The Board of Trustees is supported by a number of committees and delegate some of its responsibilities to these committees as set out in their terms of reference.

Lumina Open University governance structure (PDF)

Board of trustees

The Board of Trustees of The Lumina Open University is a crucial governing body responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, financial sustainability, and overall governance of the institution. This board is composed of individuals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise from various sectors, including education, business, public service, and more. The primary role of the Board of Trustees is to ensure that The Lumina Open University adheres to its mission of providing accessible, flexible, and high-quality education to students across the globe.

The Board of Trustees works closely with the university’s executive leadership, including the Vice-Chancellor and the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, to formulate and approve strategic plans, policies, and initiatives. This collaboration ensures that the university’s operations are aligned with its long-term goals and values. The trustees also have fiduciary responsibilities, overseeing the financial health of the university, approving budgets, and ensuring that resources are utilized effectively and efficiently.

Additionally, the Board of Trustees plays a significant role in ensuring accountability and transparency within the university. They regularly review the performance of the institution, monitor progress towards strategic objectives, and ensure that the university maintains high standards of governance and academic integrity. By doing so, the Board of Trustees helps to uphold the reputation of The Lumina Open University as a leading institution in the field of distance learning and higher education.

Appointments and Promotions Committee

The Appointments and Promotions Committee at Lumina Open University plays a vital role in managing the hiring and advancement of university staff. Below is an outline of its structure, membership, and terms of reference

• Chairman: Chairman of Council (for officer appointments)
• Members: Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor(s), Bursar, University Librarian, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments or Directors of Units concerned, Two representatives from Council (not including the Senate representative), One elected representative of Senate, One or two co-opted experts in relevant fields, Registrar (Secretary, without vote).
• Membership Duration: Membership lasts for four years and is renewable only once.

Fund-Raising Committee

The primary function of the Fund-Raising Committee at Lumina Open University is to engage in and oversee fund-raising activities that support the university's financial sustainability and growth. The committee is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, with support from the Chairman of the Council as needed. The committee comprises various stakeholders, including three representatives from the Council, three representatives from the Senate, three representatives from Alumni Associations, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the Registrar, the Bursar, and the University Librarian.

Staff Disciplinary Committee

• Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee Membership: Chairman: Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Deans of Faculties, Two representatives from the Council, Two representatives from the Senate, Registrar, Deputy Registrar (Establishments), Legal Officer: In attendance.
• Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee Membership: Chairman: A Deputy Registrar or a senior academic at the level of Reader, Representatives from the Registrar, Bursar, and University Librarian, Representatives from relevant professional associations, Any other relevant individuals deemed necessary for the disciplinary issue, Secretary: Appointed by the Registrar
• Students' Disciplinary Committee Membership: Chairman: A representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Dean of Student Affairs, Senior academic staff members who are not part of the Senate, Representatives from the student body, Secretary: Appointed by the Registrar
• Academic Development Committee Membership: Chairman: Vice-Chancellor, Four representatives from the Council, Four representatives from the Senate, One representative from the Committee of Deans, Member/Secretary: Director of Academic Planning

Security Committee

The Security Committee at Lumina Open University is essential for ensuring the safety and security of the university community. Below is an outline of its structure, membership

• Security Committee Structure: Chairman: Vice-Chancellor, Members: Deputy Vice-Chancellor(s), Registrar, Dean of Student Affairs, Two representatives from the Senate, Chief Security Officer, Two Security Experts, Two representatives from the Community, Secretary (nominated by the Registrar)

Senate

The Senate serves as the highest decision-making body concerning academic matters at Lumina Open University

Composition of the Senate

The Senate of Lumina Open University is comprised of the following members:

• Chairman
• Vice-Chancellor
• Deputy Vice-Chancellor(s)
• Deans of Faculties, including the Dean of Student Affairs
• Heads of Academic Departments
• All Professors of the University
• One elected representative from each faculty (not below the rank of Senior Lecturer)
• Directors of Academic Units (such as Academic Planning, Institutes, and Research Centres)
• University Librarian
• Registrar (Secretary)
• Bursar (in attendance)

Functions of the Senate

The Senate serves various crucial functions in governing the academic affairs of Lumina Open University, including

• Academic Policies: Formulating, reviewing, and approving academic policies and regulations that govern teaching, learning, and assessment within the university.
• Curriculum Development: Overseeing the development, evaluation, and approval of academic programs and curricula to ensure they meet the institution's educational standards and societal needs.
• Admissions: Establishing and regulating policies and procedures for student admissions, ensuring fairness and adherence to academic standards for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Student Discipline: Addressing matters related to student conduct and discipline, including the development of disciplinary policies and the adjudication of student misconduct cases.
• Research Promotion: Encouraging and facilitating research activities within the university, including promoting collaboration between faculty and students and supporting research funding initiatives.
• Academic Standards: Monitoring and evaluating academic standards and outcomes, ensuring that the university's programs meet both national and international benchmarks for quality education.
• Academic Appeals: Considering and making decisions on academic appeals from students regarding issues such as grading and academic standing.
• Recommendations to Council: Advising the Governing Council on academic matters, providing insights and recommendations on policies affecting the academic environment and governance.
• Professional Development: Promoting continuous professional development for academic staff, ensuring those faculties are equipped with current knowledge and teaching methodologies.
• Reporting: Reporting on academic activities and outcomes to the Governing Council, ensuring transparency and accountability in academic governance.

