By Eunice Orike
A coalition of civil society organisations has called for continuity in the leadership of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), citing reforms and administrative improvements recorded under the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Orji Uduma.
The coalition, under the auspices of the Global Gender Safety and Moral Development (GGSMD), said its call was based on what it described as measurable interventions since Uduma assumed office.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Favour Onorerema, the group passed a vote of absolute confidence in the Vice-Chancellor and urged staff, students and other stakeholders to support his administration.
The coalition said Uduma’s previous experience within the university had given him a clear understanding of its operations, challenges and areas requiring attention.
It identified the improvement of Study Centres, staff support and the continuation of inherited projects as some of the areas it considered significant under the current administration.
The group specifically cited the prompt payment of imprest to Study Centre Directors, saying the measure had helped improve the administration and running of the centres.
It also highlighted support for Registry staff responsible for certificate distribution at Study Centres, including improved incentives, which it said had helped facilitate the delivery of certificates to graduating students.
The coalition also pointed to the successful conduct of the university’s 15th Convocation Ceremony as one of the developments recorded under Uduma.
It said the ceremony was the first convocation conducted under his leadership and included the distribution of certificates to graduating students.
On infrastructure, the group commended the decision to continue projects inherited from the previous administration.
It said maintaining ongoing projects during leadership changes was important to prevent disruption to the university’s development.
The coalition also cited the facelift and standardisation of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and the reopening of the central entrance door of the Senate Building.
It described the measures as efforts to improve the functionality and appearance of key facilities within the university.
The group also mentioned the convocation lecture delivered by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, as another notable academic engagement under the administration.
“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 added that the administration had demonstrated commitment to institutional development, academic excellence, innovation and improved service delivery.
Therefore, it urged the NOUN community and other stakeholders to support the administration and allow it to consolidate ongoing initiatives.
The group maintained that continuity in leadership would enable the university to sustain existing projects and further build on the reforms already introduced.
