By Sunday Adah, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the role being played by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as unique and strategic in the nation’s tertiary education ecosystem, giving its steadfast commitment to expanding the frontiers of higher education through open and distant learning without compromising standards.
The president who was speaking as the Visitor during the 15th Convocation ceremony of the open university on Saturday, April, 2026 at its , expressed the concern that out of the over two million admission-seeking Nigerians that sit the Unified Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination (UTME), only a handful could be admitted into conventional universities, hence the role of institutions such as NOUN which democratises access to higher education through flexible learning opportunities becomes invaluable.
He said: “The National University of Nigeria occupies a unique and strategic place in the nation’s tertiary education ecosystem as the foremost institutions dedicated to open and distance learning, the university has demonstrated that the frontiers of higher education can be expanded significantly without compromising academic qualities.
“Each year, more than 2 million candidates sit for the university in five tertiary matriculation examinations UTme conducted by jam, yet only a fraction gain admission into conventional universities.
“Institutions such as NOUN therefore play a role, actually, in democratising 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 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.
“This is remarkable scale demonstrates the enormous potential of open and distance learning to complement conventional universities in addressing Nigeria’s educational access challenges while maintaining comparable academic standards.”
Congratulating the governing council, management, senate, staff, students, graduating student on the achievement so far, the Visitor noted that convocation ceremonies provide an opportunity not only to celebrate academic excellence, but also to reflect on the progress of the institution and its contributions to national development.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience and enduring vision of an institution that has remained committed to its founding mission of expanding access to university education for Nigerians everywhere by removing barriers of location, occupation and circumstance, it has provided flexible learning opportunities to diverse groups, empowering individuals and contributing meaningfully to national development.
“I congratulate the governing councils, management, Senate, staff and students of this great university for this dedication to the noble tasks of widening educational opportunities to our community, to the graduating students. I extend my warmest congratulations your perseverance. Discipline and determination have brought you to this memorable moment.
He commended the university in the area of partnership with other institutions in order to upgrade the staff in knowlledge
to enhance their professional competence and contribute more effectively to international development.
“Equally commendable is the university’s pioneering initiative in providing educational opportunities for inmates within correctional facilities across the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service. This initiative reflects a profound national commitment to rehabilitation, reintegration and human dignity.
Continuing, the President who was represented by the Executive Secretary (ES), National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, said: “Education remains one of the most effective tools for transforming lives and offering individuals a second chance.
“My administration remains firmly committed to the transformation of Nigeria’s education sector. Under the renewed hope agenda, we recognise that no nation can rise above the quality of education system.
“Accordingly, the federal government is implementing reforms aimed at expanding access, improving quality, strengthening infrastructure and integrating technology to teaching and learning.
“Government also has taken deliberate steps to strengthen the education sector through increased investment and stakeholder engagement to promote stability in tertiary institutions.
“This include the establishment of the Nigerian education loan fund to expand financial access to higher education, as well as targeted funding initiatives for medical and STEM programmes globally, digital learning has expanded rapidly in recent years, with 10s of millions of students presently running online and distance education programmes.
“I reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to transforming the National Open University of Nigeria into a fully and internationally competitive online university.”
He tasked the graduates to be worthy ambassadors of the university by being of good conduct, innovative and demonstrating the values learnt while in school.
“To our graduates, let me say that your certificates are not merely evidence of academic attendance. They are symbols of responsibility.
“So therefore society will expect much from you. Your family is too will look up to you with pride and hope, and
society will depend on you for innovative ideas, integrity, and service. You must therefore carry the values of the university, excellence, discipline, lifelong learning.
“As you step into the difference of your life, I ask you to be worthy ambassadors of National University of Nigeria. Let your conduct reflect in the character and quality of the institution that has trained you. Be innovative in thought, ethical in conduct, and courageous in leadership.
“Use your education, not only for personal advancement, but also for community development and national progress. At a time when our country faces complex developmental challenges, the role of citizens becomes even more important.
“Nigeria needs graduates who can think critically, act responsibly, embrace innovation and contribute meaningfully to the peace, productivity and social progress. I’m confident that you are all well positioned for all this,” he said.
