NOUN honours Adesina, Abbas with doctorate degrees, graduates 17,420 students 

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is set to graduate a total of 17,420 students during its 14th convocation ceremony scheduled for Saturday, with 16 students earning First Class degrees across various disciplines.

As part of the celebrations, the university will confer honorary doctorate degrees on two eminent Nigerians—Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, and Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

While Dr Adesina will receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) (Honoris Causa), Speaker Abbas will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) (Honoris Causa). Dr Adesina is also expected to deliver the convocation lecture on Friday.

Speaking at a pre-convocation press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, announced that this year’s graduating class includes 10,967 undergraduate students, 6,413 postgraduates, and 40 PhD candidates.

“This is another opportunity for us to celebrate the academic achievements of our students,” he said. “We are proud to graduate 17,420 students this year. Of this number, 2,103 will receive postgraduate diplomas, while 4,310 will earn master’s degrees.”

He further broke down the classifications for undergraduate degrees, noting that 16 students attained First Class honours, 1,417 achieved Second Class (Upper Division), 5,518 earned Second Class (Lower Division), 2,761 obtained Third Class degrees, and 138 graduated with a Pass.

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A notable highlight is the graduation of 51 inmates from correctional centres across the country, comprising 41 undergraduates and 10 postgraduate students.

“This is extremely high,” Professor Peters said, referring to the inmate graduates. “It reflects our commitment to inclusive education and the transformative power of learning.”

The Vice Chancellor also spoke on the university’s strategic reforms and increased reliance on technology to enhance teaching and learning. He highlighted improvements in infrastructure, research funding, and delivery systems as key strides during his tenure.

Reflecting on his five-year leadership, Professor Peters expressed satisfaction with the institutional growth and impact made, especially in promoting research and access to education for all Nigerians.

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