National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has taken a significant step toward enhancing institutional growth through strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement, with the hosting of a sensitisation workshop by its Directorate of Advancement and Linkages (DAL).

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Olufemi Peters, while declaring the session opened, highlighted the evolution and growing importance of the directorate, which was formerly part of the Directorate of Research, Administration and Linkages.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof Chiedu Mafiana, the VC urged the university community to recognise the strategic value of the directorate, stressing the need for qualified personnel and a shared institutional commitment to its mission.

A Professor of History and the Executive Director of the Division of International Affairs’ Office of Global Partnership-Africa, Morgan State University, Prof Ibikunle Tijani, who delivered a lecture titled: “Linkages and the roles of their drivers in the university,” emphasised that effective linkages rely on both internal and external actors, including faculty, students, alumni, legal advisers and external stakeholders.

“Linkages are about innovation, preparation, and purposeful connection. They must align with an institution’s vision and be driven by consistent collaboration and planning. Cross-border education policy will go a long way in exploring opportunities through meaningful collaborations by stakeholders.

Similarly, the Director of Linkages, Partnerships and Collaboration at the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof Kabiru Akinyemi, described advancement as a strategic approach to building lasting relationships with stakeholders for financial support, advocacy and institutional development.

“The directorate’s core functions include fundraising, alumni relations, communications and government engagement. All these aim to strengthen the university’s reputation, resource base and overall impact. Funding opportunities can also come through government research grants, private sector investment, philanthropic gestures as well as international research grants,” Akinyemi stated.

The Director, NOUN’s Directorate of Advancement and Linkages, Prof Ganiyat Adesina-Uthman, while calling for support from the university management, said a lot can be achieved through effective collaborations by the institutions.