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ANIOMA OPEN UNIVERSITY (AOU) Where Passion Meets Education
ANIOMA OPEN UNIVERSITY (AOU) Where Passion Meets Education
About Us (AU)
Genesis and Philosophy (AU-1)
Anioma Open University (AOU) is an institution of higher learning (University) founded in May 2017, and being established by a Group of Individuals who are currently the Shareholders. The National Universities Commission (NUC), Abuja, Nigeria gave a preliminary approval to the Anioma Open University in the NUC Idris Abdulkadir Auditorium on July 26, 2017; and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja, Nigeria approved our Certificate of Incorporation on January 17, 2019. AOU-AMERICA® is a Registered Trademark for the Anioma Open University (AOU), which is the Parent Company. AOU-AMERICA® is registered in the United States. The University is an ODL (Open and Distance Learning) one, that is, the so-called “online learning” as opposed to a conventional university.
Mission Statement and Goals (AU-2)
Anioma Open University (AOU) pedagogy and learning are anchored upon Information Age education, that is, “computer-mediated” learning, the so-called “Online Education.” It is the mission of the founder to bring to the forefront a new teaching and learning methodology. With its tenets of "Learning Reborn", AOU is poised to be the best citadel of learning in Sub-Sahara Africa, and beyond, using ODL or Online technologies in furtherance of Information Age education. Anioma Open University (AOU) pedagogy and learning are anchored upon Information Age education, that is, “computer-mediated” learning, the so-called “Online Education.” It is the mission of the founder to bring to the forefront a new teaching and learning methodology. With its tenets of "Learning Reborn", AOU is poised to be the best citadel of learning in Sub-Sahara Africa, and beyond, using ODL or Online technologies in furtherance of Information Age education.
Vision Statement and Objectives (AU-3)
It is the vision of Anioma Open University to globalize the programmes offered from the local community to state, national and international levels. AOU's website would showcase all the study centres of the university. The learning is taken to the learners at the study centres where the students can still interact with their lecturers face-to-face, 30% of the time. With her tenet “Learning Reborn”, AOU students no longer need to go to school, because school comes to them 70% of the time on the Android phones in their hands. Anioma Open University programmes would be open to the public and train all learners without regard to race, sex, national origin, or disabilities.
Programmes of Study (AU-4)
Programmes of Study
1. The programmes of study at Anioma Open University (AOU) proposed to the NUC (National Universities Commission, Abuja, Nigeria) are as follows: a) Faculty of Education, b) Faculty of Sciences, c) Faculty of Health Sciences, d) Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, e) Faculty of Languages, f) Faculty of Law, g) Faculty of Engineering, h) Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, i) Faculty of Technical and Entrepreneurial Studies, j) Faculty of Management Sciences, and k) Faculty of Government and Historical Studies.
2. Anioma Open University shall train learners to earn Bachelor’s degrees, earn Master’s degrees, or earn Doctorate degrees in any programme of study at AOU approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
3. Admission requirements in any of the NUC-approved programme of study at Anioma Open University shall be in keeping with the requirements as approved by the Federal Ministry of Education (Nigeria) in conjunction with the National Universities Commission (NUC).
4. The Pedagogy and Learning at AOU shall be ODL (open and distance learning).
5. Both the teaching and learning modes at AOU shall be “hybrid”.
6. The hybrid interaction modes shall be: Student-student interaction; Student-teacher interaction; Student-content interaction; and Student-interface interaction (that is, computer-mediated learning, the so-called “online education” mode).
7. The Anioma Open University (AOU) shall adopt a "70-30" hybrid mode for teaching and learning.
8. The “70-30” hybrid model of ODL education shall consist of 70 percent online and 30 percent face-to-face in the teaching and learning at AOU.
9. All Lecturers and Professors employed at AOU shall be mandated to follow to the teeth the University’s hybrid teaching model (8. above) as adopted by Anioma Open University.
10. The “70-30” hybrid ODL education adopted at Anioma Open University enables the students to interact with their lecturers and fellow students on a face-to-face basis thirty-percent of the time.
11. The remaining 70 percent shall be online interactions, and shall be accomplished via an e-learning software approved by the Anioma Open University management.
12. Currently, the Anioma Open University has approved ZOOM® as one of the e-learning interactive softwares for e-teaching and e-learning at AOU. The other auxiliary Softwares shall be online or e-learning management system (LMS) softwares approved by the NUC and /or meet the NUC's standard. Approved LMS Softwares shall be used by AOU Professors to manage training activities for the students.
