President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to transition into a fully online institution, capitalizing on its expertise in open and distance learning. He has also mandated the institution to maximize its delivery system by fully embracing technology to advance its online capabilities.
Tinubu, who serves as the Visitor to the University, made this announcement at the 14th convocation of the institution in Abuja. Represented by the Director of Universities Education at the Ministry of Education, Hajiya Rakiya Ilyasu, the President affirmed the government's commitment to supporting education through information technology.
According to him, the federal government is financing the installation of fiber optics infrastructure at NOUN to provide Internet access to students and study centers across Nigeria. He urged the university to spearhead digital learning advancements across Africa to address Nigeria’s educational challenges, such as inadequate access to quality education and high illiteracy rates.
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Tinubu called upon the university's leadership to develop a roadmap for the transition, outlining key phases, infrastructural needs, and timelines. This includes strengthening the learning content management system, integrating technologies like AI and VR, enhancing faculty capacity through training, expanding partnerships with technology providers, and ensuring a policy framework that promotes inclusivity and data security.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Olufemi Peters, advised the graduating students to maintain integrity and apply their knowledge to make a positive difference in society and to stay connected to their alma mater by supporting the university’s growth. The Pro-Chancellor, Isa Yuguda, advocated for the inclusion of NOUN graduates in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
During the convocation, honorary degrees were conferred on African Development Bank President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, for their contributions to the country. Adesina was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letter, while Abbas received a Doctor of Business Administration.
The university graduated a total of 17,420 students, comprising 10,967 undergraduates and 6,413 postgraduate students.