The Director of the Port Harcourt Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Dr. Theresa Ucheoma Ettu, has commended members of staff for their dedication, hard work, and commitment during the just-concluded 2026_1 semester examinations.
Dr. Ettu gave the commendation during an end-of-examination meeting with staff on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Centre's Boardroom.
She noted that the collective efforts of staff members ensured the smooth and successful conduct of both the pen-on-paper and electronic examinations.
According to her, the centre recorded a hitch-free examination exercise largely due to the cooperation, diligence, and sense of responsibility demonstrated by staff across various units.
The Centre Director, however, expressed regret that the management of the study centre was unable to provide tangible incentives to appreciate the efforts of staff.
She explained that the sharp increase in the cost of diesel and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) significantly depleted the funds approved by the University Management for the conduct of the examinations.
The director disclosed that the approved funds were exhausted before the conclusion of the exercise, forcing the centre to seek additional support from the university administration.
"I had to appeal to the Vice-Chancellor for further assistance to sustain the examination process, although the requested support is yet to be received.
"We all understand the pressures on the Vice-Chancellor from all the study centres," she said.
Ettu also praised the vigilance of examination invigilators, attributing the centre's success in conducting an impersonation-free e-examination to enhanced verification measures.
She appreciated the University Management for uploading candidates' photographs, which were prominently displayed on the desktop screens of the computers assigned to them, making impersonation virtually impossible.
While applauding staff for their achievements, the Centre Director expressed concern over the activities of a few individuals allegedly collaborating with students to perpetrate academic fraud.
She condemned acts such as plagiarism, project piracy, and the submission of fraudulent research work, describing them as serious threats to the integrity of the university's academic system.
She warned that any staff member found aiding or abetting examination malpractice or any form of academic misconduct would be reported to the University Management for appropriate disciplinary action.
Ettu reiterated the determination of the Vice-Chancellor to tackle examination malpractice and uphold quality assurance standards, stressing that the credibility and integrity of NOUN certificates must be protected at all times.
She further advised staff members to shun absenteeism, extortion, and all forms of unethical conduct in their dealings with students.
The Centre Director also revealed that the Vice-Chancellor had approved the generation of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by study centres and indicated that operational guidelines for the initiative would soon be communicated to all centres.
She urged staff to remain committed to the university's core values and continue to work collectively towards sustaining the high standards for which NOUN is known.
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