Administrative Structure of the University (AU-5)
The Anioma Open University shall be run in accordance with the following Administrative structure:
Functions and Powers
(1) Academic/Faculty/School Boards:
All Academic Boards are constituted by members who are appointed by the University management led by the Vice-Chancellor. Their functions shall be as stipulated in the Bylaws of the University. All school boards report directly to the Vice-Chancellor.
(2) Senate:
The University Senate members shall be appointed by the Governing Council in conjunction with the Vice-Chancellor. The Senate meet and report to the Vice-Chancellor of the University.
(3) Governing Council:
The Governing Council members shall be appointed by the Proprietor in conjunction with the shareholders. The Governing Council reports to the Proprietor and his shareholders.
(4) Chancellor:
The Chancellor of the University shall be appointed by the Proprietor in conjunction with his shareholders. The Chancellor reports directly to the Proprietor.
(5) Proprietor:
The Proprietor of the Anioma Open University is the Founder/Pro-Chancellor/Chairman.
(6) Appointment:
The appointment membership shall be as described in items (1-5). above.
Employment at AOU (AU-6)
Lecturers at AOU
1. Anioma Open University shall only employ Lecturers with an earned PhD or other relevant doctorate degrees.
2. Lecturers currently running their PhD/doctorate programs (in-view) at an accredited university shall be considered for employment at AOU provided NUC does not disapprove it.
3. Full-time and part-time teaching staff shall be considered for employment at AOU provided funding exists and the positions serve the needs and best interests of the Anioma Open University.
Non-teaching Staff at AOU
1. Non-teaching staff shall be employed by AOU depending on the needs of the University.
2. All employment at AOU shall be on a case-by-case basis and/ or on a volume (one-time advertised basis) depending on the needs of the University.
3. Full-time and part-time non-teaching staff shall be considered for employment at AOU provided funding exists and the positions serve the needs and best interests of the Anioma Open University.
University Location and Study Centres (AU-7)
1. Anioma Open University shall operate and function with a Head Office (Headquarters) and Study Centres.
2. Currently, the Anioma Open University Head Office in Nigeria is located at No. 130 Old Lagos-Asaba Road, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria.
3. Currently, the Anioma Open University has approved Study Centre(s) as follows: 1) Deo-Gratias Polytechnic, Agbor-Obi Junction, Ika South Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State, Nigeria 2) Sports University, Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta State
4.The pedagogy and learning at Anioma Open University shall only take place at the university-approved Study Centres.
5. The University Head office or Headquarters is the administrative office only for Anioma Open University.
6. There shall be no teaching and learning at the University Head Office (Headquarters).
7. The university shall propose to NUC opening of a Study Centre in all the 774 (seven hundred seventy-four) Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.
8. The university shall propose to NUC opening of about ten (10) Study Centres per year.
9. The Anioma Open University Study Centres shall be headed by an experienced educator who must be a Professor or a retired Professor; or minimum, a Lecturer with an earned PhD degree.
10. Study Centres at Anioma Open University shall not be headed by a lecturer with only a Master’s degree.
Students and Staff Accommodation (AU-8)
1. Anioma Open University is strictly an ODL institution and therefore shall not provide accommodation or hostels for its students.
2. Anioma Open University is strictly an ODL institution and therefore shall not provide accommodation or hostels for its Lecturers, non-teaching, or other staff.
Advertorial for Investors (AU-9)
RECRUITMENT OF INVESTORS
I am the AOU Proprietor. I hope this writing finds you well.
I am writing this piece, because I urgently need investors to partner with me to conclude the establishment of my private Open University granted a preliminary approval in May 2017, eight (8) years ago.
The name of the University is Anioma Open University (AOU), with Headquarters based in Nigeria and with Study Centers (Learning Centres) World Wide. The University already has two (2) Study Centers in Nigeria, and hopes to acquire the first Study Center in the United States in Houston, Texas. The University is registered as a business in the United States as AOU-AMERICA®.
The AOU has plans as enshrined in her By-Laws (revised 2025) to extend its tentacles for AOU Study Centers acquisition across the GLOBE as follows: * Houston * Atlanta * New York * Los Angeles * London * GHANA * LIBERIA * SOUTH AFRICA * ZIMBABWE for now.
Teaching and learning only take place Online and at the Study Centers. The AOU has adopted the 70/30 Hybrid Mode of training its e-leaners, 70% Online and 30% face-to-face.
