Abuja, NIGERIA — President Bola Tinubu has declared the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as the country’s primary instrument for addressing the persistent university admission crisis.
Speaking at the 15th convocation of the institution on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Tinubu stated that flexible and distance learning systems are essential to widening access to higher education. Okay News reports that the President, represented by Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, highlighted the growing mismatch between the two million candidates sitting for the UTME annually and the limited spaces available in conventional universities.
The President noted that NOUN has successfully democratized education by breaking barriers related to geography, age, and occupation. He specifically commended the university’s collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service, which saw 57 inmates among the graduating class earn degrees as part of a national commitment to rehabilitation and second chances.
The convocation ceremony saw the graduation of over 24,000 students, including 31 doctoral degree awardees and 57 First Class graduates. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s support for the sector through initiatives like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and increased investment in STEM programmes to strengthen the tertiary education system.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma used the occasion to unveil a five-year strategic plan (2026–2031) aimed at making the university a global leader in distance learning. The plan includes the continued expansion of digital infrastructure, such as the migration of institutional systems to Amazon Web Services to support NOUN’s current base of 180,000 active users.
The Chancellor and Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, also called for the removal of remaining barriers preventing eligible NOUN graduates from participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
