By Felix Khanoba
The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, has urged 17,611 newly admitted students to look beyond their academic programmes and explore their wider interests and passions as they begin their studies.
Speaking at the 29th Matriculation Ceremony of the university, which was held virtually, Professor Peters told the new students: “Your journey at NOUN is not just about earning a degree, it is about transforming yourself into a well-rounded, innovative and resourceful individual.”
A statement issued by Ibrahim Sheme, Director of Media and Publicity at NOUN, quoted the Vice-Chancellor as encouraging the students to “take full advantage of the flexible learning opportunities to pursue your academic and personal goals,” adding that “the discipline and resilience you develop here will not only serve you during your time at NOUN, but throughout your life and career.”
Professor Peters described NOUN as “a movement that champions life-long learning and inclusivity,” stressing that the university’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) model allows students to study at their own pace, time, and place, supported by modern educational technologies.
“Unlike the traditional brick-and-mortar system, ODL offers flexibility to learn wherever you choose,” he said. “At NOUN, your classroom is not confined to four walls; instead, it extends to your homes, workplaces or wherever you choose to study. 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.”
Out of the 17,611 newly matriculated students, 12,175 enrolled for undergraduate programmes, 5,357 for Master’s and Postgraduate Diploma programmes, 11 for MPhil/PhD, and 68 for PhD degrees across the university’s study centres nationwide.
Professor Peters emphasised that NOUN remains the leading ODL institution in Nigeria and West Africa, committed to offering quality, accessible, and flexible education that eliminates barriers of time, location, and circumstance.
He dismissed the notion that distance learning is inferior to conventional education, noting that NOUN graduates have achieved remarkable success in government, industry, and academia.
“Many of our graduates have risen to prominent positions in government, industry and academia, demonstrating the high-quality education that NOUN provides,” he said. “As students of the National Open University of Nigeria, 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.”
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the students to make good use of the university’s academic resources and counselling services, which he said have been strengthened to provide better support.
“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,” he said.
He further advised the students to uphold the values of integrity, hard work, and excellence, build meaningful networks, and avoid distractions.
The Registrar of the university, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, administered the matriculation oath to the new students.