The Proprietor is happy to announce that the University’s PI Committee Members and the BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS have worked tirelessly and assiduously the past eight years to bring the AOU to where it is today, at the corridors of final approval by the NUC and therefore, final establishment of the University (AOU). The NUC is an acronym for the National Universities Commission, a governmental body responsible for the approval of Universities in Nigeria.
On November 27, 2024, the NUC wrote us (AOU) a "Status Report" letter stating that they were ready to approve our proposed Anioma Open University (AOU) if we could provide, amongst other requirements, a Bank Guarantee to the tune of over $200,000.00 to guarantee that we would be able to pay the bills, especially, the Staff Salaries for the First year of School. They also wanted me to provide a "liquid-cash" of like sum before they could give us a Final License to operate as a University in Nigeria.
They (NUC) are waiting for us to reply by submitting their requirements. This is the reason I urgently need investors to come to my aid financially, so that we can provide the resources to enable the University (AOU) to take-off early this year 2025.
According to the AOU By-Laws (2025 version), to qualify as an AOU Investor, a candidate must be 18 years old, without criminal records, possess the wherewithal to provide funding for AOU, and acquire a First Class Shareholder at AOU. A serious candidate can partner with me either by becoming an AOU BOARD OF TRUSTEES Member, a private Investor to AOU, or simply loan us the money to be paid back with interest after the University takes off.
According to our financial analyst, the AOU is likely to generate over N60 billion Naira (about $50 million US dollars) in revenue the First year of School alone, 2025/2026 academic year. Therefore, it is business smart, prudent, and a wise investment to put up $200,000.00 (two hundred thousand US dollars) to start the University (AOU).
This write-up purposefully reaches out to our Great Education lovers such as Shaquille O'Neil, Evander Holyfield, Oprah Winfrey, Dre Taylor, Jay Cameron, etc, to come out and join or sponsor our great AOU Project.
Our AOU Study Centers will be in Affiliations with our HBCUs across the United States beginning with TSU, Houston; Howard; Morehouse; Tuskegee; Florida A&M; PVA&M; etc.
If interested, please contact us via email: engrcivlflood@gmail.com, or via "Contact Us".
Sincerely, Legally Signed Electronically,
The AOU PROPRIETOR.
PS: Please, visit a recently approved "Sister" Open University in Nigeria to see how they are doing.
Their website is: www.miva.edu.ng
Business Summary Document For Investors (AU-10)
THE BUSINESS
SUMMARY
DOCUMENT FOR INVESTORS
COMPANY NAME:
ANIOMA OPEN UNIVERSITY (AOU)
(CAC Registered: RC-1553937, Company Limited by Shares, LLC).
Head Office Address:
No. 130, Old Lagos Asaba Road, Agbor,
Delta State, Nigeria.
Website:
Phone number:
+234-09061742738
NAME: Proprietor
EMAIL: engrcivlflood@gmail.com
CATEGORY: University Education (ODL, Open and Distance Learning)
DATE: May/2022
About My Business
Business idea
I got this business idea while watching a friend of mine doing the same thing in the United States of America several years ago. He was my mentor, an Edo Professor who owned his own Online University in America. Therefore, I developed interest and resolved would have to do what he did to make it to that level of achievement. I enrolled in a post graduate PhD degree program in ODL (Open and Distance Learning) to carefully, thoroughly, and rigorously study the course (e-learning) before turning it into a business venture.
I graduated with my PhD in ODL with flying colors in an American accredited University, and after graduating, I thought there might be more need for my expertise in Africa than America. Therefore, I moved back to my home country Nigeria, and started the business. My expertise is using ICT or CMC technologies to leverage the Internet to train open, distance students, e-learners.
The Problems
There are two problems we are faced with at the moment, at this stage of the Anioma Open University’s Establishment. They are: the immediate problem, and the remote problem.
The immediate problem
1) Pay a Bill Issued to us (AOU) Recently by NUC
The Nigerian Governmental Agency, NUC, National Universities Commission, Abuja, Nígeria wants us to pay a substantial amount of money before approving our ODL (Online) University this year.
The Agency NUC has listed the first ten (10) Private ODL Universities proposed for approval in Nigeria, and Anioma Open University is on the list; in fact, we are number ten on the list. Once we are able to pay this money NUC Staff will come for site visit to approve the University. It is to be noted that currently, NOUN, National Open University of Nigeria, is the only approved Open and Distance Learning University in Nigeria. No Private or State Open and Distance Learning University has been approved in Nigeria. Therefore, we at AOU, Anioma Open University, are fighting hard to be the First one in Nigeria.
