NOUN Bids Farewell to Margaret Boro, Urges Young Officers to Embrace Excellence
Mrs. Margaret Boro, a seasoned university administrator, called on young administrative officers to uphold resilience, excellence, and commitment in their careers as she marked her retirement.
UBA CHIDINMA 
In an emotional valedictory lecture held on October 10, 2024, at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) headquarters in Abuja, Mrs. Margaret Boro, a seasoned university administrator, called on young administrative officers to uphold resilience, excellence, and commitment in their careers as she marked her retirement. The ceremony, organized by the university's registry staff, celebrated Boro’s decades-long service and her unwavering dedication to the institution.
Addressing attendees, Boro reflected on her professional journey, encouraging younger officers to see challenges as opportunities for growth. “Strive for excellence in any task assigned to you; your good works will announce you to the world. Remember, tough times don’t last, but tough people do,” she advised.
She also shared personal experiences of overcoming setbacks, including a challenging moment when her appointment as Director of the Lafia Study Centre was rescinded. Despite these obstacles, she remained steadfast in her service, emphasizing that success requires patience, perseverance, and resilience in navigating institutional politics.
NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, represented by Prof. Sam Ayodele, Director of Research and Administration, praised Boro for her leadership and commitment. “In every unit and directorate she led, Mrs. Boro demonstrated what it means to be a true leader—whether through mentoring staff or driving innovative projects,” he remarked.
The university’s Registrar, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, echoed similar sentiments, describing Boro's career as a model of passion and dedication. “From her early role as Director of the Wuse II Study Centre to her impactful leadership at the Kaduna Campus and SERVICOM-NOUN, Mrs. Boro has left an indelible mark on the university,” Ajayi said.
Throughout the event, friends, colleagues, and family members delivered heartfelt tributes, highlighting her mentorship and lasting contributions to NOUN. Though retired, speakers encouraged her to continue sharing her knowledge, affirming that “experience and wisdom never retire.”
Mrs. Boro expressed gratitude to the university community, including Vice-Chancellor Peters and Registrar Ajayi, for their support during her career. Her retirement marks the end of a distinguished chapter in NOUN’s administrative history, but her legacy of excellence is sure to inspire future generations of university staff.
