For Mr. Demian Orukuna and his wife, Mrs. Janet Orukuna, pursuing higher education is more than an academic journey; it is a shared commitment to personal growth, professional development and family.
The couple, who are both studying for Bachelor of Science degrees in Public Administration at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Makurdi Study Centre, Benue State, are combining their studies with demanding careers and family responsibilities through the flexibility of Open and Distance Learning (ODL).
Mr. Orukuna, a businessman and entrepreneur, said he chose NOUN because its flexible learning system enables him to pursue higher education while managing his business.
“As a businessman, my schedule is extremely demanding, but the flexibility offered by NOUN allows me to continue managing my business while acquiring knowledge that strengthens my understanding of administration and organisational management,” he said.
For Mrs. Orukuna, Deputy Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area, Benue State, the decision to pursue higher education was motivated by her desire to complement her practical experience in governance with academic knowledge.
“Leadership requires constant improvement. I wanted to complement my practical experience in governance with academic knowledge, and NOUN provided the perfect opportunity to do that without interrupting my responsibilities to the people of Vandeikya,” she said.
Since gaining admission, the couple have studied together, prepared for examinations and supported each other through assignments and other academic demands.
“We are not only husband and wife; we are also academic teammates. Sharing goals and working towards them together has strengthened our relationship,” Mrs. Orukuna said.
Mr. Orukuna said their studies had also enriched their conversations at home, extending discussions beyond family matters to governance, public policy and administrative theories.
However, balancing work, family and academic responsibilities has not been without challenges.
The couple identified time management, assignment deadlines and examination periods as some of the major challenges they face.
“There are times when we are both exhausted from work, yet we still have to sit down and study. The key is encouraging one another and remaining focused on our goals,” Mr. Orukuna said.
The couple described themselves as “accountability partners,” explaining that while they often study together, they also make time for individual reading based on their respective schedules.
They also praised NOUN’s digital learning resources and flexible ODL model for making higher education accessible to people with demanding professional and family commitments.
“NOUN brings education into your life rather than forcing you to put your life on hold,” Mr. Orukuna remarked.
Beyond their studies, Mrs. Orukuna said their academic pursuit had helped to create a culture of learning in their home and inspired their children to take education seriously.
The couple also maintain a healthy academic rivalry, comparing their results and encouraging each other to perform better.
Mrs. Orukuna jokingly said she was usually more conscious of academic deadlines.
“My husband says I treat NOUN deadlines like emergencies, but someone has to keep us on schedule,” she said.
Looking ahead, Mr. Orukuna hopes to apply the knowledge gained from his studies to strengthen corporate governance and expand his business interests, while Mrs. Orukuna plans to use hers to contribute to improved public service delivery and governance.
For the Orukunas, the ultimate goal is simple: to cross the graduation stage together—a testament to the possibilities created when education, determination and partnership come together.
- Log in to post comments
- 14 views
