In a bid to align its academic staff with the unique examination standards of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), the Faculty of Sciences has convened an in-house workshop on Monday, December 2, 2024 at the university's headquarters in Abuja.
The event, aimed at enhancing staff understanding of NOUN’s examination protocols, brought together new and experienced faculty members for a day of insightful deliberations and skill enhancement.
The dean of the faculty, Prof. Kolawole Lawal, emphasised the need for such training given the recent influx of academic staff from conventional universities.
"This workshop is essential because many of our new colleagues do not know NOUN’s distinctive operations. Unlike traditional institutions, we operate differently, and this platform provides the necessary orientation to ensure efficiency," he said.
Lawal noted the event’s timing, highlighting its significance in preparing staff for the upcoming examination and marking exercises.
"We are rushing to ensure this workshop takes place before the marking begins. The packed schedule reflects our commitment to equipping staff with vital knowledge," he added.
Prof. Monioluwa Olaniyi, the former DVC TIR, in her keynote presentation on academic culture, explained the importance of fostering intellectual curiosity, clarity of purpose, and adherence to established academic norms.
Olaniyi emphasised that these elements build academic culture.
"Academic culture provides the framework for our teaching, research, and administrative processes and ensures that we maintain international standards while adapting to our unique institutional context," she said.
She urged staff to familiarise themselves with the National Open University of Nigeria Act and other governing documents while elaborating on the National Open University of Nigeria Act (as amended), which outlines the university’s operational framework.
Olaniyi , who is the former dean of the faculty, called for continuous learning and adaptation, noting that the evolving nature of education requires a commitment to excellence and innovation.
Participants raised concerns about potential conflicts between institutional guidelines and national laws, particularly in decision-making related to examinations.
In response, Prof. Olaniyi underscored the need for collaboration with the university's legal unit.
"If there is confusion or conflict, it is imperative to consult the legal unit or escalate issues to the Senate through the appropriate channels," she advised.
The erstwhile DVC elaborated on the legal and procedural frameworks governing the university’s examination processes, highlighting the importance of adhering to NOUN’s statutes and the broader national laws.
"Statutes serve as the university’s operational guidelines, developed in line with the Magistral Act, which gives us the power to define our procedures while staying within the law’s provisions," she explained.
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