The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has taken steps to prevent the loss of its workforce to international opportunities, a move seen as crucial for enhancing the institution’s capacity and learning outcomes.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja during the unveiling of a new application and registration app developed by the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL), NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, expressed the institution’s commitment to retaining its talented staff.

Prof. Peters lamented the migration of skilled staff to other establishments and countries, including those from NOUN’s ICT unit, describing it as a significant challenge to the university’s growth.

“The time has come to put an end to this trend where we train and develop our workforce only to lose them to others,” he said. “Our efforts will now focus on capacity development to discourage our staff from seeking opportunities elsewhere.”

He highlighted the importance of fully utilizing ACETEL’s facilities, including the newly inaugurated registration app and the university’s data center, to improve efficiency and enhance the university’s global competitiveness.

The VC announced that ACETEL is now ready to admit international students seamlessly through the new portal, allowing over 150 international students to pay directly via the app.

“This development meets the requirements of our funder, the World Bank, ensuring that resources provided for ACETEL are being applied effectively,” Peters added.

ACETEL Director, Prof. Grace Jokthan, praised the innovation, describing it as transformative for both students and staff. She commended the software development team led by Mr. Buhari Al-Hassan and Mr. Sule Onuh, emphasizing that the registration portal and data center meet international standards.

Prof. Jokthan explained that the data center would enable effective data analysis and decision-making, further improving the university’s processes. She noted that 21 staff members had been trained to utilize the system and generate critical information for the data center.

“This innovation is cost-effective and efficient, and we’re committed to creating awareness across all units of the university to ensure seamless integration and utilization,” she said.

The event was attended by notable guests, including former NOUN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Vincent Tenebe and representatives from the National Universities Commission.