NOUN 39th Inaugural Lecture holds March 26, 2026 at Jabi, Abuja. Prof. Akoji Ocheja speaks on animism and Nigerian security. See venue, time, and Zoom link for virtual attendance.
What Is the NOUN 39th Inaugural Lecture?
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has announced its 39th Inaugural Lecture, scheduled for Thursday, 26th March 2026, at the university’s Conference Centre, Jabi, Abuja. The lecture will be delivered by Professor Akoji Ocheja, a Professor of Forensic Criminalistics in the Department of Criminology and Security Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences.
Inaugural lectures are a long-standing tradition in Nigerian universities. They give newly appointed professors the opportunity to present their research, share insights from their academic careers, and contribute to public knowledge in their fields. For NOUN, these lectures also reinforce the university’s commitment to academic excellence within the open and distance learning system.
Professor Ocheja’s lecture is titled “Animism in the Nigerian Security Question: Tradition and Modernity Pari Passu.” The topic addresses the intersection of traditional belief systems and modern security challenges in Nigeria, a subject that is both timely and relevant given ongoing national conversations about security. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, will serve as the Chief Host of the event.
The lecture is open to both physical and virtual attendees. Those who cannot be present at the NOUN Headquarters in Abuja can join via Zoom using the official meeting link provided by the university.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 39th Inaugural Lecture |
| Date | Thursday, 26th March 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 a.m. |
| Venue | Conference Centre, NOUN Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja |
| Lecturer | Professor Akoji Ocheja |
| Department | Criminology and Security Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences |
| Lecture Title | Animism in the Nigerian Security Question: Tradition and Modernity Pari Passu |
| Chief Host | Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma (Vice-Chancellor) |
| Zoom Link | https://noun.zoom.us/j/95992301569?pwd=kBb4AqGBpuSk3egMUlIJtTH4zanLT0.1 |
| Meeting ID | 959 9230 1569 |
| Passcode | 854974 |
| University Website | https://www.nou.edu.ng |
About the Guest Lecturer – Professor Akoji Ocheja
Professor Akoji Ocheja is a Professor of Forensic Criminalistics at the National Open University of Nigeria. He is a member of the Department of Criminology and Security Studies under the Faculty of Social Sciences. His academic focus spans forensic science, criminal investigation, and the broader field of security studies in Nigeria.
As the 39th inaugural lecturer at NOUN, Professor Ocheja joins a distinguished list of academics who have used this platform to share their research with the university community and the general public. His selection for this lecture reflects the university’s recognition of his contributions to the study of crime, security, and forensic methods in the Nigerian context.
What Is the Lecture About?
Professor Ocheja’s lecture, titled “Animism in the Nigerian Security Question: Tradition and Modernity Pari Passu,” explores the role of traditional belief systems — specifically animism — in shaping Nigeria’s security landscape. The Latin phrase “Pari Passu” translates to “on equal footing,” suggesting the lecture will examine how traditional and modern approaches to security coexist and interact in Nigerian society.
Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and multifaceted, touching on issues from insurgency and banditry to communal conflicts and organised crime. The lecture promises to offer a unique academic perspective by examining these challenges through the lens of indigenous belief systems and their relationship with modern security frameworks. This interdisciplinary approach is particularly relevant for students and researchers in criminology, security studies, sociology, and related fields.
How to Attend the NOUN 39th Inaugural Lecture
The lecture is open to members of the university community, students, academics, and the general public. There are two ways to attend: physically at the venue in Abuja, or virtually through Zoom.
For physical attendance, the event will hold at the Conference Centre, National Open University of Nigeria, Plot 91, Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, Jabi, FCT, Abuja. The lecture begins at 11:00 a.m., and attendees are advised to arrive early to secure seating.
For virtual attendance, NOUN has provided a Zoom meeting link for those who cannot be present in Abuja. This makes the lecture accessible to NOUN students and staff across the country, in keeping with the university’s open and distance education philosophy.
