Kaduna: Outgoing CHRD Director Lists Solar Power, CCTV, Skills Training Among Major Achievements

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

Outgoing Director of the Centre for Human Resource Development, CHRD, National Open University of Nigeria, Professor. Aminu Umar, has delivered an account of his four-year tenure, citing wide-ranging infrastructural, skills, and institutional reforms that have repositioned the Kaduna centre.

Speaking at his awards and send-forth ceremony, Prof. Umar said the period between 11th January 2022 and 27th April 2026 was devoted to “deliberate interventions to expand access, strengthen safety, and make CHRD a hub for practical skills and digital learning.”

He noted that the centre’s infrastructure drive included the construction of three classroom blocks at NOUN Staff School, NSS, facilitated with former Vice Chancellor Prof. Olufemi Peters; a complete overhaul of NSS classroom roofs and administrative offices; renovation of Nursery 2A, 2B and Primary 1B classrooms; sand filling of eroded access roads; remodeling of the university and CHRD signage along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway; and a maintenance regime that restored all seven centre vehicles and the fire truck to full operation.

He also highlighted a monetary community donation secured from the former VC for the completion of Barakallahu Community Primary School.

On energy and safety, Prof. Umar said CHRD delivered Nigeria’s first solar power system in a public-private school within the host community, eliminating NOUN Staff School’s reliance on grid and generator power, while installing solar street lights, an ice-block/cold room for revenue diversification, and a comprehensive earthing and lightning protection system.

“Security was strengthened through the installation of CCTV cameras across the Kaduna campus, the recovery of 16 rustled cattle belonging to the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences in collaboration with local vigilantes, and the arrest and conviction of persons caught vandalizing university facilities. In utilities, he reported the laying of 600 metres of water pipes and installation of tanks to supply cleaner water to the NOUN Guest House and Water Factory.

The outgoing director placed emphasis on skills acquisition and partnerships, stating that CHRD introduced practical training for NSS pupils in electrical installation, plumbing, carpentry, bead making, fashion design, hairdressing, and ICT, alongside exhibitions and over a thousand graduates produced with the Centre for Human Resources Development and Empowerment Initiatives, CHRDEI.

He said the centre successfully ran certificate courses in Child Care, Caregiving for the Elderly, Electric Vehicles and Auto Diagnostics, and Procurement Management, with the Elderly Care programme made compulsory for 200-level nursing students.

He added that memoranda of understanding had been signed for additional programmes in ICT, fashion design, carpentry at Fiditi, Oyo State, and a Diploma in Security Management in Port Harcourt, while several others await management approval, including partnerships with EMVC on electric vehicle infrastructure and Hempawa Consult in Lagos.

Prof. Umar also pointed to digital transformation and revenue reforms, noting the digitization of NSS attendance through biometric systems, the approval of 24/7 internet services for all units, and the restructuring of the NOUN Guest House, Water Factory, and Skills Unit to improve internally generated revenue.

He said the centre launched a tree-planting campaign in partnership with the Forestry College, Mando, to advance environmental sustainability, and introduced incentive-based payments and quality control inspection at NSS to boost staff productivity and learning standards. He cited the annual Inter-House Sports Competition and multiple corporate social responsibility projects as evidence of improved staff welfare and community engagement.

He therefore appreciates the new Prof. VC Uduma Oji Uduma for granting approval of renewal energy (solar power system) for the NOUN Staff School within the short period in office.

He commended the former Vice Chancellors and DVCs of the University
Who provided the platform of the CHRD

Prof. Umar thanked the university management, staff, students, and host communities for their support, saying the partnerships and programmes initiated were designed to endure beyond his tenure.

He expressed confidence that the pending MoUs with institutions such as the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, and Graade Academy Kaduna would further expand CHRD’s reach across Nigeria. “What we have done is lay a foundation for a centre that trains, protects, and innovates,” he said, urging his successor to build on the gains recorded.

Also speaking the Acting Director, (CHRD) Dr Amos Iliya, said the event was organised entirely by a group of staff without direct involvement from the directorate, describing it as evidence of initiative and commitment among personnel.

He commended the organisers, noting that the gathering reflected how ideas conceived by staff could translate into meaningful action that supports the growth of the centre.

Dr Iliya stated that Prof. Umar’s tenure had ended as he moves to another assignment, adding that the transition was part of the natural cycle of public service.

He recalled that his first encounter with the outgoing director was in January this year following an introduction from the university headquarters, and said the warm reception he received had been instrumental since assuming his new role. According to him, public service requires readiness to serve wherever posted, often without prior expectation.

Praying for Prof. Umar’s success in his next role, Dr Iliya said the outgoing director had played his part in the service of the university. He expressed hope that the collaborative spirit demonstrated by staff in organising the send-forth would continue, stressing that such engagement would strengthen the directorate’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.

Others who attend the ceremony and express their goodwill messages include Dr. Babangida lro, Director Kaduna study centre, Mr. Gbenga Olufemi, Deputy director CHRD, Maryam Usman Kida, deputy registrar.