NOUN Begins 5-Year Strategic Plan Retreat, VC Says ODL is Future of Tertiary Education

The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, has said the conventional method of instructional delivery is no longer feasible if the goal is to expand access to tertiary education in Nigeria.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of a retreat for the development of NOUN’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, Prof. Uduma said many conventional universities that once doubted the Open and Distance Learning, ODL, model are now adopting it.

"The conventional method of instructional delivery is no more feasible if expansion of access to tertiary education is the focus," he stated. 

"A lot of conventional universities in the country who earlier did not believe in the ODL model today are going the ODL way."

The VC described the retreat as more than "another administrative activity," saying it was an opportunity to critically reflect on where the University is today and agree on pathways, priorities and measurable actions for the next five years.

He urged participants to build consensus around a compelling future for NOUN.

"Let us envision a University with excellent teaching and learning, robust digital systems, responsive learner support services, highly skilled and motivated staff, impactful research and innovation, strong quality assurance mechanisms, a respected national and international reputation, employable and globally competitive graduates, sustainable finances, productive partnerships and functional, modern and well-maintained infrastructure," he emphasised.

Prof. Uduma said the Strategic Plan is woven around the Six-Point Agenda of his administration and must translate policy priorities into clear objectives, programmes, initiatives, performance indicators and measurable outcomes.

He directed that the final document should include specific strategic objectives, activities, timelines, responsible units and measurable outcomes against which Management, Council and other stakeholders can assess performance.

"We should develop clear Key Performance Indicators and realistic targets," he added. "If you don’t do your job with some passion, you’ll not succeed."

The VC also pledged commitment to staff welfare, noting that it should be one of the priority areas for the retreat.

"I’ve promised to promote staff welfare and I am aware it is one of the most difficult enterprises for any Chief Executive due to paucity of funds. 

"No matter how well-intentioned you are, it is dependent on the availability of funds. Our welfare policy will be tailored on what will be sustainable. Except one is a sadist, no Chief Executive will not prioritise staff welfare. Whatever that will make the system work, I’ll do it. Whatever that is right, I’ll do."

The four-day retreat is expected to produce a roadmap to reposition and strengthen NOUN as Africa’s leading ODL institution.