ASABA/Nigeria: Professor Peters Olufemi, the Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has come forward to clarify the standing of Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme of Delta State, dismissing any allegations of wrongdoing both in his capacity as a bursar and in his interactions with others.
The clarification was provided during a courtesy visit by the NOUN management team, led by Professor Olufemi, to the office of Deputy Governor Onyeme at the Government House in Asaba. Addressing the matter, Professor Olufemi addressed questions from the press, vehemently denying the existence of any investigative panel aimed at probing Sir Monday Onyeme or the university’s bursary department. He asserted, “I am just hearing this fictitious allegation for the first time at this meeting that there was such a thing or that there was even such a thought.”
Professor Olufemi, a pioneer staff member of NOUN, stated that he had a comprehensive understanding of the institution’s history and operations. He emphasized that Sir Monday Onyeme’s departure from NOUN was on leave of absence to assume the position of Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue. He further attested that Onyeme had requested to be relieved of his duties once he decided not to return to NOUN, and that there was no record of any misconduct or malfeasance associated with him.
The Vice Chancellor underscored the university’s support for Deputy Governor Onyeme, highlighting the esteem in which he was held as a former member of the NOUN community. He noted, “He remains one of the great exponents from the National Open University of Nigeria, and indeed, if it was true that there was anything like that, the whole management team of the National Open University of Nigeria, led by myself, the Vice Chancellor, would not come here.”
During the visit, Professor Olufemi lauded Onyeme’s financial management skills, budgeting proficiency, and genuine care for the well-being of the university’s staff. He remarked, “As the Chief Financial Officer of the University, you brought into the role, strong financial management skills and a very pragmatic and practical approach to the management of cash flow processes, procedures and budget preparation.”
Onyeme, in his response, commended the Vice Chancellor and the NOUN management team for their visit. He recognized the pivotal role of NOUN’s Distance Learning Center in bridging educational gaps in the country, stating, “We know that since the inception of the National Open University of Nigeria in the country, it has contributed immensely towards reducing and bridging the deficiency gap in our education industry.”
In his closing statements, Professor Olufemi expressed gratitude to the Delta State government for their support in creating a conducive environment for NOUN’s operations within the state. He thanked the government for its assistance in various areas, including infrastructure development that has enhanced university operations at the Asaba Study Centre.
