The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration among Nigerian universities and advancing quality higher education across the country.
The committee stated this during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Uduma Oji Uduma in Abuja.
The visit, which took place on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at the NOUN Headquarters, Abuja, provided an opportunity for both institutions to engage in meaningful discussions on possible areas of collaboration and strategies for improving access and quality in Nigeria's higher education sector.
The delegation was led by the General Secretary of the Committee, Professor Andrew Haruna, and was warmly received by the management of the university led by Prof. Uduma.
In his opening remarks, Professor Uduma welcomed the delegation and described the visit as timely and significant, especially at a period when the nation is seeking sustainable solutions to the growing demand for tertiary education.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the critical role of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in expanding access to university education in Nigeria.
According to him, the country's rapidly growing population and increasing number of young people seeking admission into tertiary institutions make it necessary to embrace alternative modes of learning that can accommodate large numbers of students without compromising quality.
Professor Andrew Haruna, General Secretary of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities
He noted that access to tertiary education can only become truly meaningful and impactful through the adoption and expansion of open and distance learning systems.
Prof. Uduma explained that conventional universities alone cannot meet the educational needs of millions of Nigerians who desire university education.
As such, he stated, NOUN was established to bridge that gap by providing flexible, inclusive and technology driven education that reaches learners regardless of their location, age, occupation or social status.
He further highlighted NOUN''s achievements over the years, noting that the university has continued to demonstrate that quality education can be delivered effectively through modern learning technologies and innovative teaching methods.
He stressed that collaboration among institutions remains essential for strengthening Nigeria's educational system, adding that partnerships, knowledge-sharing and collective efforts among universities would contribute significantly to national development.
Professor Uduma expressed appreciation to the Committee of Vice Chancellors for recognising the important role being played by NOUN in the country's higher education landscape and assured the
delegation of the university's readiness to work closely with other institutions in promoting academic excellence and educational advancement.
R-L: Prof. Uduma presenting sovenir to Prof. Haruna
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the General Secretary of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Professor Andrew Haruna, commended the National Open University of Nigeria for its remarkable contributions to higher education through open and distance learning.
He described NOUN as a trailblazer in expanding educational opportunities to Nigerians who may otherwise have been denied access to university education due to limitations associated with conventional learning systems.
Professor Haruna noted that the university's innovative approach to teaching and learning has continued to set standards for flexibility, accessibility and inclusiveness in higher education delivery.
He praised the institution's commitment to academic excellence, technological innovation and human capital development, stating that NOUN's success demonstrates the enormous potential of open and distance learning in addressing educational challenges in Nigeria.
According to him, the Committee of Vice Chancellors recognises the strategic importance of NOUN in the country's educational ecosystem and is interested in exploring areas of collaboration that would strengthen university education nationwide.
He expressed confidence that greater cooperation among Nigerian universities would enhance research, improve academic standards, promote innovation and create more opportunities for students and scholars across the country.
As a symbolic highlight of the visit, Professor Haruna decorated Prof. Uduma with the insignia of the Committee of Vice -Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, which serves as a mark of recognition and appreciation for Professor Uduma's contributions to higher education development and his leadership in advancing open and distance learning in Nigeria.
Group photograph at the end of the visit
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, NOUN Registrar, Mr.Oladipo Ajayi, expressed gratitude to the visiting delegation for choosing NOUN as a partner in discussions aimed at advancing higher education in Nigeria.
He thanked the Committee of Vice- Chancellors for its recognition of the university's achievements and reaffirmed NOUN's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote academic excellence and inclusive access to education.
Mr. Ajayi noted that the visit represented another important step towards fostering stronger relationships among Nigerian universities and building a more resilient and responsive higher education system.
He expressed optimism that the discussions held during the visit would translate into meaningful collaborations that would benefit students, educators, institutions and the nation as a whole.
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