President Tinubu Calls for NOUN to Transition into Fully Online University

Abuja, Nigeria - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as Visitor to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has urged the institution to evolve into a fully online university, leveraging its expertise in Open and Distance Learning (ODL). The directive was delivered during the 14th Convocation Ceremony of NOUN, held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the university's headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

Representing the President at the event, Dr. Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, Director of University Education in the Ministry of Education, conveyed Tinubu's vision for NOUN to holistically embrace technology in its educational delivery system. The President emphasized the need for the university to "fully leverage cutting-edge digital tools to ensure accessibility, flexibility, and the overall quality of education."

Tinubu expressed his belief that NOUN is poised to spearhead digital learning advancements across Africa, maximizing its potential as a continental hub for ODL. He highlighted NOUN's crucial role in providing lifelong learning opportunities to Nigerians, stating that the institution has lived up to its founding expectations.

To facilitate this transition, President Tinubu announced a directive for the Tertiary Education Fund (TETfund) to provide optic fiber services to NOUN, enhancing its virtual and online learning programs. He further charged other institutions, including NYSC, JAMB, NUC, and NBTE, to align their efforts towards improving the quality of education nationwide.

Acknowledging the Federal Government's commitment to supporting education through information technology, Tinubu affirmed that his administration remains dedicated to strategic interventions that ensure inclusive and technologically-driven education. He noted that numerous universities have already benefited from federal interventions in areas such as fiscal infrastructure and research grants.

The President emphasized that NOUN's transformation can address critical educational challenges in Nigeria, including inadequate access to quality education and high illiteracy rates, particularly in rural areas. This aligns with the broader goals of Nigeria's education system, which aims to equip individuals with essential technological, scientific, vocational, entrepreneurial, and interpersonal skills to drive economic growth and innovation.

“I want to assure you that this administration will provide full support for the project, ensuring that necessary policies, infrastructure, and resources are in place to facilitate a seamless and sustainable transition,” Tinubu stated in his address.

He reiterated the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to uplifting educational standards through strategic interventions aimed at improving quality, access, and affordability.

Concluding his remarks, President Tinubu underscored the vast employment opportunities within the rapidly evolving digital landscape. "In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the information technology sector presents immense employment opportunities waiting to be harnessed. It is imperative that NOUN builds local capacity to take full advantage of these opportunities," he asserted.