By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Outgoing Director of the Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD), Aminu Umar, has outlined major reforms, infrastructural projects, and institutional achievements recorded during his four-year tenure at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Kaduna Centre.
Speaking during an award and send-forth ceremony organised in his honour, Prof. Umar described his tenure, which spanned from January 11, 2022 to April 27, 2026, as a period focused on expanding access to practical education, improving infrastructure, strengthening safety systems, and advancing digital learning initiatives.
According to him, several landmark projects were executed during the period, including the construction of three classroom blocks at the NOUN Staff School in collaboration with former Vice Chancellor Olufemi Peters.
He also cited the renovation of classroom blocks, administrative offices, and erosion control measures around the Kaduna campus.
Prof. Umar further disclosed that all seven operational vehicles belonging to the centre, including the fire truck, were restored and maintained for effective service delivery, while the university and CHRD signboards along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway were remodeled to improve visibility and institutional identity.
He also revealed that support was secured from the former Vice Chancellor for the completion of the Barakallahu Community Primary School as part of the centre’s community development initiatives.
On renewable energy and security, the outgoing director said the centre successfully introduced what he described as Nigeria’s first solar power system in a public-private school within the host community, thereby ending reliance on public electricity and generators at the NOUN Staff School.
The centre also installed solar-powered street lights, a cold room and ice-block facility for revenue generation, as well as a comprehensive earthing and lightning protection system to improve safety.
Prof. Umar noted that campus security was strengthened through the installation of CCTV surveillance systems, collaboration with local vigilantes that led to the recovery of 16 rustled cattle belonging to the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, and the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in vandalism of university property.
He added that utility infrastructure was expanded with the laying of about 600 metres of water pipelines and installation of water tanks to improve supply to the NOUN Guest House and Water Factory.
Highlighting achievements in skills acquisition and partnerships, Prof. Umar said CHRD introduced vocational training programmes for pupils of the NOUN Staff School in areas such as electrical installation, plumbing, carpentry, ICT, bead making, fashion design, and hairdressing.
He explained that the centre also graduated over 1,000 participants through collaborations with the Centre for Human Resources Development and Empowerment Initiatives (CHRDEI), while certificate courses were introduced in Child Care, Elderly Caregiving, Electric Vehicles and Auto Diagnostics, and Procurement Management.
According to him, the Elderly Care programme was made compulsory for 200-level nursing students, while memoranda of understanding were signed for additional programmes in ICT, fashion design, carpentry, and security management in different parts of the country.
The outgoing director further disclosed that discussions were ongoing with organisations including EMVC on electric vehicle infrastructure development and Hempawa Consult in Lagos, pending final management approval.
Prof. Umar also highlighted the centre’s digital transformation initiatives, including the introduction of biometric attendance systems at the NOUN Staff School and the approval of 24-hour internet services across operational units.
He stated that reforms at the NOUN Guest House, Water Factory, and Skills Acquisition Unit were designed to improve internally generated revenue and operational efficiency.
In the area of environmental sustainability, he noted that the centre partnered with the Forestry College, Mando, on a tree-planting campaign aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
He also cited the introduction of incentive-based payment systems, quality control inspections, annual inter-house sports competitions, and corporate social responsibility projects as part of broader staff welfare and institutional development efforts.
Prof. Umar expressed appreciation to the current Vice Chancellor, Uduma Oji Uduma, for approving the renewable energy project for the NOUN Staff School within a short period in office.
He also commended former vice chancellors and deputy vice chancellors for providing the enabling environment that supported CHRD’s growth.
He thanked the university management, staff, students, and host communities for their support throughout his tenure, expressing confidence that ongoing partnerships with institutions such as the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, and Graade Academy Kaduna would further expand the centre’s impact nationwide.
“What we have done is lay a foundation for a centre that trains, protects, and innovates,” Prof. Umar said, while urging his successor to consolidate on the achievements recorded.
In his remarks, Acting Director of CHRD, Dr. Amos Iliya, said the send-forth ceremony was independently organised by members of staff, describing it as a reflection of commitment, initiative, and teamwork within the directorate.
Dr. Iliya commended the organisers and described Prof. Umar’s transition as part of the normal cycle of public service.
He noted that his first interaction with the outgoing director earlier in the year had provided valuable support and guidance in the course of his assignment.
He prayed for Prof. Umar’s success in future endeavours and urged staff members to sustain the collaborative spirit demonstrated during the event in order to strengthen the capacity of the directorate.
Other dignitaries who attended the ceremony and delivered goodwill messages included Dr. Babangida Iro, Director of Kaduna Study Centre; Mr. Gbenga Olufemi, Deputy Director of CHRD; and Maryam Usman Kida, Deputy Registrar, among others.
