Study Centres Are the Fulcrum of NOUN, DLSS Must Coordinate All Centres – VC

The National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, has reaffirmed that its study centres remain the foundation and fulcrum of the university’s operations, with the Directorate of Learner Support Services, DLSS, expected to coordinate all activities across centres nationwide.

This was the central message at the South East "Train-the-Trainer" retreat for Centre Directors and senior administrative staff held on Thursday.

Speaking at the retreat, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, emphasized that the DLSS is one of the most important directorates in the university and that all study centres must report directly to it for effective service delivery.

“Study centres are the foundation. They are where the university meets the learners most directly. All centres should report to the DLSS,” he said.

The retreat focused attention on strengthening collaboration, innovation, and transformation for better learner experience. 

The VC also charged participants to interrogate challenges within their centres and effect corrections where necessary.

“Policies made at management level are all geared towards strengthening learner support. But unless we who run the centres are committed, everything will go wrong,” he added.

As part of the new administrative structure, according to the Vice-Chancellor, senior administrative staff will henceforth serve as Heads of Administration at the centres, while academic staff will man the centres, except in locations faced with peculiar challenges.

Professor Uduma also stressed the need for greater interaction between staff and students. "Plans are underway to create structured forums where students can ventilate their ideas and views, while ensuring such engagements do not disrupt the system".

Directors were further urged to make the retreat more interactive and to share ideas that will improve operations.

Uduma also spoke against unethical conduct, saying management has called on Centre Directors to stop the practice of staff “owning” students, a situation that has led some staff to assist learners in committing malpractice.

“Staff should resist acts capable of dragging the name of the university in the mud. Staff should work with high level of integrity,” he warned.

The retreat is part of ongoing efforts by NOUN to reposition its study centres and ensure that learners across the country receive professionalism, respect, responsiveness, and quality service.