By Sunday Adah & Latonia Akubuko, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, as occupying a “unique and strategic place” in the nation’s tertiary education ecosystem, pledging the Federal Government’s commitment to transform it into a fully and internationally competitive online university.
The President, who spoke as Visitor through the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, during NOUN’s 15th Convocation ceremony on Saturday, 17th April, 2026, said the institution’s steadfast commitment to expanding the frontiers of higher education through open and distance learning has proven that access can be widened without compromising standards.
He expressed concern that out of the over two million admission-seeking Nigerians who sit the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, yearly, only a fraction gains admission into conventional universities. Institutions such as NOUN, he said, therefore play an invaluable role in democratising access.
He said: “The National Open University of Nigeria occupies a unique and strategic place in the nation’s tertiary education ecosystem. As the foremost institution dedicated to open and distance learning, the university has demonstrated that the frontiers of higher education can be expanded significantly without compromising academic quality.
“Each year, more than 2 million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, conducted by JAMB, 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, the 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.
“This 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, and graduating students on the university’s achievements, President Tinubu noted that convocation ceremonies provide an opportunity not only to celebrate academic excellence, but also to reflect on the institution’s 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 Council, management, Senate, staff and students of this great university for this dedication to the noble task 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.”
The President commended NOUN’s partnerships with other institutions to upgrade staff knowledge and enhance professional competence for national 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.”
He continued: “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 its education system.
“Accordingly, the Federal Government is implementing reforms aimed at expanding access, improving quality, strengthening infrastructure and integrating technology into 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 includes 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 tens 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.”
Addressing the 24,575 graduands — comprising 17,474 undergraduates, 1,788 postgraduate diploma recipients, 5,282 master’s degree holders, and 31 doctoral graduates — President Tinubu charged them to be worthy ambassadors of the institution.
“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 families 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 next phase of your life, I ask you to be worthy ambassadors of the National Open University of Nigeria. Let your conduct reflect 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 peace, productivity and social progress. I am confident that you are all well-positioned for all this,” he said.