On his part earlier while admitting all the Graduands to their respective degrees, diplomas, and certificates of the National Open University, HRM, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom and Chancellor of the university, highlighted the uniqueness of NOUN in the Nigerian educational landscape, urging government and other stakeholders to brace in supporting the vision which led to its establishment.
He said: “Today transcends mere ceremony. It is, indeed, a solemn affirmation of vision realised, of resilience rewarded, and of national purpose steadily advanced. We gather to celebrate the graduation of nearly 25,000 students, undergraduates, postgraduates, and doctoral candidates, an achievement of remarkable scale and significance. This is not merely a statistic; it is a powerful testament to the enduring relevance and transformative capacity of this University.
“The founding vision of this institution was both noble and necessary, to widen access to quality university education for Nigerians who, for diverse reasons, could not secure placement within conventional systems. Today, that vision stands not only vindicated but gloriously fulfilled.
“Across the length and breadth of our nation, this university has opened doors once closed, restored hope where there was uncertainty, and created pathways for advancement where there were none. This is more than a university, it is an instrument of inclusion, equity, and opportunity.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, tbe National Open University of Nigeria occupies a unique and strategic position within our educational landscape. As the nation’s foremost single-mode Open and Distance Learning institution operating at scale, its reach is unparalleled, with approximately 130 Study Centres distributed across the Federation.
“In practical terms, this University represents not one institution, but a network of learning communities, 130 centres of knowledge, brought together under a unified vision to serve the Nigerian people wherever they may be. Such scale, however, inevitably brings with its profound responsibility and commensurate challenges.
“It is therefore incumbent upon me, in my capacity as Chancellor, to respectfully call the attention of the Federal Government to the imperative of dedicated and sustained intervention funding for this University.
“If we are to fully harness its strategic importance, then its physical and technological infrastructure must be commensurate with its national mandate. These study centres require continuous development, modernisation, and digital enhancement to function at optimal capacity. Investment in this University is not a recurrent cost, it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and future competitiveness.”
He also urged concerned authorities to look into the issue of qualified graduates from the institution who are not above 30 years of age being denied the opportunity to partake of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) one-year compulsory service to the nation.
He said: “Furthermore, I am constrained to address a matter of growing concern affecting our graduates. The evolving composition of our student body now includes a significant proportion of young Nigerians within the national service age bracket. These individuals have fulfilled all academic requirements with distinction, yet many encounter constraints arising from policy frameworks that do not adequately reflect the realities of Open and Distance Learning.
“I therefore most earnestly urge the appropriate authorities to remove all impediments preventing eligible graduates of this University from participating fully in the National Youth Service Corps 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 congratulated the graduating students, and charged them, “You stand today as living testimony to the triumph of determination over limitation. You have demonstrated that learning transcends physical boundaries and flourishes wherever discipline, perseverance, and purpose are found. The world you now enter is complex and ever-evolving; yet lam confident that you are adequately prepared to engage with its demands and opportunities.
As alumni of this distinguished University, you bear a dual charge: to excel in your chosen endeavours and to serve as worthy ambassadors of the ideals this institution represents, integrity, resilience, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
The Benin monarch and chancellor of the NOUN closed by reaffirming his “enduring support for the continued growth and advancement of this institution”.
He said: “I shall remain both an advocate for its cause and a custodian of its vision as much as I am a strong veritable custodian of Benin culture as the Oba of the great Benin Kingdom.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the future of this University is bright, but its full promise will only be realised through deliberate action, sustained investment, and unwavering national support. Let us, therefore, commit ourselves collectively to strengthening this institution as a beacon of hope and a cornerstone of educational transformation in Nigeria.
“On this auspicious occasion, and by the authority vested in me as Chancellor, [ hereby admit all qualified graduands to their respective degrees, diplomas, and certificates of the National Open University of Nigeria, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities thereto appertaining.”
Also speaking earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of NOUN, Mallam Isa Yuguda, harped on the need to rally round the university for sustained growth owing to its critical importance to unlocking access to university education in the country, while congratulating the graduates, their families, School management, and other stakeholders.
He said: “I wish to first congratulate the graduates of today. Your success is a testimony not only to your intellectual ability, but also to your resilience, discipline and determination within the open and long distance learning system requires exceptional self motivation, time management and personal commitment. Many of you have combined your studies with work, family responsibilities, and other social engagement. That you have reached this moment is therefore worthy of special commendation.