Senate Business Committee

The Senate Business Committee is composed of the following members:

• Vice-Chancellor (or his nominee) - Chairman
• Two other members of the Senate
• One representative from each Faculty who is also a member of the Senate
• Secretary - a nominee from the Registrar

Central Admissions Committee

The Central Admissions Committee is comprised of the following members:

• Vice-Chancellor (or his nominee) - Chairman
• Deputy Vice-Chancellors
• Deans of Faculties
• One member appointed by each Faculty annually
• University Admission Officer
• Registrar - Secretary

Committee of Deans and Academic Directors

The Committee of Deans and Academic Directors consists of the following members:

• Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies - Chairman
• Deans of Faculties
• Directors of Academic Units
• Dean of Student Affairs
• Registrar’s representative - Secretary

Curriculum Committee

The Curriculum Committee of Senate consists of the following members:

• Chairman
• Deputy Vice-Chancellor
• One representative from each Faculty (not below the rank of Senior Lecturer and a member of Senate)
• One representative from each Academic Institute
• Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies
• One representative of the University Librarian
• Director of Academic Planning
• Registrar’s nominee - Secretary

Quality Assurance Committee

The Quality Assurance Committee of Senate consists of the following members:

• Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Chairman
• Deans of each Faculty or their representatives
• Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies
• Director of Academic Planning
• Registrar’s representative - Secretary

Ceremonies and Honours Committee

The Ceremonies and Honours Committee of Senate consists of the following members:

• Nominee of the Vice-Chancellor - Chairman
• Two representatives of Senate
• One representative from each Faculty
• University Librarian or his representative
• Registrar or his representative
• One representative of the Bursar
• One representative of the Director of Works
• One student representative from each Faculty
• One representative each from the Protocol and Public Relations Units
• One representative from the Security Unit
• One representative from the Catering Services Unit
• Secretary - Nominee of the Registrar

Examinations Committee

The Examinations Committee of Senate shall consist of:

• Chairman: A member of the Senate, appointed by the Vice-Chancellor.
• One representative from each Faculty: Not below the rank of Senior Lecturer.
• Secretary: Nominee of the Registrar.

Library and Publications Committee

The Library and Publications Committee of Senate shall consist of:

• Chairman: Vice-Chancellor or a nominee.
• University Librarian.
• One representative from each Faculty: Not below the rank of Senior Lecturer.
• One representative from the School of Postgraduate Studies.
• Secretary: Nominee of the University Librarian.

Research Grants Committee

The Research Grants Committee of Senate shall consist of:

• Chairman: A Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
• Members: Directors of organized research centers.
• Elected Members: Two members of Senate elected for a term of two years.
• Faculty Members: One member not below the rank of Senior Lecturer appointed by each Faculty for a term of two years.
• Secretary: Nominee of the Registrar.

Student Welfare Committee

The Student Welfare Committee of Senate shall consist of:

• Chairman: A Professor, appointed by the Vice-Chancellor
• Senate Representatives: Two representatives of Senate.
• Dean of Student Affairs.
• Registrar or his representative.
• Bursar or his representative.
• Deans of Faculties Representatives.
• Director of Works and Director of Physical Planning Representatives.
• Director of Medical Services or his representative.
• Hall Masters/Hall Mistresses of each hall of residence.
• Student Representatives: Three representatives of the students.
• Secretary: Nominee from the Students Affairs Division.

Student Disciplinary Committee

The Student Disciplinary Committee of Senate shall consist of:

• Chairman: Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
• Vice-Chancellor’s Nominees: Two nominees of the Vice-Chancellor.
• Dean of Students Affairs.
• Dean of Faculty: Dean of the Faculty of the student in question.
• Registrar.
• Student Representative: One student representative from the Faculty of the student facing a disciplinary allegation.
• Secretary: Legal Officer.

Sports Committee

The Sports Committee of Senate shall consist of:

• Chairman: Vice-Chancellor or his nominee.
• Academic Representatives: One academic staff member with an interest in sports representing each Faculty.
• Coordinator of Sports.
• Director of Medical Services.
• Dean of Student Affairs.
• Student Representatives: One student representative from each Faculty.
• Public Relations Officer.
• Secretary: Registrar’s nominee.

Linkages and Affiliations Committee

The Linkages and Affiliations Committee of Senate shall consist of:

• Chairman: Deputy Vice-Chancellor
• Members: University Librarian, Director of Academic Planning, Director of Organized Research Centres, One representative not below the rank of Senior Lecturer, appointed by each Faculty.
• Secretary: Registrar or his nominee

Alumni Affairs Committee

The Alumni Affairs Committee of Senate shall consist of:

• Chairman: A Deputy Vice-Chancellor or a nominee of the Vice-Chancellor
• Members: Two representatives of the Alumni Association, One representative of students, Public Relations Officer of the University, One representative of the Bursary.
• Secretary: Registrar or their nominee

Finance and Resources Committee

Responsible for overseeing financial matters, including budgeting, financial planning, and monitoring of financial performance. This committee ensures financial sustainability and effective resource allocation.

Audit Committee

Ensures the integrity of financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management practices. It oversees external and internal audit functions to maintain transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Governance and Nominations Committee

Manages governance processes, including the recruitment and evaluation of Council members, and ensures effective governance structures and procedures are in place.

Academic Governance Committee

Focuses on academic policies, standards, and quality assurance. It reviews academic programs, curriculum development, and educational innovation initiatives to maintain academic excellence.

Remuneration Committee

Oversees the remuneration policies and practices for senior executives and key personnel. This committee ensures that compensation packages are fair, competitive, and aligned with the university's strategic objectives.