The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, on Thursday implored new students of the institution to explore their interests and passions beyond their degree programmes.
Speaking at the 29th Matriculation Ceremony for the students of the university held virtually, Peters said: “Your journey at NOUN is not just about earning a degree, it is about transforming yourself into a well-rounded, innovative and resourceful individual.”
The VC urged them to “take full advantage of the flexible learning opportunities to pursue your academic and personal goals," adding, “Remember, the discipline and resilience you develop here will not only serve you during your time at NOUN, but throughout your life and career."
He described NOUN as not just a university but also "a movement that champions life-long learning and inclusivity."
The ceremony, which matriculated 17,611 newly admitted students across its study centres nationwide had 12,175 for various undergraduate degree programmes, 5,357 for Masters and Postgraduate Diploma, 11 MPhil/PhD, and 68 for PhD.
Speaking on the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) as an exceptional mode of learning, Peters said unlike the traditional brick-and-mortar system, it offers the flexibility to learn at one’s 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," he said. "This approach not only democratises access to education but also equips you with the self-discipline, time-management and digital skills that are essential in today’s world."
According to him, NOUN stands as the foremost ODL institution not only in Nigeria, but also on the West African sub-continent.
He said the university is committed to providing quality, accessible and flexible education, with its core mission rooted in expanding opportunities for all Nigerians and beyond to access higher education without barriers of location, time or circumstance.
Peters highlighted that the ODL mode of education is not inferior to the conventional system, saying that evidence abounds of the remarkable success and professional feats recorded by NOUN students.
He said: “Many of our graduates have risen to prominent positions in government, industry and academia, demonstrating the high-quality education that NOUN provides.
‘’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, NOUN is more than a university; it’s a platform for personal growth, skill development and academic excellence.” he added.
He further encouraged the newly-admitted students to utilise all the resources and learning aids available as well.
The VC also stated that as part of the university’s effort to enhance learning experience, various institutional processes have been deployed to achieve this.
‘’Our counselling services at all our Study Centres across the country and our information and call system have been strengthened and upgraded to assist you solve your immediate challenges are second to none in our country’s educational system.
“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.’’
The Registrar of the university, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, administered the matriculation oath to the fresh students.
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