Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi A. Peters, has been awarded the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) 2025 Individual Prize of Excellence.
He received the highly coveted honour at the ICDE Award Night in Wellington, New Zealand, on Wednesday.
Peters was honoured alongside Professor Josep Duart for exceptional leadership and impact in open and distance education at national, regional, or global levels over the past five years.
The ICDE Prize of Excellence is basically awarded for excellence in the field of inclusive, scalable and sustainable education.
The ICDE awards are presented to those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and significant achievements in advancing the field of online and distance learning on national, regional or global levels.
They are awarded in three categories: institutional, individual, and for life-long contributions to the field.
Nominations are selected by ICDE members and reviewed by independent international jury appointed by the ICDE board.
The Individual Prize of Excellence won by Peters is awarded for the NOUN VC's very significant contributions to the field for the past five years, rewarding innovation and progress in the field, as well as significant contributions to the international community over flexible and distance education during the period.
The prize is also awarded to those who have shown great leadership and excellence in the work of educational association of open and flexible distance education at national, regional or global levels over 5-10 years and moved the international agenda and collaboration in a decisive manner
Presenting the award, the jury states that Peters' leadership at NOUN has "played a pivotal role in advancing Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning throughout his career."
The jury argued that his leadership is evident through a range of strategic innovations, pointing out that under his direction, NOUN’s mobile learning platform now serves more than 350,000 students, significantly enhancing educational accessibility.
It added: "He has also overseen the implementation of advanced technologies, including the introduction of blockchain-based micro-credentials for certification.
"Professor Peters has reinforced NOUN’s quality assurance and accreditation processes while promoting internal development and research excellence.
"His commitment to academic advancement is reflected in his support for scholarly initiatives and the establishment of the African Centre for Excellence in Technology Enhanced Learning, which drives innovation across the continent.
"In addition to his work at NOUN, Professor Peters contributes to the wider field as the inaugural Vice-President of the African Council for Distance Education and as chair of a regional training board.
"A central element of his legacy is his dedication to equity; he has expanded geographic access to education through the creation of rural centres and broadening mobile learning opportunities.
"Furthermore, he actively promotes diversity, particularly by supporting increased female representation in leadership positions.
"In summary, Professor Peters’ leadership is characterised by a commitment to both technological progress and equitable human development."
Acknowledging the honour via the Zoom link from Abuja, Peters said: "I am deeply honoured to receive the ICDE prize for excellence and to be recognised by the organisation that champions ODE as a catalyst for transforming lives and communities isa true privilege.
"Although unforeseen travel issues prevented me, but I am grateful that technology - the very instrument enabling ODL - makes it possible to share this moment with you.
"From my earliest days at NOUN, ODL has been both a professional and personal mission, a social mandate to democratise education and empower individuals to participate more fully in community life continues to motivate me.
"Through emerging technology and dynamic pedagogies, we have built systems that emphasise flexibility, innovation and inclusivity. These qualities have guided our mission at NOUN to expand access and strengthen support as well as enhance students' success across diverse contexts.
"I am deeply grateful to my colleagues at NOUN for their dedication and creativity and I share this award with them and with the wider African ODL Community. We have proved that learning without limits is possible and powerful.
"Finally, I thank the ICDE for the recognition. Your steadfast commitment to extending education beyond boundaries continues to inspire institutions and individuals alike: may this recognition renew our collective resolve to push boundaries, deepen collaboration and ensure quality education remains within the reach of every learner across Africa and around the world."
The award was received on his behalf by the NOUN's Head of Information and call Centre, Ms. Wosilatu Ainodion, who attended the event in New Zealand.
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