The Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenogha, has announced that the university will soon start issuing degree certificates on the day of convocation. This move aims to address the challenges job seekers face due to delayed release of results and transcripts. The VC made this revelation through Dr. Chukwunonso Ekesiobi, the newly appointed University Alumni Relations Officer.
The innovative idea is part of the university's efforts to transition from an analogue to a digital institution. According to the VC, 90% of administrative work in the university is currently done through paper processing. A committee was constituted to digitalize most of the university's activities, including academic records. Over the past one and a half years, the committee has begun digitalizing over 55,000 academic records previously on paper.
With this digitalization, graduates can apply for their results and transcripts from the comfort of their homes, and receive them in a matter of hours. The university plans to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a courier company to deliver documents while perfecting its digital systems. This move aims to cut down the waiting time and delay associated with obtaining certificates and transcripts.
The university's goal is to be the first Nigerian university to issue degree certificates on the day of convocation. This initiative is in pursuit of the university's three 'Vs': values, viability, and visibility. The VC emphasized that the program is a template from the UK, where she completed her PhD program on scholarship.
The digitalization of academic records and issuance of certificates online is part of the university's efforts to be more morally responsive to students and alumni. The VC warned that every alumnus should quickly join the Abuja Alumni chapter to start benefiting from the innovation. She promised that the days of late processing of referral materials are over.
Recently, the Abuja Alumni chapter elected new executives, with Engr. Emezuom Ugochukwu re-elected as President, securing 38 votes. Other elected officials include Miss Amaka Makowulu as Vice-President, Dike Mirabelle as Secretary General, and Dennis Smart Edogor as Assistant Secretary General.
The university's initiative has the potential to revolutionize the way academic records are processed and issued in Nigeria. With this innovation, COOU is poised to become a leader in digitalization and modernization in the Nigerian education sector. The university's commitment to values, viability, and visibility is expected to yield positive results.
Key points
- Odumegwu Ojukwu University to issue degree certificates on convocation day.
- University aims to digitally transmit transcripts to tackle delays.
- Initiative part of university's efforts to transition to digital institution.