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose attendance mode | Decide whether you will attend physically at NOUN HQ, Jabi, Abuja, or join online via Zoom. |
| 2 | For physical attendance | Plan to arrive at the Conference Centre, NOUN Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, before 11:00 a.m. on 26th March 2026. |
| 3 | For virtual attendance | Open the Zoom link: https://noun.zoom.us/j/95992301569?pwd=kBb4AqGBpuSk3egMUlIJtTH4zanLT0.1 |
| 4 | Enter meeting credentials | Meeting ID: 959 9230 1569. Passcode: 854974. |
| 5 | Join the lecture | Log in a few minutes early to test your audio and video. The lecture starts at 11:00 a.m. |
What Is an Inaugural Lecture?
An inaugural lecture is a formal academic presentation delivered by a newly appointed professor at a university. It is one of the highest academic traditions in Nigerian tertiary institutions and serves as an opportunity for the professor to present the body of their research to colleagues, students, and the wider public.
At the National Open University of Nigeria, inaugural lectures have been a regular feature of the university’s academic calendar. The 39th edition demonstrates NOUN’s sustained commitment to this tradition and to fostering intellectual discourse within the open and distance learning community. These lectures are typically free to attend and are open to anyone with an interest in the subject matter.
Why This Lecture Matters for NOUN Students
For students of the National Open University of Nigeria, particularly those in the Faculty of Social Sciences, this inaugural lecture is a valuable academic event. Students studying Criminology and Security Studies, Sociology, Peace Studies, and related programmes will find the lecture especially relevant to their coursework and research interests.
Attending inaugural lectures — whether physically or via Zoom — is also a good way for distance learning students to engage with the broader academic community at NOUN. It provides exposure to high-level academic discourse that complements the materials available through the NOUN portal, iLearn platform, and Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs).
Final Thoughts
The NOUN 39th Inaugural Lecture is an important academic event that brings together the university community to engage with cutting-edge research on Nigeria’s security landscape. Professor Akoji Ocheja’s topic, which bridges traditional belief systems and modern security approaches, promises to offer fresh perspectives on one of the country’s most pressing challenges.
Whether you are a student, academic, or simply someone with an interest in Nigerian security studies, this lecture is worth attending. If you are in Abuja, make your way to the Conference Centre at NOUN Headquarters, Jabi, by 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, 26th March 2026. If you are joining from elsewhere in Nigeria, use the Zoom link and credentials provided above to participate virtually.
For more information about upcoming events at the National Open University of Nigeria, visit the official website at https://www.nou.edu.ng.
FAQs About NOUN 39th Inaugural Lecture
When is the NOUN 39th Inaugural Lecture?
The lecture is scheduled for Thursday, 26th March 2026, at 11:00 a.m. It will take place at the Conference Centre, NOUN Headquarters, Plot 91, Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, Jabi, Abuja.
Who is delivering the NOUN 39th Inaugural Lecture?
The lecture will be delivered by Professor Akoji Ocheja, a Professor of Forensic Criminalistics in the Department of Criminology and Security Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria.
What is the topic of the NOUN 39th Inaugural Lecture?
The lecture is titled “Animism in the Nigerian Security Question: Tradition and Modernity Pari Passu.” It examines the relationship between traditional belief systems and contemporary security challenges in Nigeria.
Can I attend the NOUN Inaugural Lecture online?
Yes, NOUN has provided a Zoom link for virtual participation. The meeting link is https://noun.zoom.us/j/95992301569?pwd=kBb4AqGBpuSk3egMUlIJtTH4zanLT0.1, with Meeting ID 959 9230 1569 and Passcode 854974.
Who is the Chief Host of the 39th Inaugural Lecture?
The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, will serve as the Chief Host of the event.
Is the NOUN Inaugural Lecture open to the public?
Yes, inaugural lectures at NOUN are open to members of the university community, students, academics, and the general public. You can attend physically in Abuja or join online through the Zoom link provided by the university.
