The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has honoured one of its long-serving administrators, Mr. Hamza Aliyu, for his years of dedicated and exemplary service to the institution during a retirement send-off and valedictory ceremony.
The event, held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the University Conference Hall, NOUN Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, attracted principal officers, former university leaders, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate Mr. Aliyu's remarkable career and enduring contributions to the University's Registry.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma O. Uduma, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Shehu Adamu, described the occasion as one worthy of celebration, noting that it provided an opportunity to appreciate Mr. Aliyu's many years of dedicated service, professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the growth of the University.
He said Mr. Aliyu had earned the respect and admiration of colleagues across the institution through his exemplary work ethic and outstanding interpersonal relationships.
"You have brought together the Registrar, his team, and colleagues from across the university to celebrate you. This is a clear testimony to the positive impact you have made on people throughout your career," he said.
Prof. Adamu stressed that institutions are built not only through infrastructure and policies but also by individuals of strong character whose commitment sustains organisational excellence.
He urged members of staff to preserve and build upon the legacy Mr. Aliyu leaves behind by embracing the values of dedication, honesty, teamwork, and professionalism.
"The greatest honour we can bestow on him is not merely our words of appreciation but our commitment to uphold the high professional standards he exemplified throughout his years of service at NOUN," he added.
In his remarks, the Registrar, Mr. Ajayi Oladipo, described Mr. Aliyu as "a quiet builder of an enduring institution," noting that university administrators often work behind the scenes to strengthen systems, preserve institutional memory, and ensure the smooth running of the University.
According to him, while administrators may not always receive public recognition, their contributions remain fundamental to the success and continuity of any institution.
"Those who worked closely with Mr. Hamza Aliyu know his resilience, consistency, discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to duty. His career demonstrates that lasting success is built through character and faithful service," he said.
Mr. Ajayi noted that throughout his career, Mr. Aliyu strengthened administrative systems, improved institutional processes, safeguarded valuable records, and remained a dependable custodian of the university's institutional memory.
He further described retirement not as an end to relevance but as the beginning of a new chapter in life.
"Retirement is not an exit from relevance; it is a graduation into another season of life. The office files may no longer be there, and deadlines may no longer chase you, but the administrator in you will never retire. Once an administrator, always an administrator," he remarked.
The Registrar also expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for making time, despite his busy schedule, to honour the occasion, while acknowledging the presence of principal officers and Registry staff who attended the ceremony.
Earlier, the event featured a valedictory lecture themed "A Quiet Builder of an Enduring Institution," which highlighted the indispensable role of university administrators in sustaining academic institutions through effective records management, sound administrative practices, and institutional continuity.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emeritus Olugbemiro Jegede; the Director of Examinations and Assessment, Prof. U.S.A. Osuji; the President of the NOUN Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Mr. Mosugu Kolawale; and other colleagues, all of whom paid glowing tributes to Mr. Aliyu's dedication, humility, professionalism, and lasting contributions to the National Open University of Nigeria.
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