NOUN Management Undergoes Retreat to Review University Policies

The management of National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, recently conducted a retreat to assess the university’s policies and standard operating procedures. 

This was in collaboration with the Directorate of Staff Training and Development, the Directorate of Quality Assurance organized the retreat, which took place at the University Library in Jabi, Abuja. Attendees included management staff, deans, directors, and heads of units.

During the retreat, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olufemi Peters highlighted the importance of establishing a cultural framework for the university. He emphasized the link between culture, civilization, and the development of policies, processes, and procedures. Prof. Peters stressed the need for NOUN to cultivate a culture that is learned, passed down through generations, and shapes individual identities and perspectives.

The Vice-Chancellor mentioned the recent visit from the International Quality Assurance Agency, which requested the submission of nearly 200 policy documents by March. Failure to comply would result in the cessation of funding for ACETEL, indicating a lack of quality assurance. Prof. Peters acknowledged the existing policies but emphasized the need to document them effectively to create a culture within the university.

Highlighting the significance of the retreat, Prof. Peters emphasized the importance of laying a foundation for NOUN, ensuring that the institution is recognized for its accomplishments when its staff engage with external entities.

Director of Quality Assurance, Prof. Juliet Inegbedion, welcomed participants and outlined the purpose of the retreat. She emphasized the need to revisit, think, and review the principles and regulations governing academic and operational activities in NOUN. Prof. Inegbedion stressed the importance of adequate documentation of policies, processes, and procedures to achieve the institution’s goals.

She revealed the directorate’s call for submissions of policies from faculties, directorates, academic centers, units, and the registry, noting a lack of adequate documentation in the initial responses. After a thorough review, the directorate identified 127 academic and operational activities requiring immediate documentation of policies and standard operating procedures.

Prof. Inegbedion highlighted the significance of having standard operating procedures for every activity in NOUN, as it enables the clear definition of activities and the steps taken to accomplish them. This, she noted, would contribute to measuring effectiveness and efficiency in job performances.

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