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ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu has instructed the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to transition into a completely online institution, utilizing its current proficiency in open and distance learning.
He requested the institution to enhance its delivery system through full technological adoption, elevating its online capabilities.
Tinubu, who serves as the Visitor to the University, made this announcement in Abuja during the institution's 14th convocation over the weekend.
Represented by the Director of Universities Education at the Ministry of Education, Hajiya Rakiya Ilyasu, the President expressed confidence in NOUN's potential to significantly influence Nigeria's educational landscape and modern skills development.
He emphasized, “The Federal Government, under my leadership, is committed to bolstering education by utilizing information technology to enrich learning. Through targeted interventions, we are ensuring that education remains inclusive and driven by technology.
“Specifically, the federal government’s investment is supporting the installation of fiber optic infrastructure at NOUN to guarantee seamless internet access for numerous students and study centers throughout Nigeria’s diverse geopolitical regions.
“This initiative leverages technology to enhance educational access and promote inclusivity. Many universities have indeed seen considerable benefits from various federal initiatives, especially in fiscal infrastructure and research grants awarded to faculty through institutional-based research.”
He urged the university to lead the advancement of digital learning across Africa, maximizing its role as a hub for open and distance education. He noted that, in doing so, NOUN can help tackle Nigeria’s educational issues, including insufficient access to quality education and high illiteracy rates, especially in rural communities.
This aligns with Nigeria’s broader educational objectives, aimed at equipping individuals with critical skills such as technological, scientific, vocational, entrepreneurial, and interpersonal skills to stimulate economic development and innovation.
“This transformation necessitates that NOUN fully utilize advanced digital tools to guarantee accessibility, flexibility, and overall educational quality. I assure you that this administration will fully support the initiative, ensuring that necessary policies, infrastructure, and resources are established to facilitate a smooth and sustainable transition.
“To realize this vision, I urge the university leadership to urgently formulate a detailed roadmap for the transition that outlines key phases, infrastructure requirements, and expected timelines, enhances the learning content management system, and integrates emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality for interactive educational experiences.
Additionally, it should improve faculty capability through ongoing training in digital technology and instructional design, expand partnerships with both global and local technology providers to ensure access to strong digital platforms, and ensure that policy frameworks foster inclusivity, data security, and regulatory compliance in online education. The fast-evolving digital landscape offers substantial employment opportunities within the information technology sector that we must seize.
“Through this, the government has shown strong confidence in the online delivery of education. Thus, it is essential to encourage the Vice Chancellor and the entire NOUN community to take a more proactive approach in developing local capacity to access these opportunities. On a global scale, economies are moving towards knowledge-based systems, and Nigeria cannot afford to fall behind.”
The Guardian reports that the university conferred degrees to 17,420 graduates, comprising 10,967 undergraduates and 6,413 postgraduate students. Among the undergraduates, 16 attained first-class honors; 1,417 received second class (Upper Division); 5,518 earned second class (Lower Division); 2,761 graduated with Third Class honors; and 138 obtained Pass degrees.
At the postgraduate level, 2,103 were awarded Postgraduate diplomas, while 4,310 received Master’s degrees, and 40 were granted Doctorates.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Olufemi Peters, encouraged the graduates to uphold integrity, pursue excellence, and apply their knowledge to effect positive change in society. Peters also urged them to remain connected to their alma mater by supporting the university’s growth and development initiatives, both on an individual basis and collectively.
Additionally, the Pro-Chancellor, Isa Yuguda, advocated for the incorporation of NOUN graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. The event also saw the conferment of honorary degrees on Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, and House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, in recognition of their significant contributions to the nation. Dr. Adesina received a Doctor of Humane Letters, while Abbas was awarded a Doctor of Business Administration.
