Tinubu reaffirms commitment to transform NOUN

…as varsity graduates 24,575 students
…Oba Ewuare II seeks NYSC mobilisation of NOUN graduates

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) into a globally competitive online institution, as the university graduated 24,575 students at its 15th convocation ceremony.

At the ceremony, a total of 24,575 graduates received various qualifications at the ceremony, including 17,474 undergraduate degrees, 1,788 postgraduate diplomas, 5,282 master’s degrees, and 31 doctoral degrees. Among them, 57 students graduated with First Class honours.

Represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, the President described the convocation as both a celebration of academic excellence and a moment to reflect on the university’s impact on national development.

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He praised NOUN for expanding access to higher education through its open and distance learning model, noting that the institution has removed barriers of location, occupation, and personal circumstances.

According to him, with over 500,000 students enrolled nationwide, NOUN has become one of Africa’s largest open universities, playing a crucial role in addressing Nigeria’s admission gap, where millions sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually but only a fraction secure admission into conventional universities.

He said: Each year, more than 2 million candidates sit for UTME, conducted by JAMB, yet only a fraction gain admission into conventional universities.

“Institutions such as NOUN, therefore, play a vital role in democratizing access to higher education by providing flexible learning opportunities for working professionals, young people seeking additional qualifications, women balancing family responsibilities with education, members of the armed forces and security agencies, civil servants, entrepreneurs, and many others across the country.

“Today, National Open University of Nigeria stands not only as Nigeria’s premier open and distance learning institution, but also as one of the largest open universities in Africa, with over 500,000 students enrolled nationwide,” the President stated.

Tinubu emphasised that education remains central to national development, stressing that his administration, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, is focused on expanding access, improving quality, strengthening infrastructure, and integrating technology into learning.

He also highlighted key interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and targeted investments in medical and Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) education, while commending NOUN’s partnerships with security agencies and its rehabilitation-focused education programmes for inmates in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service.

“I reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming NOUN into a fully and internationally competitive online university,” he said, adding that digital learning remains critical in a rapidly evolving global education landscape.

A total 56 inmates who are beneficiaries of NOUN’s free education programme in correctional centres were also graduated at the convocation ceremony.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN described the convocation as a defining moment that represents both the culmination of academic effort and the beginning of societal responsibility.

He noted that the university’s transformation agenda for 2026–2031 is anchored on technology, research, and infrastructure.

He highlighted major strides in digital infrastructure, including expanded fibre optic connectivity across study centres, migration to advanced cloud systems, and the operation of one of the largest Moodle-based learning platforms in West Africa, supporting over 180,000 active users.

The Vice-Chancellor also pointed to significant research advancements, including international collaborations, grants, patents, and the establishment of specialised centres such as the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology-Enhanced Learning.

Speaking at the event, the Chancellor of the University, Oba Ewuare II, described NOUN as a powerful instrument of inclusion and opportunity, noting that its nationwide network of study centres has broadened access to education for thousands of Nigerians.

However, he raised concerns over the non-mobilisation of NOUN graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), urging the Federal Government to remove policy barriers preventing eligible graduates from participating in the scheme.

“Equity and justice demand that no graduate of a duly recognised Nigerian university should suffer disadvantage on account of the mode through which their education was delivered,” he said.

Responding, Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Ribadu assured Oba Ewuare II, that the Commission would engage the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to review existing policies, particularly as more NOUN graduates now fall within the service age bracket of under 30 years.

He expressed optimism that necessary adjustments would be made to accommodate eligible graduates, reflecting changing realities in Nigeria’s higher education system.

The convocation ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together government officials, academic leaders, and stakeholders, underscoring NOUN’s growing influence in Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape and its role in shaping a more inclusive and technology-driven future.