The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has urged retiring staff of the university to share their experiences and insights with colleagues.
Peters also implored them to implement learned strategies in their personal and professional lives as well as seek support from peers and mentors.
He made the entreaty in a pre-retirement workshop for staff of NOUN which took place at Hogis Luxury Suites, State Housing Estate, Calabar, Cross River State, between October 8 – 11, 2024.
“Let’s continue to support one another in our journey toward a fulfilling post-retirement life,” the VC further charged the participators.
The workshop mounted by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in collaboration with the Directorates of Staff Training and Development as well as the Entrepreneurship and General Studies NOUN, was aimed at sensitising NOUN staff, nearing retirement, on the challenges of post-retirement life and how to prepare for them.
The Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Sunny Oniye, added that “Pre-retirement workshops are meant to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to navigate the transition to retirement successfully.”
He commended the value the officers have added to the operations of NOUN in particular and “countless lives through education. I extend heartfelt appreciation for your tireless service. Your contributions have shaped the university into a beacon of excellence in distance learning.
“As pioneers in open and distance learning, you have transformed countless lives; developed innovative pedagogies, leveraging technology to enhance student engagement, and monitored countless colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
"Your legacy extends beyond the university walls because you have transformed countless lives through education, communities are empowered by knowledge, and our nation has been enriched by your collective expertise.
“As you prepare for this new chapter in life, remember that your experience and wisdom will continue to inspire future generations; the connections you have made will remain a lifelong network; and your legacy will endure, influencing the lives of those you have touched.”
Also speaking at the occasion, the Director, Directorate of Entrepreneurship and General Studies, Dr. Samuel Awolumate, in his welcome address said, “I firmly believe this experience will be transformative, equipping us with the tools and confidence to embrace retirement as the most beautiful season of our lives.”
Topics covered at the workshop were Concept of Retirement, Retirement Planning; Business and Investment Opportunities, and Registering Your Business. Others were Financial Management During Retirement, Management of Health During Retirement and Stress Management Techniques.
The workshop sessions were punctuated with light workouts and facilitators were seasoned trainers from ITF.
All the participants commended the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for approving the workshop. Some however advised that in future the workshop should be organised much earlier, preferably five years before retirement, to enable participants to harness insights received at the event to put adequate measures in place to start up something before they retire.
Moreover, Professors Tanglang, Oniye and Onwubere were virtually in unison as they opined that there would be need for personnel of establishments such as Bank of Industry, Pencom as well as individuals who have made their marks after retirement to share their experiences with participants.
They also suggested that there should be visits to places of interest within the milieu of workshop host state, while sessions that have to do with health should be facilitated by certified health or medical professionals.
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