NOUN matriculates 17,611 students for new academic year
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National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has matriculated 17,611 newly admitted students across its study centres nationwide for the new academic year.
Ibrahim Sheme, Director of Media and Publicity, NOUN, in a statement, disclosed that the matriculation involved 12,175 new students for various undergraduate degree programmes, 5,357 students for Masters and Postgraduate Diploma, 11 MPhil/PhD, and 68 for PhD.
NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, in his remarks, implored new students of the institution to explore their interests and passions beyond their degree programmes.
He urged them to take full advantage of the flexible learning opportunities to pursue their academic and personal goals, adding, “remember, the discipline and resilience you develop here will not only serve you during your time at NOUN, but throughout your life and career.”
The VC described NOUN as not just a university but also a movement that champions life-long learning and inclusivity.
Speaking on the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) as an exceptional mode of learning, Prof. Peters said that unlike the traditional brick-and-mortar system, it offers the flexibility to learn at one’s pace, place, and time, using modern educational technologies.
‘’At NOUN, your classroom is not confined to four walls; instead, it extends to your homes, workplaces, or wherever you choose to study,” he said. This approach not only democratises access to education but also equips you with the self-discipline, time-management, and digital skills that are essential in today’s world.”
According to him, NOUN stands as the foremost ODL institution not only in Nigeria but also on the West African sub-continent.
He said the university is committed to providing quality, accessible and flexible education, with its core mission rooted in expanding opportunities for all Nigerians and beyond to access higher education without barriers of location, time or circumstance.
Prof. Peters highlighted that the ODL mode of education is not inferior to the conventional system, saying that evidence abounds of the remarkable success and professional feats recorded by NOUN students.
He said: “Many of our graduates have risen to prominent positions in government, industry, and academia, demonstrating the high-quality education that NOUN provides.
‘’As students of NOUN, you are part of an institution that is at the forefront of educational innovation in Africa. NOUN is more than a university; it’s a platform for personal growth, skill development, and academic excellence.”
He further encouraged the newly-admitted students to utilise all the resources and learning aids available as well.
The VC also stated that as part of the university’s effort to enhance the learning experience, various institutional processes have been deployed to achieve this.
‘’Our counselling services at all our Study Centres across the country and our information and call system have been strengthened and upgraded to assist you solve your immediate challenges are second to none in our country’s educational system.
“I urge you to commit to upholding the values of academic integrity, hard work, and excellence. I further urge you to build positive networks and healthy relationships while at the same time shunning all negative vices that would serve as a distraction to your academic pursuit during your stay in NOUN.’’
The Registrar of the university, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi administered the matriculation oath to the fresh students.