“The National Open University occupies a unique and strategic place in our national education system stands as a symbol of such access, inclusion, flexibility, and opportunities.
“In a country where the demand for higher education continues to expand, this university has remained a critical national instrument widening access to quality education for our diverse categories of learners across the federation and beyond. This is clear evidence that open distance learning is no longer a marginal alternative. It has become an extra pillar of modern higher education system.”
As Pro Chancellor and chairman of governing council, the former Bauchi State governor affirmed the commitment of the university to work tirelessly for the continued growth, service, and excellence of the institution.
Council remained fully aware that institutional progress depends on sound governance, academic integrity, prudent resource management, staff development, technological advancement, and a clear strategic vision.
“We shall therefore continue to support policies and initiatives that strengthen the university capacity and responsibly.”
Acknowledging and commending the efforts of the Vice Chancellor, members of the Senate, management team, academic and non academic staff of the university for their hard work and steadfast commitment, Yuguda remarked, “The Progress recorded by the institution is the product of collective effort.”
He also acknowledge the support of the federal government and all other stakeholders whose contribution continue to sustain the university, even as he stressed the need for adequate investment to take the institution to where it ought to belong.
At the 15th Convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria, a total of 24,575 students were awarded various qualifications of the university. They include 17,474 undergraduate degrees, 1,788 postgraduate diplomas, 5,282 master’s degrees, and 31 doctoral degrees.
This was disclosed by the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Uruma Oji Uduma,
in his presentation during the 15th Convocation of the university at the weekend, as he reeled out the endless catalogue of milestones the Ivory Tower had achieved in various aspects.
Expatiating on the figures, he said, “These numbers are precise in arithmetic, yet expansive in implication. They represent not merely academic progression, but existential determination — the insistence of the human spirit to rise above limitation, to transform constraint into opportunity, and to convert aspiration into achievement.
“Within this broad accomplishment lies a further layer of academic distinction reflected in the classes of degrees awarded. Among the undergraduate graduands, 57 attained First Class Honours (approximately 0.3%), 2,505 earned Second Class Honours (Upper Division) (about 14.3%), 8,541 graduated with Second Class Honours (Lower Division) (approximately 48.9%), 4,149 obtained Third Class degrees (about 23.7%), while 234 completed their programmes with Pass degrees (approximately 1.3%).
“To those who have attained First Class Honours, we offer our highest commendation. Yet, as Aristotle teaches, “excellence is not an act, but a habit.” Excellence, therefore, is not the monopoly of classification.
“These figures, while statistical in form, are deeply human in meaning. They reflect not only levels of academic performance, but the varied conditions under which learning was pursued—the pressures, responsibilities, and life circumstances that shape individual journeys.
“Those in the Second Class categories have demonstrated consistency and intellectual maturity.
“Those in the Third Class and Pass categories have demonstrated something equally profound — resilience: the refusal to yield, the determination to continue, and the discipline to finish.”
The highpoint of the celebration was the formal presentation of Graduands by the respective dean’s of faculties for the award of various degrees, diplomas, and certificates, beginning with the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, as well as prizes to best graduating students. Beneficiaries of the award of excellence were 48 in number.
Vice Chancellor’s and heads of other higher institutions in the country graced the occasion, and took their turns to deliver brief goodwill messages, congratulating the university community – the graduates,.governing council, management and staff, as well as other stakeholders.
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is a public university that was established in 1983 by the Nigerian government. It is the largest open university in Africa and the second largest in the world. NOUN was initially established to provide access to higher education for Nigerians who are unable to attend traditional universities due to work, family, or other commitments. Educational Resources
NOUN offers degrees in various fields including arts, education, law, business administration, public administration, environmental studies, social sciences, agricultural sciences, health sciences and pure sciences. The university aims to make quality higher education accessible to working professionals and others who cannot attend regular universities.
NOUN offers programmes through only one mode (mono-mode) which include a full-time, online, and distant learning. The university’s online learning platform allows students to access course materials and interact with faculty and peers virtually. NOUN also has regional centres across the country to facilitate learning for students who prefer face-to-face interaction.