The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has admitted 23,885 new students into various academic programmes. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, made this announcement during the university's 31st Matriculation Ceremony, held virtually across its study centres nationwide. The ceremony marked the formal induction of the newly admitted students into the institution. NOUN's matriculation ceremony was conducted virtually, reflecting its commitment to Open and Distance Learning (ODL).
The newly matriculated students comprise 17,471 undergraduates, 1,967 Postgraduate Diploma students, 4,333 Master's students, 10 MPhil/PhD students, and 104 PhD candidates. Prof. Uduma declared that ODL represents the future of higher education, citing the growing adoption of ODL by conventional universities and the increasing number of young Nigerians opting for NOUN. He emphasized that higher education is moving towards greater flexibility, accessibility, technology-driven learning, and learner autonomy.
NOUN was founded on the principle that geographical location, time, employment, family responsibilities, and other barriers should not prevent Nigerians from accessing quality university education. The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university's commitment to expanding access to higher education while maintaining academic standards. He described the admission of the new students as both an opportunity and a responsibility, urging them to pursue knowledge, competence, character, and integrity throughout their academic journey.
Prof. Uduma noted that the changing landscape of higher education in Nigeria has seen many conventional universities increasingly embracing Open, Distance, and e-Learning. He stated that this development has validated the vision upon which NOUN was founded decades ago. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that NOUN has the advantage of decades of experience, established learner-support systems, and institutional expertise in delivering quality education across geographical and social boundaries.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that the expansion of ODL across Nigeria's university system should be viewed as an affirmation of NOUN's pioneering role rather than a threat. He maintained that the university is strategically positioned to provide leadership in shaping the future of higher education in Nigeria and beyond. Prof. Uduma also highlighted a significant demographic shift within NOUN, with more young Nigerians choosing the institution due to its flexibility, technological orientation, and capacity to accommodate learning alongside work and other life commitments.
Prof. Uduma assured the students that the university will continue to strengthen its learner-support structures through improved counselling services, enhanced information and call-support systems, and the activities of the Student Affairs Deanery. He urged the matriculating students to maximise the opportunities available to them by participating actively in facilitation classes, completing their Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), using the Learning Management System (LMS), and seeking assistance whenever necessary.
The Registrar of the university, Mr Oladipo A. Ajayi, administered the matriculating oath to the students via the Zoom platform, urging them to abide by all the university's rules and regulations to avoid expulsion. The 31st Matriculation Ceremony formally welcomed the 23,885 students into the NOUN community, marking the beginning of their academic journey in Nigeria's foremost dedicated Open and Distance Learning institution.
Key points
- NOUN matriculates 23,885 students, including 104 PhD candidates, in its 31st Matriculation Ceremony.
- Vice-Chancellor Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma reaffirms commitment to Open and Distance Learning, citing its growing adoption by conventional universities.
- NOUN aims to provide leadership in shaping the future of higher education in Nigeria and beyond, with a focus on flexibility, accessibility, and learner autonomy.
