The Director, Directorate of Advancement and Linkages (DAL), Professor Ganiyat Adesina-Uthman, has reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to strengthening the National Open University of Nigeria’ s (NOUN) development and visibility through strategic initiatives such as the NOVA500+ alumni programme.
She made this known during a courtesy visit to the newly-appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Usman Modibbo, at the university headquarters in Abuja.
Professor Adesina-Uthman explained that NOVA (NOUN Ongoing Victory Through Alumni and Students)500+ is a new alumni engagement and fundraising initiative aimed at encouraging NOUN graduates and friends of the university to donate at least ₦500 monthly in support of the institution’s growth.
She added that the Vice-Chancellor has approved the inclusion of a donation icon on the university’s official website to facilitate contributions, in collaboration with the Bursar and the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).
“We are working closely with the Bursar and DICT to integrate the donation icon as approved by the Vice-Chancellor,” she said.
“This initiative reflects our effort to diversify funding sources, as government subventions alone can no longer sustain university operations.”
The DAL Director further highlighted the directorate’s broader mandate, which includes coordinating international and local collaborations, managing alumni relations, facilitating fundraising activities, and promoting the university’s image through consistent social media visibility.
Expressing goodwill on behalf of the directorate, Adesina-Uthman congratulated the new DVC on his appointment, describing it as a milestone achievement.
“We are here to congratulate you on this lofty position,” she said. “We pray that Almighty Allah will guide you and grant you wisdom and success in office.”
She expressed optimism for stronger collaboration between the directorate and the Office of the DVC, especially in initiatives involving the Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD).
Responding, Prof. Modibbo described the directorate as one of the most vital units of the university and commended its performance.
“Your unit is one of the most important in the university,” he said. “As an ODL institution, we remain strong, but conventional and new private open universities are now competing for our student base.
“Our strength lies in our name and credibility, and we must continue to expand linkages with international organisations and funding partners to maintain our advantage.”
He praised the directorate’s visible progress and assured the team of his full support.
“Your efforts are more visible and result-oriented. Be assured that my office will give you maximum cooperation so you can achieve your targets. Continue collaborating with CHRD and also explore new avenues for partnerships that can link the university globally,” he said.
The DVC also pledged his commitment to the project and suggested ways to deepen alumni participation.
“Other universities actively engage their alumni, and we should do the same. We can start by organising alumni nights in Lagos and Abuja to bring graduates together, reconnect with them, and encourage continuous engagement with the university,” he said.
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