NOUN matriculates 17,674 fresh students 

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has matriculated 17,674 students at the 24th matriculation ceremony of the institution.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ibrahim Sheme, the institution’s spokesperson, said the freshmen comprise 12,954 undergraduates, 4,716 postgraduates, and 4 Ph.D. students in various faculties.

Addressing the new students during the ceremony held virtually, Olufemi Peters, the vice-chancellor of the institution, enjoined them to strive to elevate Nigeria to its deserved place of greatness in Africa and the world.

“I am indeed hopeful that you will, as you pass through our university, acquire the appropriate knowledge and skills, as well as the requisite strength of character and tenacity, to sail through the challenges of today’s modern world of global competition,” he said.

“It is the only way in which you can make a positive mark as we all strive to elevate our country, Nigeria to its deserved place of greatness in Africa and the world.

“For those that are engaged in a vocation and or employment, it is an opportunity to excel in your career and to demonstrate the efficacy of continuous education through open and distance learning, in adding value to your competence at work, to the delight of your employers,” Peters said.

The VC said the university’s mode of teaching and service delivery is not restricted by the barriers of distance, location, or the bias of race and creed.

He advised the new entrants to form peer groups of whatever hue where common issues relating to their study can be shared and discussed, adding that the university has provided an e-ticketing feedback system to resolve complaints encountered during the course of their studies.

“This and other delivery applications, including the simplified assessment processes (tutorials, tests and examinations) will make your study at NOUN a most rewarding educational experience,” he added.

Oladipo A. Ajayi, the institution’s registrar, administered the matriculation oath to the students via Zoom.