The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has announced that the institution is poised to confer degrees upon 22,175 students, out of which 22 have bagged First Class degrees in its upcoming 13th Convocation Ceremony.
Peters stated this on Monday, April 8, 2024, during a press conference held at the university's headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he also disclosed that an investiture of the university's new chancellor would take place on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
Providing the breakdown of the total figure, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted that among the graduates, 15,768 are undergraduates, 6,407 are postgraduate students, while six are PhD recipients.
He explained that each faculty is contributing to the undergraduate numbers, with the Faculty of Social Sciences leading in the number of total graduates.
This year's convocation, according to him, boasts of 22 First-Class graduates across various disciplines.
In his address, Prof. Peters underscored the remarkable expansion of the university's study centres, which have grown from approximately 17 in 2003 to a current count of about 120 centres nationwide.
He there has been a continuous demand for additional study centres from various stakeholders across the country.
Acknowledging the university's strides over the past year, Peters emphasised on NOUN's status as the preferred choice for individuals facing challenges accessing conventional universities, especially due to geographical constraints.
He said NOUN has adeptly addressed such constraints through extensive use of technology.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted NOUN's technological advancements, noting that the institution leads not only in Nigeria but also in the entirety of West, East, and North Africa in deploying technology for education.
This technological prowess has garnered recognition from bodies like TETFUND, which has provided fibre optic connectivity to all 120 study centres nationwide, he said.
On the investiture of the new chancellor, Peters revealed that the convocation activities will commence on Thursday, April 11, 2024 with the investiture of the Chancellor, His Royal Majesty OMO N’OBA N’EDO, UKU AKPOLOKPOLO Ewuare II, The Oba of Benin.
He added that the investiture would be followed by the Convocation Lecture on Friday, titled “Is Western Education Still Relevant for Africa?”
The lecture, according to the NOUN VC, will be delivered by Prof. Elifas Tozo Bisanda, the Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Tanzania.
Explaining the choice of Prof. Elifas Tozo Bisanda, Peters aligned that with the support NOUN has received from the Open University of Tanzania during its inception 15 years ago.
While expressing pride in NOUN's accomplishments, the VC reiterated the university's alignment with the objectives set by the federal government.
He cited NOUN's widespread recognition, even among marginalized groups like prison inmates as evidence of its success in reaching diverse communities.
He also noted the unprecedented growth in the past year, with significant restructuring for improved efficiency and performance, as well as ongoing expansion projects, including the establishment of additional study centres.
Peters extended his gratitude to the media for their continuous support, emphasising the importance of media coverage in showcasing the university's activities to the wider public.
Earlier, the Director of Media and Publicity in university, Malam Ibrahim Sheme, welcomed the press and expressed gratitude for their ongoing support in publicising NOUN's endeavors.
Sheme said NOUN’s doors will continue to remain open to them, as there was the need for continued collaboration between NOUN and the press to effectively build a better education system for all.
In his closing remarks, the Registrar of the university, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, thanked the press for their attendance, stating that their presence has showcased the confidence they have in the university.
He appreciated the pivotal role of media relations toward the university's growth and success.
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