NOUN VC Addresses Students on Institution’s Portal Breakdown

The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has reassured students that the institution is actively working to resolve all concerns, particularly technical issues related to the university portal.

Speaking during a virtual town hall meeting held with students, Prof. Peters addressed a wide range of issues, including exams, course materials, and refund processes. He emphasized that the management is committed to ensuring a smoother academic experience for students.

Prof. Peters acknowledged the difficulties students have been facing, especially with outdated course materials being used during exams. He explained that this problem stemmed from a three-year review cycle of the question bank.

“We understand the frustrations some of you face due to the use of outdated course materials during exams. The solution is not lost, and we will make the necessary adjustments,” Peters assured.

Another key issue raised was the challenge students face during Computer-Based Tests (CBT), largely due to insufficient guidance and unfamiliarity with exam procedures. Prof. Peters encouraged students to pay close attention to exam instructions and to strictly adhere to the guidelines in question papers. He acknowledged the ongoing difficulties with CBT but promised improvements, especially in transitioning course materials.

The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that the university had detected attempts to compromise the integrity of the Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) platform. He listed breaches such as the use of automated systems to generate responses and third-party involvement in assignments.

“The University Senate’s initial response was to cancel all TMA scores of the affected students. However, instead of awarding zero marks, it was decided to adjust their examination scores, allowing them to be graded out of 100 rather than the usual 70 or 60,” Peters stated.

He emphasized that the institution remains committed to upholding the integrity of its academic processes. “We will take similar decisive actions if necessary, as it is vital to protect the integrity of our academic certificates and the reputation of the institution.”

Prof. Peters addressed concerns about delays in refunding leftover funds in students’ wallets, assuring students that their refunds would be processed as quickly as possible once the necessary verification processes were completed. He also revealed plans to streamline the distribution of course materials, which are currently sent to state capitals for collection at study centers. The university is exploring more personalized delivery options while managing production costs.

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In response to a student’s inquiry about General Studies (GST) courses, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that some courses are mandatory for accreditation purposes and urged students to complete them to avoid issues with graduation or certification.

The Vice-Chancellor reassured students that technical glitches affecting the student portal and exam scheduling are being addressed. He promised that updates would be communicated through official NOUN emails and expressed the university’s commitment to improving students’ academic journey. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance services and infrastructure through partnerships with agencies like TetFund.

Prof. Peters concluded the meeting by thanking students for their participation and reaffirmed that the management was taking their concerns seriously.