National Open University of Nigeria Welcomes New Students

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has officially matriculated 23,885 newly admitted students, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma emphasizing that Open and Distance Learning (ODL) represents the future of higher education. The ceremony took place virtually on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, across the university's study centres nationwide, marking the formal induction of the new students into various academic programmes.

During the event, Prof. Uduma highlighted the increasing adoption of ODL by conventional universities and the growing preference among young Nigerians for NOUN, indicating a shift towards greater flexibility, accessibility, and technology-driven learning in higher education. He stated, "The future of higher education is moving towards greater flexibility, accessibility, technology-driven learning and learner autonomy."

Established on the principle that geographical location, time, and personal responsibilities should not hinder access to quality education, NOUN remains committed to expanding opportunities while upholding academic standards. The newly matriculated students include 17,471 undergraduates, 1,967 Postgraduate Diploma students, 4,333 Master's students, 10 MPhil/PhD students, and 104 PhD candidates.

Congratulating the students, Prof. Uduma described their admission as both an opportunity and a responsibility, urging them to pursue knowledge, competence, character, and integrity throughout their academic journey. He noted that the changing landscape of higher education in Nigeria is characterized by many conventional universities increasingly adopting ODL through the establishment of Distance Learning Centres and dual-mode academic systems.

"When conventional universities increasingly embrace ODL, they are, in a very real sense, validating the vision that NOUN embraced long ago. NOUN did not wait for the future to arrive before preparing for it. NOUN saw tomorrow before many others saw it," said Prof. Uduma.

He stressed that NOUN's long-standing experience and established learner-support systems give it a competitive edge in the ODL space, viewing the expansion of ODL across Nigerian universities as an affirmation of NOUN's pioneering role rather than a threat. He asserted that the university is strategically positioned to lead in shaping the future of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.

Prof. Uduma also noted a significant demographic shift within NOUN, with more young Nigerians opting for the institution due to its flexibility and technological orientation. This trend indicates that ODL is increasingly seen as a deliberate choice for ambitious learners seeking quality education in a flexible environment.

To support the new students, the Vice-Chancellor assured them that the university would enhance its learner-support structures, including improved counselling services and the activities of the Student Affairs Deanery aimed at promoting student welfare and engagement. He encouraged the students to actively participate in facilitation classes, complete their Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), utilize the Learning Management System (LMS), and seek assistance when needed.

In addition, he advised the students to cultivate discipline, intellectual curiosity, and integrity, emphasizing that university education should extend beyond mere certificate acquisition to include the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ethical leadership.

Addressing parents and guardians, the Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude for their trust in NOUN, assuring them of the university's commitment to providing an environment that fosters excellence, character development, and lifelong learning. He urged the new students to approach their studies with determination and purpose, noting that their success would contribute to both personal advancement and national development.

During the ceremony, the Registrar of the university, Mr. Oladipo A. Ajayi, administered the matriculating oath to the students via the Zoom platform, reminding them to adhere to the university's rules and regulations to avoid expulsion. The 31st Matriculation Ceremony officially welcomed the 23,885 students into the NOUN community, marking the commencement of their academic journey in Nigeria's foremost dedicated Open and Distance Learning institution.