2) How will AOU Company make money?
Once we start business, judging by recent research conducted, I expect enrolment the first year to be between fifty thousand (50,000) to one hundred thousand (100,000) e-students, because Registration is online via my website www.aniomaou.com worldwide (unrestricted).Therefore, we are expecting the first year an income of about five billion Naira (₦5,000,000,000) from payments of school fees, and creation of innumerable number of jobs all over Nigeria, and beyond.
3) Why is your solution better than anything else?
My solution is better than anything else, because:
a) AOU utilizes ODL with a hybrid mode (60 -40) e-teaching and e-learning where the e-learners interact with their Lecturers and other classmates face-to-face 40% of the time, while the 60% represents online interaction.
b) Cyber-researchers have proven that the hybrid 60/40 online teaching/learning causes learning more than the conventional face-to-face teaching and learning.
c) The cost of operating a given face-to-face teaching and learning training programme is more than twice the cost of using the ODL e-teaching and e-learning training approach to run the same training programme.
d) I earned a PhD degree in IDOL/ODL ( Open and Distance Learning, e-Learning) from an American University. I have conducted relevant research in the ODL discipline, and have published several books. I recently published: “Open and Distance Learning in Nigeria, Why Online Education Works, E-Learning with ICT”(2017).
4) Who exactly is your customer?
E-Students/e-learners all over the world.
5.) How much is your customer willing to pay?
School fees as required by my institution.
6) How will you reach your customer?
Via our website: www.aniomaou.com, emails, WhatsApp, text messages, social media, public advertisement, signboards, radio and television. In fact, so many prospective students have been calling and contacting us right now that they are seeking admission, pick up the form and start school. As always, we reply that NUC hasn’t given us final approval yet to run the University.
7) Who do you need to help you create this business?
The Business is created already; I paid one million Naira (₦1,000,000) five years ago to NUC for preliminary approval of the University. Now, I urgently need an Investor to help me with the seed money N5m so I can pay the necessary bills to conclude the establishment of the University.
8) What can you do to rapidly help you scale up your business?
I urgently need financial help from a serious Investor.
9) Why will the necessary individuals help you scale up your business?
They will receive in exchange the positions of company Directors and/or Shareholders, Board Chairman, or University Chancellor.
The remote problem
On a larger picture, the problem I am trying to solve is to train face-to-face learners how to learn, graduate, and succeed Online. The literature is replete with research evidence that, when properly administered, computer-mediated-learning (the so called “Online” learning or e-learning) is as good as if not better than the traditional f2f education in causing learning (see my book).
Studies have also shown that conventional face-to-face education costs about twice (50% more) as much as studying the same course or delivering the same program online (e-learning). The e-learner saves the following costs: travels expenses, personal risks such as automobile accidents, health care risks and expenses such as COVID-19 pandemic, higher probability that the brick-and-mortar learner or teacher may not show up for class, and a host of other problematic issues brought about by face-to-face interactions and body language between the teacher and his or her students. Above all, the e-learner saves time face-to-face learners spend travelling back and forth to the training institute.
A good example of e-learning, leveraging off the Internet to train e-learners successfully, saving time and money, without meeting the learners face-to-face was recently exemplified at the TEF (Tony Elumelu Foundation) 2022 African Entrepreneurs Training Programme. I was selected and I participated as one of the e-learners.
There were four Master e-Classes in the 2022 TEF program, with average attendance in each e-class via ZOOM as high as fifteen (15) thousands e-learners all over 54 African countries were all successfully trained synchronously Online. If the same training were conducted face-to-face, astronomical costs of attendance, renting of hall to accommodate all the 15,000 learners at once in the same hall, and costs of traveling all over Africa to meet the trainers at the chosen training site would have been the least of the problems.
The solution to remote problem
There are three-tier solution to the remote problem. The first two are presented first.
To solve the problem, “Face-to-face (f2f) Infrastructure” (FI) and “Internet Infrastructure”(II) must be created. Therefore, I firstly created an ODL (open and distance learning) institution with associated study centres representing “FI”, and, secondly, created a website and currently working on Networking the environment with e-learning software, Learning management system (LMS) with ZOOM® and Tube video conferencing programs representing “II”, Internet infrastructure. The third tier is “Employee Infrastructure” (EI). Therefore, thirdly, I am currently working on employing e-instructors and trainers with degrees in IT, Engineering, mathematics and computer science, and, who concurrently must be ICT and ODL compliant, representing “EI”.
