The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has officially inaugurated the newly-completed state-of-the-art building of the NOUN Information and Communication Centre (NICC) at the university’s headquarters in Abuja.
The building was the first capital project of the Vice-Chancellor after assuming office in 2021.
NICC is the hub of the e-ticketing system that provides a structured, data-driven method for handling student inquiries, supported by multiple channels: call centre, emails, in-person interaction, online platforms, and easy flyers.
Through the centre, students receive help quickly, reducing frustration common in distance learning.
The state-of-the-art structure, inaugurated on Thursday, August 14, 2025 houses about seven offices as follows: E-ticket Support Office, Call Centre , Administrative Support Team Office, Security Office, among others.
Peters, while recounting the journey of e-ticketing, disclosed that “during my application to become VC, I realised that the existing student population statistics were inaccurate and decided to focus on addressing student challenges upon assuming office and this led to creation of an e-ticketing system to improve response times.
“The journey of NICC building started with the need to have the dedicated space/infrastructure towards improving student services at the university as well as enhanced visibility and accessibility of the unit.
“E-ticketing is not really different from the call centre when the university started but it was improved upon and transformed from VICC to NICC with the adoption of new technologies, manage students’ challenges, address student complaints and control attrition rate.”
He expressed gratitude to management for their contributions, emphasising the importance of continuous improvement in student services and security.
“I commend the head of the unit, Ms. Wosilatu Ainodion, whose diligence and perfection are clear to anybody who related with her,” he added.
The VC pledged for improvement, planning for further training for NICC Staff and aiming for .
Peters promised procurement of laptops and for more work stations to enhance the NICC staff work and a 24/7 multilingual student support.
On his part, while offering the vote of thanks, Wing Commander Umar Mohammed Awe (Rtd.) NOUN Chief Security Officer (CSO), expressed his gratitude to the VC for an ample opportunity to be accommodated in the building and making the completion of the building realistic
He further thanked the VC for the provision of 1,000 security uniform for his workers, boots, whistle and caps to enhance the work.
The CSO also harped on the use of surveillance technology and the need for cooperation from staff.
“We have over 300 cameras provided by the VC, and this will end the internal stealing in the university. If you think you can steal and go scot-free, they will expose you. I advise if you are in that act, desist from it because all is on ground to fish out defaulters,’’ he said.
In her address, titled: “Christmas truly came early for us at the NICC!”, the Head of Unit, Ms. Wosilatu Ainodion, extended her heartfelt gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for graciously gifting the unit “a beautiful new home.”
Ainodion stated that “Though the journey was not without its wait, I believe you will agree that the edifice and its furnishings were meticulously and thoughtfully selected, making the wait truly worthwhile.’’
According to her, NICC is the designated unit responsible for providing relevant and accurate information about the institution to all who engage with NOUN.
“Within the NICC is a strategic student support hub, dedicated to respond to, and resolve students’ challenges & enquiries, concerning the university that they may encounter throughout their studies,” she said.
Ainodion also stated that with the launching on June 7, 2022, the e-ticketing system continues to provide a structured, data-driven method for handling student inquiries, and has been a game-changer in transforming the university’s public image as the institution.
NOUN, according to her, is now being seen as responsive, student-friendly, and digitally advanced.
This transformation is largely due to the ingenuity and vision of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, whose administration championed the NICC and the e-ticketing system as part of his commitment to a learner-centered approach, she added.
She also expressed gratitude to the principal officers, and singled out the University Librarian, “who graciously provided us a home rent-free for several years, we remain profoundly grateful, Ma.”
Ainodion also thanked the Directors, Deans, Heads of Departments, Centre Directors, stakeholders, and friends for their presence at the ceremony.
Meanwhile, there was a tree planting by the VC to commemorate the inauguration ceremony.
Present at the ceremony were: Prof Chiedu Mafiana, DVC Academic, Prof. Isaac Butswat, DVC Administration, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, Registrar, Mr. Nasiru Marafa, Bursar and other top management officials and staff.
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