CSOs Seek Continuity, Back NOUN VC

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has cited recent administrative measures at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), including payments to study centre directors, staff support and continuation of inherited projects, as reasons for endorsing the vice-chancellor, Prof. Uduma Orji Uduma.

The coalition, led by the Global Gender Safety and Moral Development (GGSMD), in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Favour Onorerema, said the measures indicated changes in the administration of the institution.

The group said the prompt payment of imprest to study centre directors had improved the operation of the centres, particularly in carrying out their administrative responsibilities.

It also pointed to support for registry staff involved in the distribution of certificates at study centres, saying the measures had assisted the process of getting certificates to graduating students across the university’s centres.

The coalition also listed the successful conduct of NOUN’s 15th Convocation Ceremony, the first held under Uduma’s administration, among the developments it considered significant.

According to the group, the administration had also continued some projects inherited from the previous management rather than discontinuing them, a decision it described as necessary for institutional continuity.

The coalition further cited the reopening of the central entrance door of the Senate Building and work carried out on the Office of the Vice-Chancellor as part of the changes it observed at the institution.

It also commended the choice of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, to deliver the convocation lecture, describing the lecture as part of the academic activities associated with the ceremony.

On Uduma’s background, the coalition noted that his previous service at NOUN gave him familiarity with the university’s administrative structure and operational challenges.

“Having served within the institution before his appointment as vice-chancellor, Professor Uduma brings valuable knowledge of NOUN’s operations, challenges and opportunities,” the statement said.

The coalition said the developments it identified informed its decision to pass a vote of confidence in the vice-chancellor.

It, however, urged the university community and other stakeholders to support the administration and called for continuity in the leadership of the institution for the remainder of Uduma’s tenure.