Business Process
Features & Functionalities
My business is a training institution for e-learners. It employs the “60/40” hybrid mode for teaching and learning. In other words, the e-lecturer meets with the e-students in an e-classroom such as ZOOM® 60% of the time, and also meets the students face-to-face at the study centres the remaining 40% of the time.
All the e-Lecturers employed by my ODL University must be IT, ICT, CMC, and ODL compliant. Otherwise, they would be retrained, failure of which could result in termination. The entire institution, including the study centers, will be networked and equipped with modern computer hardware and software, with e-learning software and LMS (learning management system) using ZOOM® and video conferencing programs installed. With knowledgeable and experienced lecturers equipped with modern technologies and ICT-enabled environment, AOU will provide not only the best services to the e-learners, but also with utmost professionalism and world best practices.
Pricing
I have not determined the price of my services yet. When we do, we will consider: amount paid for similar services in Nigerian institution of higher education, especially, those that deliver their programs of study Online.
Profitability & My Target Audience
Profit will come from school fees, income minus – expenditure.
My target audience are students, and has a large customer base. The size of my market in the Nigerian clime is about fifty thousand e-learners (minimum), up to one hundred thousand the first one year. This amounts to about five billion Naira (N5,000,000,000) the first year in school fees. Enrollment is unrestricted, and it’s done online only, via our website, world wide.
Marketing Plan
My University is an ODL one, and our advertisements, mostly online, will be disseminated in a lightening-fast manner, and would go viral over the Internet to our target customers, social media platforms users inclusive. To augment our online advertisements, we would also advertise in national and local newspapers, radio and television.
BUSINESS ANALYSIS
1) SWOT analysis (strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats).
a. Strength
Our strength at AOU is that we are more knowledgeable and educated in ODL than any other ODL universities in Nigeria, including NOUN and other proposed private open universities in Nigeria.
b. Our weakness is that we don't have enough wherewithal to conclude the project with NUC.
c. Our "Opportunities" are that:
• we're expecting serious Investors with the wherewithal to pay NUC bills to join us shortly so that we can commence school.
• our website, www.aniomaou.com, works 24/7/365 non-stop: a good Internet “infrastructure”.
• we have maintained our Head Office, no. 130, Old Lagos Asaba Road, Agbor non-stop for 5 years, since 2017 after preliminary approval by NUC, even though school hasn't started.
• ( Note that elaborate on-ground infrastructure is not required, nor is it necessary for E-Learning success in ODL Universities, as would be absolute requirement for success in face-to-face conventional Universities).
• we are still good to go, as we're in good relationship with NUC; as they're ready to visit us for Final approval if we can pay their bills.
d. Threats. The only "threats" we have right now is lack of Funds. We need Money, lots of it; that is, we need Investors to come in and help me fund the project, so that we can pay the required NUC bills to obtain our Final approval.
2) Your Needs---Resource Requirements
a. What do you need for your business right now?
Answer: Like I said earlier, I urgently need a large scale, serious Investor to join us so I can pay the five million Naira (N5million) to NUC to obtain our final license to start the school.
b. Needed resources:
• equipment
•additional employees
• funding
• befitting Head Office
c. My business Team
• my business Team is made up of our AOU Board Chairman; his Vice-chairman and three (3) other Shareholders who are Members of the BOD. I am still looking for more befitting Board Members, and a CHANCELLOR.
3) My Plans: Business forecasting and planning.
•What stage are you now in your business?
Answer: We are in “Investors stage.”, if you will; this is a University establishment, and I am in the final stage of my business. In fact, The Director of the Directorate for the Establishment of Private Universities in Nigeria at NUC, wrote me (AOU) a letter acknowledging approval package submitted, acceptable payment, and Guidelines for final approval.
4) Lastly, what are the next steps for your Business?
Answer: the following are the Milestones to be accomplished in the next two (2) years,
a. Financial: if approved this year 2023, then we hope to at least realize N5 to N20 Billion Naira next two years in revenue or profit.
b. Operational: Expand branches/study canters to all over the country and beyond; purchase new technology equipment and vehicles upon which is inscribed AOU on both sides of the Vehicles.
c. Customer focused: As earlier explained in sub-section 2, once we start business, I expect enrollment at AOU to be around 50,000 (fifty thousands) to 100,000 thousands (one hundred thousands) e-Students, because Registration is Online at www.aniomaou.com; similar to Registration of e-Students at NOUN, National Open University of Nigeria.
