The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Visitor to the National Open University of Nigeria, (NOUN), Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has pledged to support the university in critical human and material infrastructures through annual budgetary allocations and interventions from Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFund).
Buhari stated this in his address presented at the 11th Convocation Ceremony of the university, held on Saturday, March 26, 2022, where 22,250 students graduated.
The president ably represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, David Gende said, “it is gratifying to note that the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, continues to record more success at the national level by expanding access to higher education as well as making it affordable through the establishment of more study center’s across the country.”
He said the university has created a niche for itself in both national and global spaces.
“I am extremely happy to note that the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, is indeed delivering on its mandate by taking affordable University education to the door steps of Nigerians irrespective of their location, tribe, sex and religion.”
The president said education supports all efforts and development in terms of social, economic, political and religious undertakings and that the root cause of most crises of nationhood being experienced in Nigeria is as a result of ignorance which can only be addressed through the provision of education.
He maintained that his administration is committed to making education affordable to all, through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL), saying that in this connection the National Policy on education has provided for lifelong learning that transcends all barriers through open and distance learning.
“It is pleasing to note that the National Universities Commission, NUC, is about to conclude the comprehensive review of the curricula of all programmes in our universities placing premium on entrepreneurship. This as we know is a driver to increase productivity and reduction in unemployment figures among our youths,” he said.
He assured that the Federal Government through various interventions had created enabling environment to support the drive. “It is our hope that our graduates will utilize these opportunities by embracing all the various programmes that have been put in place.”
The President also commended the effort of the management and governing council of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, for making sure that government funds releases to the university are judiciary utilized in erecting top-class facilities as exemplified by iconic structures on the university’s campus.
He however congratulated the graduates who despite all challenges, have endeavoured to put in their very best to attain their dreams of being proud holders of university degrees.
“I, therefore, charge you as you go into the larger society to be good citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Our country, in addition, endeavours to utilize the various Federal Government interventions to reduce unemployment,” he said.
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