The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has suspended its Alumni Association activities, including the scheduled October 10, 2026 election, due to allegations of certificate forgery, racketeering, and other irregularities. This decision follows petitions filed against the Alumni Association's leadership. The university's management made this decision at its 124th Regular Meeting on September 21.
The university has also suspended the current Executive Committee of the NOUN Alumni Association (NOUNAA) at all levels pending an investigation into the allegations. The investigation aims to determine the eligibility of individuals involved and examine other issues raised in the petitions. A committee will be formed to look into these matters and make recommendations. The allegations involve the national president and members of the executive committee.
According to NOUN, the petitions raised serious concerns about the Alumni Association's leadership and operations. The university questioned the eligibility of some individuals who are allegedly not graduates of NOUN to participate in the election and hold leadership positions. However, NOUN emphasized that the allegations have not been established and will be investigated impartially.
The university's decision to suspend the Alumni Association's activities is aimed at protecting its integrity and reputation. NOUN directed that all processes related to the October 10 election be suspended immediately. The national president of NOUNAA, Ifeanyi Obukwelu, who sits on the Governing Council, has been asked to cease participating in council activities pending the investigation's outcome.
Despite the university's directive, Obukwelu has insisted that the election should proceed as scheduled. He maintained that the association should follow its constitutional electoral process. In response to the university's actions, NOUNAA's solicitors demanded fairness, due process, and an opportunity for affected officers to respond to the allegations.
The Alumni Association's lawyers argued that NOUNAA is an Incorporated Trustee under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, as amended, and has a distinct legal status. Obukwelu subsequently announced the Electoral Committee's program and urged members to remain calm, stressing that allegations should not be treated as established facts before the investigation's conclusion.
The suspension of the Alumni Association's activities has put the planned October 10 election on hold. The university's investigation will determine the fate of the election and the leadership of the Alumni Association. The outcome is expected to resolve the issues raised and ensure due process in the association's operations.
Key points
- The National Open University of Nigeria has suspended its Alumni Association election and executive committee due to allegations of certificate forgery and irregularities.
- The university will investigate the allegations and determine the eligibility of individuals involved in the Alumni Association's leadership.
- The suspension aims to protect the university's integrity and reputation while ensuring due process in resolving the issues raised.