It is to be noted that, while populations of students in conventional Universities in Nigeria hover around 20,000 to 50,000 (fifty thousands) face-to-face students, population of e-Students at NOUN, National Open University of Nigeria, is between 400,000 to 500,000 (five hundred thousands), last count in the year 2022, with seventy-nine (79) Study Centres spread out all over the country.
This is the dream AOU, a proposed Private Open University in Nigeria, is trying hard to achieve. Hope you join us as our New Investor and Member of the AOU BOARD OF TRUSTEES (DIRECTORS) to make this dream a reality.
Thank you for your audience.
THE END
SIGNED
From AOU Proprietor.
Published Books for Sale: Mathematics, Online Education, Computer Science, and Research Textbooks (AU-11)
1. Okonta, O. (2017)
ISBN:978-49546-9-9.
Open and Distance Learning in Nigeria: Why Online Education Works, E-Learning with ICT.(N10k per copy; $1,000).
2. Okonta, O. (2014). ISBN:078-3061-992. HOW TO USE AND REPAIR YOUR PERSONAL COMPUTERS MADE SIMPLE FOR DUMMIES: A Practical Approach, 3rd Edition. (N10k per copy; $1,000).
3. Okonta, O. (2015). ISBN: 979:3061:112. BASIC UNIVERSITY MATHEMATICS, STATISTICS, and RESEARCH METHODS: A Research-Workbook. (N10k per copy; $1,000).
4. Okonta, O. (2010). EFFECTS OF ONLINE INTERACTION VIA COMPUTER- MEDIATED COMMUNICATIONS (CMC) TOOLS ON AN e-MATHEMATICS LEARNING OUTCOME; Published by Pro Quest/UM (dissertation book, N100k per copy; $10,000).
Pay into any of my following bank accounts:
1) UBA Account number: 1025972099 (Naira).
2) UBA Account number: 3003885777 (dollars $)
3) Polaris Bank Account number: 1762905157 (Naira).
4) Polaris Bank Account number: 1767776231 (US$ dollars). 5) Ecobank Account number: 3830010912 (Naira).
After paying, please send your receipt to us by email: engrcivlflood@gmail.com or, via our WhatsApp number: +234-0906174273
2. Schedule a pickup of the book personally, or via DHL.
Pickup address is: 130, Old Lagos-Asaba Road, Agbor, Delta State.
(M thru F, 12noon to 5pm).
The AOU By-Laws Updated January 2025 (AU-12)
The AOU By-Laws
Section 1: The EXECUTIVES AND PIONEER Members
Section 1)A ..... Pending from the 2017 Version.
Section 1)B.... Pending from the 2017 Version
Section 2
To: AOU PIC Secretary-General,
Please, be reminded that Section-2 of the AOU Bylaws stipulates that "Meeting's Minutes shall be prepared and produced to the Chairman, AOU BOARD OF DIRECTORS (TRUSTEES), by the Secretary-General within 48 hours after the meeting."
Section-2)A: Meeting's Minutes shall be prepared and produced to the Chairman, AOU BOARD OF DIRECTORS (TRUSTEES), by the Secretary-General within 48 hours after the meeting.
Section 2)B
All the Entry-level Top Officials of AOU shall be Committed to the AOU, and as Shareholders. Entry shall be at Top Level A, but can be at lower Levels B through E, depending on the Amendments or Adjustments made by the prevailing BOT CHAIRMAN or the AOU PROPRIETOR.
Section-2)C
AOU does not do REFUND. Once contracts or agreements are signed, it is the policy of AOU not to negotiate or adjust after 72 hours. Absolutely no refunds or reversal are accepted after contracts have been signed and any money paid.
Section 3)A
*Chairmanship/Secretariat/Tardiness*
1. "The Chairmanship Arm of any AOU COMMITTEE now comprises of three (3) Heads: CHAIRMAN; 1st CO-CHAIRMAN; and, 2nd CO-CHAIRMAN. "
2. "The Secretariat Arm of any AOU COMMITTEE now comprises of three (3) Secretary-Generals: SECRETARY-GENERAL; 1st CO-SECRETARY-GENERAL; and, 2nd CO-SECRETARY-GENERAL."
