The management of the Port Harcourt Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has cascaded key decisions and recommendations from the recent South-South Zone Study Centre Retreat to staff, with renewed emphasis on policy implementation, accountability, innovation and improved learner service delivery.
The briefing session, held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, was convened by the Centre Director, Dr Theresa Ettu, in compliance with a directive from the Director, Learner Support Services (LSS), Professor Tessy Angba.
The South-South Zone Study Centre Retreat, held from August 23 to 25, 2026, brought together representatives of the 14 Study Centres in the zone. Each centre was represented by five key personnel: the Centre Director, Head of Account, Head of Administration, Student Counsellor and ICT Officer.
The retreat was designed to promote collaboration, encourage innovation and strengthen the capacity of Study Centres to deliver efficient and effective services to learners.
At the retreat, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, emphasised the strategic role of Study Centre Directors as representatives of the Vice-Chancellor at their respective centres.
Consequent upon the outcomes of the retreat, therefore, staff at the centre were reminded to understand and strictly adhere to university policies, administrative procedures, work ethics and confidentiality requirements.
They were equally urged to respond courteously to learners and report incidents promptly through the appropriate channels.
On learner support, the Deputy Director, Counselling, Mrs Makbere Akpoejuokumo, highlighted the critical role of counselling and career development in an open and distance learning environment.
She explained that counsellors often serve as the first point of contact for learners, providing academic, personal and career support, including assistance with career planning, skills development and the resolution of academic challenges.
Mrs Akpoejuokumo also stressed the importance of teamwork and collaboration between counsellors and other Study Centre personnel in addressing learners’ needs effectively.
Digital operations and examination administration also featured prominently during the briefing. Staff were reminded of the importance of ICT in expanding access to open and distance learning and supporting the university’s digital operations.
They were cautioned against disclosing official email addresses to unauthorised third parties and urged to safeguard university computers, systems and data.
On examinations, staff were reminded of their responsibility to ensure effective administration, maintain examination integrity and facilitate the smooth conduct of assessments. They were warned that aiding or abetting examination malpractice would not be condoned.
Dr Ettu urged staff to translate the outcomes of the retreat into improved performance and service delivery, stressing the importance of teamwork, accountability, policy compliance and commitment to the university’s vision.
She described the briefing as an important step towards aligning staff with management’s expectations and strengthening the capacity of the Study Centre to provide efficient, responsive and learner-centred services across the South-South Zone.
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