture held at the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi A. Peters, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Ibadan, delved into the complex interplay between government policies and the Nigerian higher education system.

The lecture, titled: “The Unintended Consequences of Government Policies on Federal Universities in Nigeria,” provided a critical examination of the impact of policy decisions on academic institutions and their stakeholders, shedding light on the challenges and complexities inherent in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

Peters began by acknowledging Nigeria’s rich history of policy development and enactment, characterised by ambitious goals and noble intentions, as he highlighted a persistent challenge plaguing these policies—the gap between policy formulation and effective implementation.

Despite the government’s stated commitment to policy ex*****on, the NOUN VC argued that unintended consequences often undermine the intended objectives, particularly in the context of federal universities.

The lecture explored the multifaceted ownership of universities, emphasising their role as public institutions serving diverse stakeholders.

From society at large to students, faculty, government, donors, and alumni, each group contributes to the university’s mission and success, as Peters underscored the significance of alumni engagement, advocating for their inclusion in university governance structures to enhance institutional effectiveness.

Highlighting the pivotal role of alumni, Prof. Peters outlined various ways in which alumni contribute to the growth and advancement of their alma mater: from networking and financial support to mentorship and advocacy, alumni serve as custodians of institutional legacy, driving progress and innovation.

He reflected on the evolving landscape of higher education in Nigeria, and traced the trajectory from traditional Humboldtian ideals to modern-day challenges of relevance and adaptation.

Peters highlighted shifts in ownership and instructional modes, emphasising the enduring commitment to scholarship and knowledge dissemination, exploring the tension between academic autonomy and societal relevance, and noted the increasing scrutiny universities face from the government and other stakeholders.

He delineated the multifaceted challenges confronting Nigerian universities, from funding constraints and infrastructure deficiencies to industrial actions, academic quality concerns, corruption, graduate employability, and examination misconduct, emphasising the urgent need for systemic reforms to address corruption, enhance governance, and bolster academic standards.

Exploring government intervention, he advocated for enhanced funding mechanisms to alleviate university challenges. He delineated funding sources and underscored the imperative for transparency and accountability in financial management.

Prof. Peters scrutinised two pivotal government policies—the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). While the intention was to streamline financial management and promote transparency, these policies inadvertently encroached on university autonomy, stifling academic freedom and hampering operational efficiency.

The lecture unravelled the unintended consequences of government policies on federal universities. Delays in fund disbursement, erosion of autonomy, and capacity-building challenges emerged as unforeseen outcomes, necessitating a nuanced approach to policy formulation and implementation.

Professor Peters began by contextualising the implementation of IPPIS in 2019, mandated by the Federal Government. While the objectives of IPPIS aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in manpower planning and remuneration, its implementation faced significant challenges. University staff unions, notably the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), raised concerns regarding the inflexibility of IPPIS to accommodate the unique structures of universities and the erosion of university autonomy.

Enumerating the unintended consequences of IPPIS implementation, Peters highlighted issues such as data discrepancies, inadequate ICT infrastructure, delayed payments, and inflexibility in recruitment practices. He emphasised how these consequences adversely affected university operations, including academic staffing, research, and planning.

Professor Peters delved into the critical role of perceptions in policy implementation. He outlined how the attitudes, capacities, and organisational cultures of implementers influence policy outcomes, as well as the importance of transparent communication and stakeholder engagement in addressing concerns and improving policy effectiveness.

Contrary to initial perceptions of insensitivity, Peters acknowledged recent government responses to concerns raised by the university community. These include amendments to IPPIS allowing for the deduction of union dues, resolution of payment issues, and directives to exclude universities from IPPIS.

In light of the challenges posed by IPPIS and other government policies, Professor Peters proposed several recommendations. These include regular monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, flexibility in policy frameworks, data-driven decision-making, and transparent communication.

Drawing from a poignant allegory involving a bird, vine, and tortoise, Olufemi underscored the importance of tailored solutions to complex challenges. He emphasised that not all problems can be addressed with a standardised approach, advocating for nuanced responses to diverse needs and contexts.

Peters, however made a clarion call for collaborative action, urging stakeholders to transcend bureaucratic inertia and champion holistic reforms. He emphasised the need for critical engagement from all stakeholders in the policy process. He called upon alumni, policymakers, researchers, and civil society to collaborate in addressing the unintended consequences of government policies and shaping the future of the university system in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the astute scholars lecture provided a comprehensive analysis of the challenges posed by government policies on federal universities in Nigeria, offering insightful recommendations and urging collective action towards a more responsive and effective governance framework in the education sector. As alumni, his call to bridge the gap between past legacies and future aspirations resonates, highlighting the pivotal role of informed discourse and collaborative efforts in driving positive change.

As the curtains fell on the 2024 Alumni Lecture, echoes of Professor Peters' impassioned plea reverberated, kindling hope for a brighter future for Nigeria's higher education landscape.

A view of NOUN’s Patani Community Study Centre, Delta State

BuUTSWAT MONITORS PoP EXAM AT NSCDC CENTRE

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN),Prof. Isaac Butswat has visited the Special Study Centre for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Sauka, Abuja, to monitor the ongoing Pen-on-Paper (PoP) examination.

The DVC’s visit to the Centre on Thursday, May 16, 2024, was to observe, monitor and have a first-hand information on the ongoing 2024_1 POP examination, the effectiveness, challenges, areas of improvement and to ensure the integrity of the process.

While at the centre, he was welcomed by the Acting Centre Director, Mr. John Ubaji alongside other staff and was immediately taken round the examination halls to assess the examination going on even as the students were observed to be conducting themselves properly and orderly.

He later toured the facilities at the centre and was impressed with the standards provided by the university where he commended the director and his team for a conducive environment and what he described as a great job.

OJO TOURS ABUJA CENTRES FOR EXAMINATION MONITORING

The Director, Directorate of Examinations and Assessments (DEA), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olugbenga Ojo, has undertaken series of monitoring exercises of the ongoing 2024_1 PoP examination in some study centres within the Abuja metropolis.

Ojo, who started the exercise firstly by visiting the Special Study Centre for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Sauka, Abuja, to inspect the examination, was received by the acting director of the centre, Mr. John Ubaji, who conducted him round the centre and exam halls.

The visiting director commended the centre director for the orderly conduct and smooth exercise at the centre.

The DEA director, then proceeded to the Special Study Centre for the Nigerian Correctional Service, where he was received by the acting director, Francis Enobore Osagiede, and was conducted round the exam hall where he also praised the director for the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Similarly, Ojo proceeded to the Special Study Centre for the National Union of the Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Garki II, Abuja.

At the NURTW Centre, he was received by the acting director, Dr. Paul Ifeanyi and other staff of the centre, who took him round the examination halls, where the director was pleased with the conduct and orderly manner of the examination.

He also visited the Abuja Model Study Centre, Dutse-Alhaji, where he was welcomed by the Centre Director, Prof. Nebath Tanglang, who took him round the examination halls at the centre.

The visiting director commended the orderly process of the examination at the centre.

Ojo proceeded to the Wuse II Study Centre, Abuja, and was received by the director of the centre, Prof. Samson B. Osoba, who took him round the centre and the exam hall.

After the tour of the centre, he commended the centre for peaceful conduct of the examination especially the conducive environment of the centre.

The DEA director was also at the Special Study Centre for the Nigeria Police Force, Dei-Dei, Abuja and was welcomed by the acting director, Dr. Samson Afolabi, who conducted him round the centre and the examination halls for the inspection of the process.

Ojo, at the end of tour, expressed satisfaction with the process and commended them on the overall conduct of the exercise.