3. "If the Chairman of a Committee fails to show up five (5) minutes after the Commencement of the meeting, then the 1st Co-Chairman can legally take over and preside over the Meeting; Etcetera."
4. "If the Secretary-General of a Committee fails to show up five (5) minutes after the Commencement of the meeting, then the 1st Co-Secretary General can legally take over and perform the secretarial duties of the Meeting, including taking Meeting's Minutes; Etcetera."
Section 3)B
No discussions about 1) the Income and Expenses of the AOU, and 2) no discussions about acquisition of AOU properties, investments and bank accounts are permitted during the AOU-PIC meetings. All such discussions belong in the AOU BOARD OF TRUSTEES meetings.
Section 4)A
AOU BOARD MEETINGS
1. The AOU BOARD meetings are held 1st Sunday of Every Month, Except December, According to the AOU BYLAWS.
2. The Meeting lasts only 30 minutes, Maximum one (1) hour.
3. No breaking of kolanuts in AOU BOARD meetings.
4. The purpose is to vote and take impending, important, and emergency serious actions to protect and move the University (AOU) forward.
5. Amendments and adjustments of AOU Bylaws.
APPOINTMENTS/REMOVALS
6. Appointments and/or removals of members of all AOU Committees.
7. If the Chairman of any AOU Committees fails to show up for a scheduled meeting two (2) times in a row, then the Chairman is removed from the office immediately.
8. From above, the failed AOU Chairman is replaced by his or her CO-Chairman, with immediate effects.
9. From above, a new AOU CO-Chairman is then appointed by the AOU PROPRIETOR, with immediate effects.
OTHERS
10. Appointment of AOU upcoming Members of Governing Councils.
11. Employment/Appointment of upcoming positions of AOU Vice-Chancellor and Registrar.
12. Money matters, Finance and Fundraising for AOU.
13. All other duties the Chancellor may deem fit in the best interests of the AOU.
Section 4)B
1. All duly appointed Committee members of any AOU Committees reserve the right to provide inputs to all propounded AOU Bylaws before BOARD Ratification.
2. All duly appointed Committee members of any AOU Committees MUST be Sworn in by the Proprietor before resumption of duty.
3. All duly appointed Committee members of any AOU Committees not Sworn in hitherto must be duly Sworn in henceforth.
4. All newly proposed BOARD members are welcome to attend AOU meetings as "observers" only once.
5. From above, All newly proposed BOARD members cannot attend subsequent AOU meetings without Registration.
6. Joining the AOU BOARD OF DIRECTORS requires a new member to fill out the BOARD form found on AOU website, www.aniomaou.com.
7. Joining the AOU BOARD OF DIRECTORS requires a new member to concurrently submit the filled out form with his or her payment.
8. All payments made for AOU Shares acquisition are non-refundable.
9. Under no circumstances should a new member submit the filled out form without his or her payment.
10. The BOARD has zero tolerance for any AOU new BOARD Members that violate rule number 9. above.
11. For the avoidance of doubt, differences of opinions amongst the AOU Family are referred to the AOU dispute resolution center or to the AOU Lawyers.
Section 5)A:
*APPOINTMENT OF AOU FIRST VICE-CHANCELLOR, REGISTRAR.*
1. The Candidates vying for the position of the AOU FIRST VICE-CHANCELLOR shall be gotten from Advertisements and Recommendations.
2. Appointment of the AOU First Vice-Chancellor shall be done by voting by the screened and approved Members of the AOU BOARD OF TRUSTEES (DIRECTORS).
3. The AOU Proprietor has five (5) votes.
4. All AOU First-Class SHAREHOLDERS have four (4) votes each.
5. The Chairman of the AOU BOARD OF TRUSTEES has three (3) votes.
6. All other screened and approved BOARD OF TRUSTEES Members have two (2) votes each.
7. The Secretary-general of the AOU BOARD OF TRUSTEES, or the Secretary-general of the AOU PIC shall conduct the voting to pick the FIRST AOU VICE-CHANCELLOR.
8. After the voting process is completed, the Secretary-general who conducted the voting shall present the Best three (3) Candidates (numbers 1, 2, and 3) to the Executives to choose one from the three individuals.
