The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its academic programmes with the formal inauguration of the University Examination Misconduct Committee.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Vice-Chancellor's Conference Room, university's headquarters, Abuja, underscores NOUN's determination to strengthen discipline, fairness and transparency in its examination processes.
Performing the inauguration, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Uduma O. Uduma, charged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, fairness and diligence, stressing that academic integrity remains the bedrock of any credible university.
Addressing the committee, Prof. Uduma reiterated the university's zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice, describing academic integrity as the foundation upon which the credibility and reputation of every higher institution are built.
He observed that while technological advancements have expanded access to learning, they have also created new challenges capable of undermining the integrity of examinations if not effectively addressed.
According to him, combating examination malpractice requires the collective efforts of students, academic staff, examination officers and all stakeholders involved in the university's assessment system.
He therefore called for stronger monitoring mechanisms, sustained awareness campaigns on examination ethics and strict enforcement of existing regulations to deter all forms of misconduct.
The Vice-Chancellor warned that institutions that fail to confront examination malpractice risk producing graduates whose certificates no longer command respect or reflect genuine knowledge and competence.
He noted that compromised examination processes diminish not only the value of academic qualifications but also the reputation of both the institution and its graduates.
Prof. Uduma further stressed the need for prompt, fair and transparent handling of examination misconduct cases, stating that allegations should be detected early, thoroughly investigated and concluded without unnecessary delay to ensure justice and sustain confidence in the university's assessment system.
Speaking on the significance of the committee, he disclosed that although the University Examination Misconduct Committee had existed for some time, it had remained inactive, limiting its ability to effectively perform its statutory responsibilities.
He described its revival and formal inauguration as timely and necessary, expressing confidence that it would enhance the university's capacity to address examination-related offences more effectively.
He expressed confidence in the competence and experience of the committee members and urged them to carry out their assignment with professionalism, impartiality and integrity before formally declaring the committee inaugurated.
Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for the confidence reposed in the members.
He assured the university management that the committee would discharge its responsibilities with transparency, fairness and unwavering commitment, while upholding due process and the principles of natural justice in the consideration of every case brought before it.
Prof. Mafiana noted that the committee recognises its critical role in preserving the credibility of the university's examinations and certificates, pledging to promote accountability, discourage examination misconduct and strengthen public confidence in NOUN's assessment system.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Sonnie J. Oniye, commended the Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to maintaining high academic standards in the university.
He also appreciated members of the newly inaugurated committee for accepting the responsibility to serve and expressed confidence that they would carry out their duties with dedication, fairness and integrity.
He called on the university community to support the committee's work in sustaining the culture of honesty, accountability and academic excellence for which NOUN is renowned.
The committee is chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Chiedu Mafiana. Other members include Professor Sonnie J. Oniye, Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies; Professor Gregory Okagbare, Director of Academic Planning; Professor U.S.A. Osuji, Director of Examinations and Assessment; Professor Tesy Angba, Director of Learner Support Services; Professor Ernest O. Ugbejeh, Dean of Student Affairs; Barrister Daniel Riki, Director of Legal Services; Mrs. Petu Bola Keji, Deputy Registrar (Academics); and Mr. Itabi Bassey, Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Senate.
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