The office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technology, Innovation, and Research) was established in the year 2021 to support the Vice-Chancellor in terms of providing policy and administrative guidelines to the university community in the areas of technology, innovation, and research.

The directorates and activities under the purview of the DVC-TIR are:

1. Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)
2. Directorate of Management Information Systems (DMIS) and
3. Content delivery process

The Statutory function of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technology, Innovation and Research (DVC-TIR) Include:

1. To develop and update strategic plans and other related policies of deployment of technology in the National Open University of Nigeria.
2. Facilitate and maintain the technology infrastructure that will be required for the smooth running of the university’s knowledge acquisition services.
3. To network with relevant governmental and private organisations.
4. To promote the use of technology for industrial engagement between the university and the private sector.

To achieve these goals, the DVC-TIR has segmented the office into:

1. Administrative: Personnel Management
2. Technical Unit: Technology enhancement and Data management.
3. Secretariat: General purpose secretarial administration.

DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR (Technology, Innovation, and Research)

Professor Godwin Iornenge Akper, born on July 19, 1969, in Mbagen, Buruku Local Govt. Area, Benue State, Nigeria, is the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technology, Innovation, and Research). As a distinguished academic, Professor Akper is married to Eunice Mbapasen Akper, and they have two children. His educational journey includes institutions such as N.K.S.T. Primary School, St. Murumba’s College, King’s Comprehensive College, Reformed Theological College of Nigeria (now Reformed Theological Seminary), Westminster Theological Seminary, and the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Professor Akper’s academic qualifications include G.C.E. O’ Level, Dip. Theol., M.A., M.Th., PGDE and D.Th.

A recognized scholar, Professor Akper has a post-doctoral Research Fellowship from Stellenbosch (2004-2005) and is a member of prestigious learned bodies, including Theological Society of South Africa, New Testament Society of South Africa, Society of Christian Ethics (USA), International Reformed Theological Institute (The Netherlands), Readers Association of Nigeria, and Global Network of Public Theologians.

His extensive research and work experience include roles such as Treasurer at NKST Mission Services, Lecturer at Reformed Theological Seminary, Mkar, Benue State, Research Assistant at Bayer’s Naudé Center for Public Theology, University of Stellenbosch, and Founding Director of the Institute for Public Theology and Development Studies, Mkar.

Professor Akper has served as a lecturer and held administrative positions at various institutions notable among them are Dean of Students affairs at the University of Mkar, Visiting Scholar at VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Visiting Senior Lecturer at Reformed Theological Seminary, Mkar, as well as acting Dean of the School of Arts & Social Sciences; Dean of the Faculty of Arts; Director of the Directorate of Examination and Assessment; Director Academic Planning at National Open University of Nigeria. He is presently, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technology, Innovation, and Research); playing a pivotal role in shaping the University’s academic and research landscapes.

List of Staff in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technology, Innovation and Research)