RMAFC, NOUN Push Research-Driven Fiscal Reforms For Economic Growth

The Revenue Monilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) have agreed to strengthen collaboration in research, digital learning and fiscal policy development through sustained technical engagements.

Dr Mohammed Shehu, Chairman of the commission stated this while receiving NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oduma Orji Oduma and his management team in Abuja, on Thursday.

The commission and NOUN also pledged stronger collaboration on fiscal reforms and national development.
Shehu described the visit as timely, adding that the collaboration between government institutions and academia remained importance in addressing fiscal and economic challenges.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to evidence-based reforms, capacity building and partnerships that strengthen fiscal governance and resource allocation.

The chairman commended NOUN for expanding access to quality higher education through its open and distance learning system nationwide.
According to him, the commission will objectively consider the university’s requests, particularly issues relating to its operational model and staff members remuneration.

“The RMAFC will conduct a comprehensive job evaluation and labour market benchmarking before considering any specialised salary structure.
“Fiscal impact analysis will also guide the commission’s assessment of differentiated allowances for open and distance learning personnel,” he said.

Shehu said that recommendations would be based on empirical evidence, fairness, equity and fiscal sustainability.

Earlier, Oduma thanked the commission for receiving the delegation and expressed NOUN’s interest in establishing a long-term strategic partnership.
He proposed establishing a Centre for Fiscal Studies and Policy for Revenue Studies to support research and policy development.
The proposed centre, he said, would undertake revenue forecasting, fiscal impact assessment and evidence-based policy recommendations.
Oduma also offered the university’s expertise in developing digital learning platforms and capacity building programmes for public sector personnel.
He said NOUN’s study centres, Information Communication and Technology (ICT) infrastructure and digital learning facilities positioned it to deliver nationwide professional trainings.

According to him, open and distance learning require sustained investment in ICT infrastructure, digital libraries and online learning platforms.
The vice chancellor appealed for consideration of a remuneration framework reflecting the university’s unique operational requirements.

He said the university remained committed to quality assurance, academic partnerships and improving graduate employability.
The RMAFC Commissioner, representing Gombe State, Muhammed Usman, described the proposed partnership as beneficial to both institutions.
The Commissioner representing Ogun, Akeem Amosun, stressed the importance of research driven policy formulation for effective governance.

Amosun said any remuneration review should be supported by objective evidence, fiscal sustainability and equity across the public service.
Also, Director of Allocation and Fiscal Efficiency, Dr Umar Kukankada, said the commission would require detailed operational information from NOUN.

Kukankada, said the commission would also evaluate the proposals for fiscal studies centre and digital training platform, including governance, implementation and financial implications.
Both organisations agreed to sustain technical engagements to advance research, policy development, digital learning and fiscal governance in support of national development.