By Abdullahi Alhassan
Kaduna, Nigeria, May 21, 2026(Series News Online)— The outgoing Director of the Centre for Human Resource Development at the National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Aminu Umar, has outlined extensive reforms in infrastructure, skills training, and digital systems undertaken during his four-year tenure at the Kaduna centre.
Prof. Umar spoke at an awards and send-forth ceremony organised in his honour, describing his period in office, from January 11, 2022 to April 27, 2026, as one of deliberate interventions to expand access and reposition CHRD.
“The period was devoted to deliberate interventions to expand access, strengthen safety, and make CHRD a hub for practical skills and digital learning,” he said.
He said the centre’s infrastructure projects included the construction of three classroom blocks at NOUN Staff School, facilitated in collaboration with former Vice Chancellor Prof. Olufemi Peters.
According to him, the works also covered a full overhaul of NSS classroom roofs and administrative offices, renovation of Nursery 2A, 2B and Primary 1B classrooms, sand filling of eroded access roads, and remodelling of the university and CHRD signage along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway.
“A maintenance regime was introduced that restored all seven centre vehicles and the fire truck to full operation,” Prof. Umar said.
He added that a monetary donation was secured from the former Vice Chancellor for the completion of Barakallahu Community Primary School.
On energy and safety, Prof. Umar said CHRD delivered Nigeria’s first solar power system in a public-private school within the host community.
“This eliminated NOUN Staff School’s reliance on grid and generator power,” he said.
He noted that the centre also installed solar street lights, an ice-block and cold room facility for revenue diversification, and a comprehensive earthing and lightning protection system.
“Security was strengthened through the installation of CCTV cameras across the Kaduna campus, the recovery of 16 rustled cattle belonging to the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences in collaboration with local vigilantes, and the arrest and conviction of persons caught vandalising university facilities,” Prof. Umar said.
He reported that 600 metres of water pipes were laid and tanks installed to supply cleaner water to the NOUN Guest House and Water Factory.
Prof. Umar emphasised skills acquisition and partnerships as key achievements of his administration.
“CHRD introduced practical training for NSS pupils in electrical installation, plumbing, carpentry, bead making, fashion design, hairdressing, and ICT, alongside exhibitions,” he said.
He disclosed that over a thousand graduates were produced in collaboration with the Centre for Human Resources Development and Empowerment Initiatives, CHRDEI.
The centre ran certificate courses in Child Care, Caregiving for the Elderly, Electric Vehicles and Auto Diagnostics, and Procurement Management, he said.
“The Elderly Care programme was made compulsory for 200-level nursing students,” Prof. Umar added.
He said memoranda of understanding were signed for additional programmes in ICT, fashion design, carpentry at Fiditi, Oyo State, and a Diploma in Security Management in Port Harcourt.
“Several others await management approval, including partnerships with EMVC on electric vehicle infrastructure and Hempawa Consult in Lagos,” he said.
On digital transformation and revenue, Prof. Umar said NSS attendance was digitised through biometric systems and 24/7 internet services were approved for all units.
“The NOUN Guest House, Water Factory, and Skills Unit were restructured to improve internally generated revenue,” he said.
He said the centre launched a tree-planting campaign with the Forestry College, Mando, to promote environmental sustainability.
“Incentive-based payments and quality control inspection were introduced at NSS to boost staff productivity and learning standards,” Prof. Umar said.
He cited the annual Inter-House Sports Competition and multiple corporate social responsibility projects as evidence of improved staff welfare and community engagement.
Prof. Umar expressed appreciation to the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, for approving a renewable energy solar power system for NOUN Staff School within a short period in office.
He also commended former Vice Chancellors and Deputy Vice Chancellors of the university for providing the platform for CHRD.
Prof. Umar thanked the university management, staff, students, and host communities for their support, noting that the partnerships and programmes were designed to outlast his tenure.
He expressed confidence that pending MoUs with institutions such as the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, and Graade Academy Kaduna would further expand CHRD’s reach.
“What we have done is lay a foundation for a centre that trains, protects, and innovates,” he said, urging his successor to consolidate the gains.
Also speaking at the event, the Acting Director of CHRD, Dr. Amos Iliya, said the ceremony was organised solely by staff without direct involvement from the directorate.
He described the initiative as proof of commitment among personnel.
“The gathering reflected how ideas conceived by staff could translate into meaningful action that supports the growth of the centre,” Dr. Iliya said.
He noted that Prof. Umar’s tenure had ended as he moves to another assignment, describing it as part of the natural cycle of public service.
Dr. Iliya recalled that his first meeting with the outgoing director was in January this year following an introduction from the university headquarters.
“The warm reception I received has been instrumental since assuming my new role,” he said.
“Public service requires readiness to serve wherever posted, often without prior expectation,” Dr. Iliya added.
He prayed for Prof. Umar’s success in his next role, saying the outgoing director had played his part in the service of the university.
“I hope the collaborative spirit demonstrated by staff in organising the send-forth will continue,” he said. “Such engagement will strengthen the directorate’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.”
Others who attended the ceremony and delivered goodwill messages included Dr. Babangida Iro, Director, Kaduna Study Centre; Mr. Gbenga Olufemi, Deputy Director, CHRD; and Maryam Usman Kida, Deputy Registrar.
Tags
Education