Chancellor affirms NOUN's founding vision, commends graduands

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II and Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has affirmed the founding vision of the institution, describing it as one that has remained true to its mandate of widening access to quality education for all Nigerians.

His Majesty made the statement in an address delivered at the 15th Convocation Ceremony of NOUN, held at the university’s headquarters in Abuja on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

“This is not merely a ceremony,” he said. “It is a testament to the founding vision of an institution that opened doors for millions of Nigerians and continues to widen access to quality education.”

The Chancellor noted that NOUN was built to extend access to learning to Nigerians who could not pursue education through conventional channels, adding that the university’s open and distance learning model positions it uniquely to deliver education at scale, reaching students across the federation.

Oba Ewuare II also commended the graduating students for their perseverance, noting that their journey to the convocation was defined by determination and resilience.

“You have transcended physical boundaries of learning. In a world that is rapidly evolving, you have demonstrated that commitment and self-discipline can overcome every limitation,” he said.

He charged the graduands to carry themselves as ambassadors of NOUN’s values, which, he said, is rooted in inclusiveness, integrity, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

 The Chancellor urged authorities to remove all impediments preventing eligible NOUN graduates from being accepted into the National Youth Service Corps scheme, describing it as a matter of fairness and institutional integrity.

Oba Ewuare II further called on the Federal Government to sustain its support for NOUN, stressing that investment in the university should be viewed as a long-term national commitment rather than a recurring budgetary burden.

Affirming his belief in NOUN’s mission and describing it as the product of visionary leadership and collective dedication, the Chancellor said “The future of this university is being built in full promise and can only be realised through deliberate, collective effort.”

He thereafter exercised his authority of conferring degrees on the graduating students.