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NOUN Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Information and Communication Centre

Tuesday, 26-August-2025     The expert in anything was once a beginner.     Tuesday, 26-August-2025

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has bolstered its commitment to student support with the inauguration of a new, cutting-edge Information and Communication Centre (NICC) at its Abuja headquarters. The facility was officially opened by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters.



 



Prof. Peters, who assumed office in 2021, highlighted the NICC building as his first major capital project, underscoring the university's dedication to enhancing student services through technology and improved infrastructure.



The NICC serves as the central hub for NOUN's e-ticketing system, a data-driven approach designed to streamline student inquiries and provide comprehensive support. This system utilizes various channels, including a call centre, email, in-person assistance, online platforms, and readily available informational flyers.



This integrated approach ensures students receive prompt and effective assistance, mitigating common frustrations associated with distance learning.



The newly inaugurated structure, which opened its doors on Thursday, August 14, 2025, houses approximately seven offices, including the E-ticket Support Office, the Call Centre, the Administrative Support Team Office, and a dedicated Security Office, among others.



Wosilat



During the inauguration, Prof. Peters recounted the evolution of the e-ticketing system. "During my application to become VC, I realised that the existing student population statistics were inaccurate," he explained. "Upon assuming office, I prioritized addressing student challenges, which led to the creation of the e-ticketing system to improve response times."



He further stated, "The journey of the NICC building began with the need for a dedicated space and infrastructure to enhance student services, improve the unit's visibility, and increase its accessibility."



"E-ticketing has evolved significantly from the university's initial call centre," Prof. Peters noted. "We improved upon it and transformed VICC to NICC by adopting new technologies to manage student challenges, address complaints, and control attrition rates."



The Vice-Chancellor expressed his gratitude to the university management for their contributions and emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in both student services and security measures.



"I commend the head of the unit, Ms. Wosilatu Ainodion, whose diligence and perfection are evident to anyone who interacts with her," he added.



Looking ahead, Prof. Peters pledged to further enhance the NICC, planning additional training for staff and aiming for a 24/7 multilingual student support system.



He also promised the procurement of laptops and additional workstations to improve the efficiency of the NICC staff.



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Wing Commander Umar Mohammed Awe (Rtd.), NOUN's Chief Security Officer (CSO), expressed his appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for the opportunity to be accommodated within the new building and for making its completion a reality.



He also thanked Prof. Peters for providing 1,000 security uniforms, boots, whistles, and caps for his staff, significantly enhancing their effectiveness.



The CSO emphasized the importance of surveillance technology and the need for staff cooperation. "We have over 300 cameras provided by the VC, which will help to curb internal theft within the university," he stated. "If you are engaging in such acts, I advise you to desist, as measures are in place to identify and address offenders."



In her address, titled "Christmas Truly Came Early for Us at the NICC!", Ms. Wosilatu Ainodion, Head of the Unit, conveyed her sincere gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for providing the unit with "a beautiful new home."



Ms. Ainodion stated, "Though the journey involved some waiting, I believe you will agree that the edifice and its furnishings were meticulously and thoughtfully selected, making the wait truly worthwhile."



She explained that the NICC is responsible for providing accurate and relevant information about NOUN to all stakeholders.



"Within the NICC is a strategic student support hub dedicated to responding to and resolving students' challenges and inquiries related to their studies at the university," she said.



Ms. Ainodion also highlighted that the e-ticketing system, launched on June 7, 2022, has been instrumental in transforming NOUN's public image, making it seen as a responsive, student-friendly, and digitally advanced institution.



Wing



She attributed this transformation to the vision of Prof. Olufemi Peters, whose administration championed the NICC and the e-ticketing system as part of his commitment to a learner-centered approach.



Ms. Ainodion 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."



She further thanked the Directors, Deans, Heads of Departments, Centre Directors, stakeholders, and friends for their presence at the ceremony.



tree-planting



To commemorate the inauguration ceremony, Prof. Peters participated in a tree-planting exercise.



The ceremony was attended by 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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