Tinubu Vows to Uphold Distance Learning to Enhance Educational Accessibility in Nigeria

Mr. Tinubu affirmed the commitment of his administration to advancing Open and Distance Learning (ODL) to enhance access to higher education across Nigeria. He made this pledge during the 13th Convocation and Investiture of the third Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, held in Abuja. Represented by Biodun Saliu, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Tinubu underscored the government’s dedication to improving quality, accessibility, and affordability in higher education through ODL.

Mr. Tinubu emphasized the significance of adopting Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in tertiary education as a crucial step towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlighted the active support of both the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) in creating an enabling environment for the effective implementation of this educational model across Nigeria. This commitment underscores the government’s recognition of ODL as a strategic tool for expanding access to higher education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities, aligning with broader efforts to address socio-economic challenges and foster sustainable development in the country.

Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, underscored the university’s significant contributions to Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) initiatives, reaffirming its leadership position in promoting ODL across the African continent. He emphasized NOUN’s dedication to offering education that is both flexible, qualitative, affordable, and accessible, highlighting various initiatives such as scholarships for inmates and the substantial growth in student enrollment and program offerings over the years. These efforts reflect NOUN’s commitment to widening access to education, promoting lifelong learning, and making a positive impact on individuals and communities across Africa.

Mr. Peters also noted the unique aspects of the 2024 convocation, including the investiture of the institution’s third Chancellor, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, and the award of honorary degrees to Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, founder of Innoson Motors, and Hajiya Hafsatu Ahmed, the first female Hausa novelist from Northern Nigeria. He highlighted the university’s core values of entrepreneurial ingenuity and knowledge-based content creativity, exemplified by the decision to exclusively acquire Innoson vehicular products for operational use.

Addressing the audience after his investiture, the Chancellor, Oba of Benin, expressed his vision for NOUN, emphasizing excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. He pledged to leverage his position as a traditional ruler to enhance the university’s fortunes and ensure its continued leadership in Open and Distance e-Learning in sub-Saharan Africa.The Chancellor emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity, promoting scholarship, and fostering a spirit of service among all stakeholders. He called for collective efforts to pave the way for a brighter future for NOUN, guided by these core values.

The convocation ceremony witnessed the participation of 22,175 students from various disciplines across NOUN’s 120 study centers nationwide. Notably, 15,768 students received undergraduate degrees, while 6,407 earned postgraduate degrees, with the Faculty of Social Sciences recording the highest number of graduates.The graduating cohort showcased the academic excellence and diversity of NOUN’s student body, with 22 students earning first-class honors. Additionally, numerous graduates received postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees, underscoring the breadth and depth of academic achievement within the university community.