9. The Decision of the EXECUTIVES IS FINAL.
10. THE END
Section 5)B:
1. Any member who misses four consecutive meetings in a row, without prior "excuses", shall be suspended from the AOU PI Committee membership, and up to and including discharge; Their names shall be removed from the AOU-PIC WhatsApp Platform; Effective Start date, Saturday, April 12, 2025, immediately after the AOU PIC E-MEETING.
2. No quorum shall be needed to begin a BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT) E-MEETINGS; Except that the Chairman of the BOT and/or the AOU Proprietor shall be present in the e-Meeting.
3. The AOU By-Laws written during her first rebublic (Pioneer Council Era, Section-1 and Section-2) shall be adopted verbatim into the current Bylaws of the University.
5) C
Three Types of Study Centers Subsist at AOU.
1. Affiliation Study Centers,
2. Community Study Centers, and
3. AOU Study Centers.
Affiliation Study Centers
These are AOU Study Centers that are affiliated legally with another reputable institution of higher education such as a University. The AOU Study Center resides within the structures and infrastructure of the host University.
Community Study Centers
These are AOU Study Centers built with the resources of the immediate Community in which the Study Center resides. The Study Center resides in their Community.
AOU Study Centers
These are AOU Study Centers built with the resources of the AOU, Anioma Open University, herself.
5) D
ADDENDUM TO SECTION 2)B:
AMENDMENTS
2)B-1: Allowable Levels
(1) Level A: 100,000,
First Class;
(2) Level B: 50,000, Second Class;
(3) Level C: 30,000, Third Class;
(4) Level D: 20,000, Fourth Class.
(5) Level E: 10,000, Fifth Class.
2)B-2: Amendments to the Allowable Levels
(1) Level A: 100,000,
First Class;
(2) Level B: 50,000, Second Class;
(3) Level C: 30,000, Third Class;
(4) Level D: 20,000, Fourth Class.
THE END
5) E
6) A
RETRAINING THE TRAINER PROGRAM AT AOU.
Retraining the trainer (RTT) topic is a required and important course-work to earn a degree in ODL at ODL Universities.
The idea is to train and expose individuals from conventional pedagogy and learning (brick and mortar institutions) to Information Age Education (e-learning), the sign of the time.
Without loss of generality, individuals not exposed to ODL usually violate the do's and don'ts while trying to function in an ODL environment such as at AOU, ANIOMA OPEN UNIVERSITY, an ODL University.
This is the reason the writer, an expert in ODL, is providing the ODL Lessons herein free of charge. The author has provided similar lessons at NUC in their RTT program several years ago, when Alhaji Hamza was the Director of DEPU.
Readers can also read such topics in the writer's book, published in 2014: "Open and Distance Learning in Nigeria, Why Online Education Works: E-learning with ICT".
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1:
At AOU, All meetings (e-meetings) are held to accommodate a World-wide audience. No meetings shall be held for only the Nigerian timeline, without accommodating the timelines for other countries. Lastly, AOU prefers e-Meeting at the weekends or late in the evening, Nigerian times, in order to accommodate the timelines of other members the World over.
Lesson 2:
In this section, one of the most important lessons in ODL highly emphasized by cyber-researchers (Anderson, 2003; Rosenberg, 2004), but generally ignored or overlooked by the public is "not responding to or ignoring posts from others during Online interactions." This behavior in ODL and online interactions that appears trivial to the common man or woman is a very serious offense in ODL (Hector, 2003; Okonta, 2009).
People are generally used to the conventional face-to-face interactions in higher education, imbued with body language and eye-to-eye contact to appreciate and make judgement of others. But, this is not true in e-learning and Internet interactions. The actors are physically and geographically separated by distance.
Therefore, to make up for that lack, one must not only respond to posts from others during Online interactions, but must also do so immediately they receive the posts. In the Cyber-world, although interactions modes are generally asynchronous, synchronous ones are emphasized in E-classrooms.
E-classrooms carry with them Professors who espouse Constructivism, rather than Instructivism. That is, pedagogy and e-learning where the Professor, instead of being a sage on the stage, becomes a guide on the side.
One ingredient critical in E-classrooms is participation. Cyber-Professors frown at e-students who ignore, fail to respond or return posts to fellow e-students in ODL classrooms. Such students who do not participate or return posts generally fail the course.
In conclusion, this lesson has shown that returning or replying to posts timely during Online interactions is a sine qua non for a successful ODL. THE END. Lesson-3 TBC.
Exploring the World: A Photo Gallery of ANIOMA OPEN UNIVERSITY's Educational Adventures
