RMAFC, NOUN Move to Deepen Partnership on Fiscal Research, Digital Capacity Building

Oru Leonard 

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) are exploring a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening fiscal research, digital capacity building, and evidence-based remuneration reforms in the public sector.

RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Bello Shehu, disclosed this while receiving the Vice-Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria, Oduma Orji Oduma, and members of the university’s management team during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Shehu described the visit as timely, stressing that stronger collaboration between government institutions and academia is critical to addressing Nigeria’s evolving fiscal and economic challenges. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting evidence-based fiscal reforms, improved resource allocation, and sustainable national development.

The RMAFC chairman commended NOUN for its pioneering role in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and its contribution to expanding access to quality higher education across the country.

He assured the university that the Commission would objectively assess its requests, particularly those relating to its unique operational model and remuneration concerns. According to him, RMAFC will undertake a comprehensive job evaluation covering comparable university positions, labour market benchmarking, and fiscal impact analysis to determine the feasibility of a specialised salary structure or differentiated allowances for ODL personnel.

Shehu emphasised that any recommendation would be guided by empirical evidence, equity, fiscal sustainability, and the Commission’s constitutional mandate.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Oduma proposed the establishment of a Centre for Fiscal Studies and Policy for Revenue Studies to serve as a national hub for fiscal research, revenue forecasting, policy development, and impact assessment.

He also offered the university’s expertise in developing digital learning platforms and capacity-building programmes for fiscal officers, revenue administrators, and other public servants nationwide, citing NOUN’s extensive ICT infrastructure, over 128 study centres, digital libraries, satellite connectivity, and online examination platforms.

The vice-chancellor appealed for a specialised remuneration framework for NOUN personnel, noting that the institution’s ODL system requires substantial and continuous investment in ICT infrastructure, learning management systems, digital libraries, online assessment platforms, and round-the-clock service delivery.

He further assured the Commission of the quality of NOUN graduates, stating that many are gainfully employed while the institution continues to strengthen quality assurance, academic partnerships, and graduate employability.

Federal Commissioner representing Gombe State, Muhammed Kabeer Usman, described the proposed collaboration as a mutually beneficial initiative that would strengthen institutional capacity and improve public sector efficiency.

Also speaking, Federal Commissioner representing Ogun State, Akeem Amosun, stressed that research-driven policymaking remains essential for effective governance and urged both institutions to translate their discussions into practical programmes. He added that any remuneration review should be based on objective data, fiscal sustainability, and fairness across the public service.

Director of Allocation and Fiscal Efficiency at RMAFC, Umar Usman Kukankada, said the Commission would require detailed documentation from NOUN, including information on ICT and ODL expenditures, staffing structure, adjunct faculty arrangements, operational allowances, study centres, and graduate employability to support a comprehensive assessment.

Kukankada also disclosed that the Commission would evaluate a detailed proposal for the proposed Centre for Fiscal Studies and the digital training platform, outlining governance arrangements, implementation timelines, expected outcomes, and financial implications.

Both institutions concluded the meeting by expressing commitment to advancing collaboration in fiscal research, policy development, digital learning, capacity building, and fiscal governance, with further technical engagements expected to refine the partnership and translate the proposals into implementable programmes.