Abuja: The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) have committed to fortifying their collaboration in research, digital learning, and fiscal policy development through ongoing technical engagements. Dr. Mohammed Shehu, the Chairman of the commission, made this announcement during a meeting with NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oduma Orji Oduma, and his management team in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the collaboration aims to address fiscal and economic challenges by leveraging the strengths of both government institutions and academia. Dr. Shehu emphasized the importance of evidence-based reforms, capacity building, and partnerships in enhancing fiscal governance and resource allocation. He acknowledged NOUN’s efforts in expanding access to quality higher education via its open and distance learning system across the nation.
Dr. Shehu assured that the commission would thoroughly consider the university’s requests, focusing on its operational model and staff remuneration. He stated that the RMAFC plans to conduct a comprehensive job evaluation and labor market benchmarking to assess any specialized salary structure, guided by fiscal impact analysis for allowances related to open and distance learning personnel. Recommendations will be guided by principles of empirical evidence, fairness, equity, and fiscal sustainability.
In his remarks, Prof. Oduma expressed gratitude to the commission for engaging with the delegation. He proposed establishing a Centre for Fiscal Studies and Policy for Revenue Studies to facilitate research and policy development. This proposed centre would focus on revenue forecasting, fiscal impact assessment, and evidence-based policy recommendations. Additionally, he highlighted NOUN’s capability in developing digital learning platforms and capacity-building programs for public sector personnel, backed by the university’s extensive ICT infrastructure and digital learning facilities.
Prof. Oduma also appealed for a remuneration framework that aligns with the university’s unique operational needs. He reiterated NOUN’s commitment to quality assurance, fostering academic partnerships, and enhancing graduate employability.
RMAFC Commissioner Muhammed Usman, representing Gombe State, described the partnership as advantageous for both institutions. Commissioner Akeem Amosun from Ogun emphasized the necessity of research-driven policy formulation for effective governance, advocating for remuneration reviews supported by objective evidence and fiscal sustainability.
Director of Allocation and Fiscal Efficiency, Dr. Umar Kukankada, noted that the commission would require detailed operational information from NOUN to assess the proposals for the fiscal studies centre and digital training platform, including governance, implementation, and financial implications. Both organizations agreed to maintain technical engagements to advance research, policy development, digital learning, and fiscal governance in support of national development.