The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Uduma O. Uduma, has assured the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), of the university’s readiness to provide robust mentorship and technical guidance as the institution develops its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programme.
Prof. Uduma gave the assurance on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, when a delegation from the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Centre of Excellence in Open and Distance Learning at FUTO paid a courtesy visit to him at the Old Council Chamber, second floor, Senate Building, NOUN Headquarters, Abuja.
The Vice-Chancellor, who welcomed the delegation, described the visit as an important study opportunity and assured the team that NOUN was well positioned to provide the information and guidance required for the successful establishment of its ODL programme.
“You are on a study visit and you are welcome. I want to assure you that you are in the right place,” Prof. Uduma said.
He highlighted NOUN’s robust Management Information System (MIS) and described the university’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Directorate as “top-notch,” adding that the delegation would be directed to the relevant Centre of Excellence and other units where it could obtain the required information.
“It is my belief that your study of an ODL institution will be something you will cherish. We work 24 hours here in NOUN,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that attitudes towards Open and Distance Learning had changed significantly over the years, stressing that many conventional universities were increasingly adopting dual-mode learning.
“In the past, people had hesitation concerning Open and Distance Learning, but today, every university wants a dual mode of learning. We are happy that we are leading in Open and Distance Learning, and we will ensure that you gain sound mentorship,” he said.
Earlier, the FUTO delegation leader, Prof. G. O. Nwoko, expressed appreciation to the NOUN Vice-Chancellor for granting the team the opportunity to visit the university, describing NOUN as a renowned ODL institution in Nigeria and Africa.
Prof. Nwoko explained that FUTO had commenced the process of establishing a national Open and Distance Learning programme, noting that the initiative was critical to the objectives of the SPESSE Centre of Excellence project.
“This is our first visit as a university. We are here to understudy the secret behind your success in ODL. That is why our university and the National Universities Commission have encouraged us to come and learn from you and model our ODL programme, which the NUC is expected to approve in the coming months,” he said.
He added that the establishment of the ODL programme would strengthen FUTO’s capacity to expand access to quality education and support the objectives of the Centre of Excellence.
The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) project was established in 2019 by the National Universities Commission (NUC), in partnership with the World Bank, he said.
The project seeks to promote the integration of procurement, management, environmental and social standards across Nigeria’s public and private sectors, while enhancing sustainable development and value for money in public procurement expenditure.
During the visit, members of the FUTO delegation engaged with NOUN academics and officials from relevant units in an interactive knowledge-sharing session.
The sessions featured presentations on various aspects of effective ODL implementation, followed by questions and answers designed to give the visiting team practical insights into the planning, management and delivery of ODL programmes.
The engagement underscored NOUN’s growing role as a reference institution in Open and Distance Learning and its commitment to supporting other Nigerian universities seeking to develop and strengthen ODL systems.
- Log in to post comments
- 66 views
