President Bola Tinubu has said open and distance learning offers Nigeria a practical way to deal with the long-running university admission crisis. Speaking at the 15th convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, he said the university is helping close the gap between the huge number of admission seekers and the few spaces in regular universities.The point came through clearly; with more than two million candidates sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination each year, only a small share gains admission. That leaves a large number of qualified Nigerians outside the tertiary system.
Why Tinubu pointed to NOUN At the convocation, Tinubu described NOUN as a direct response to the pressure on university admission in Nigeria. He said the school’s learning model has widened access for people who may struggle to fit into the usual campus route.He listed workers, women, entrepreneurs, security personnel and others whose age, job, location or personal situation might block regular study. That was the Heart of the message; learning has to meet people where they are.Groups NOUN is reaching Tinubu praised the university’s work with security agencies, which lets personnel improve their qualifications while still in service. He also praised its link with the Nigerian Correctional Service, which gives inmates access to study.He described the prison education effort as a strong sign of commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration. Education, in that setting, becomes a route to a second chance.The graduation figures from the 15th convocation More than 24,000 students graduated at the ceremony. The numbers are Hard to miss:17,474 undergraduate degree holders1,788 postgraduate diploma recipients5,282 master’s degree graduates31 doctoral degree awardeesAmong the graduating class were 57 First Class students. The list also included 57 inmates who earned first degrees through the university’s correctional education programme.Tinubu’s wider education message Tinubu said the Federal Government remains committed to changes in the education sector that will widen access, raise quality and deepen the use of technology in learning.He mentioned the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, and investment in medical and STEM programmes as part of that effort. He also urged the graduating students to use what they had learned with integrity and for national development.Oba Ewuare II’s call on NYSCThe Chancellor of the university and Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, used the occasion to call for the removal of barriers stopping eligible NOUN graduates from taking part in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.That request adds another layer to the wider discussion around access and equal treatment for graduates of the open university system.NOUN’s five-year plan for 2026 to 2031The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, unveiled a five-year strategic plan for 2026 to 2031. He said the plan is aimed at moving the university into a leading position in open and distance learning.According to him, the plan will focus on three main areas:expanding access to education strengthening digital infrastructure boosting research output He said the main idea behind the plan is simple; education must be accessible and meaningful.