ADDRESS OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR PROFESSOR OLUFEMI PETERS AT THE 28th MATRICULATION CEREMONY                        

                             NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA

                                       Office of the Vice-Chancellor

                                 ADDRESS OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

                                       PROFESSOR OLUFEMI PETERS

                                AT THE 28th MATRICULATION CEREMONY

                               HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 14TH MAY, 2025.

The Principal Officers of the University

Deans of Faculties

Esteemed Members of the Senate

Members of Staff

Our Newly Admitted Students

Ladies and Gentlemen

My Dear Matriculating Students

1. It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to the 28th Matriculation Ceremony of your University, the National Open University of Nigeria, famously called (NOUN). Today marks not only a beginning but a commitment from the university:  a commitment to knowledge, to character and to your personal growth.

2. The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), stands as the foremost Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Institution not only in Nigeria, but also on the West African sub-continent. The University provides High Quality, Accessible and flexible education, with its core mission rooted in expanding enrolment opportunities to higher education without hinderance of location, time or circumstance. 

     3   It is for these reasons, our university continues to be an academic haven for          thousands of our people, far and wide, seeking to acquire knowledge and skills through the Open and Distance Learning mode.

4. Today, we are matriculating a total of 25,342 newly admitted students. By this exercise, you will become a bona-fide member of the largest University in Nigeria and indeed the West Africa sub-region. Amongst the newly admitted students are: 18,698 undergraduates for various undergraduate degree programmes and 6,564 Postgraduate programmes including doctorate students.

5. The Breakdown of the total number of matriculating students according to faculties are as follows:

6. I wish to inform you that, for the first time in our university’s admission process, you were enrolled through the processes advised by the Joint Administration Matriculation Board (JAMB). On behalf of the Governing Council of the University, Senate, Management, Alumni and entire Staff and Students of our University, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you all.

7. Open and Distance Learning: An Exceptional Mode of Learning

As you embark on this academic journey, allow me to introduce you to the uniqueness of the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode that the NOUN represents. Unlike the conventional classroom system, ODL offers you the flexibility to learn at your 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. This approach not only gives you flexibility over how you study, it also makes you equips you with the self-discipline, time-management and digital skills that are essential in today’s world.

8. I wish to inform you that our teaching mode system is now at the forefront of teaching and learning world-wide and we are just glad, we are the leading light in this country and the West Africa sub-region. Technology is at the forefront education delivery over the world and 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. We pledge to continue to make significant strides to enhance your learning experience.

9. You must have been enrolled at a particular study centre. This is important as this will be your focal point through-out your stay in the university. At the study centre we provide a number of fundamental services. It is at the centre you sit for your examination. It is at the study centre you meet with peers and classmates. It is at the centres, you make new long lasting friends. It is still, at the centres we provide Counselling services to assist you solve any of your immediate challenges. If you do not wish to go to the study centre, we also provide an Information and Call system second to none in our country’s educational system, to further assist you seek or solve these activities. However, and if circumstances do warrant a change of your chosen centre to another centre, there are simple processes you can take to actualise this. These initiatives are designed to improve student engagement and foster a more interactive and participatory learning environment.

10. ODL: An Equal and Proven System

It is important to highlight that the ODL mode of education is not inferior to the conventional brick-and-mortar system. Evidence abound of the remarkable success and professional feats recorded by our graduated students. NOUN graduates have excelled in various fields, making significant contributions to their professions and communities. Indeed, many of our graduates have risen to prominent positions in Government, Industry and Academia, demonstrating the high-quality education that NOUN provides.

11. Maximising the Opportunities Before You

To fully benefit from the opportunities NOUN offers, I encourage you to utilise all the resources and learning aids the university has to offer. I implore you to take note and do the following as you journey through your programme.

• Get accustomed to the use of digital facilities such as a smart phone and /or computer gadgets
• Explore the wealth of materials on our Learning Management System (LMS)
• Attend your facilitation classes regularly
• Prepare diligently for your Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs)
• Form peer groups based on Study Centre location and/or programme of study.
• Do not hesitate to seek resolutions of minor challenges through the NOUN Information and Call Centre (NICC) or the Counsellors.

The future of education lies in Open and Distance Learning and you are privileged to be part of this forward-thinking approach to education.

12. A Call to Excellence

Finally, I want you to remember this: your journey at NOUN is not just about earning a degree, it is about transforming yourself into a well-rounded, innovative and resourceful individual. Take full advantage of the flexible learning opportunities to pursue your academic and personal goals. Remember, the discipline and resilience you develop here will not only serve you during your time at NOUN, but throughout your career and life.

As you take your matriculation oath today, 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.

To our esteemed parents and guardians who have entrusted us with your children/wards future, we say thank you, and I assure you, they are in good hands.

Once again, congratulations to the 2025 matriculating students.

Welcome to the National Open University of Nigeria, - an institution where your dreams can become a reality.

Thank you and I wish you a fulfilling academic experience.

Professor Olufemi Peters

Vice-Chancellor