President Tinubu has instructed the Federal Ministry of Education to develop necessary procedures for incorporating National Open University (NOUN) graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) framework, especially those within the service age range, as permitted by law.
The president issued the directive during his address at the 13th convocation ceremony of the university on Saturday, April 13, 2024, held at the University’s Convocation Arena, Jabi, Abuja.
Represented by Biodun Saliu, Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), President Tinubu also revealed the resolution of the longstanding issue concerning the admission of NOUN law graduates to law schools in the country.
“With the changing demographics of our great nation, the government has recognized the importance of allowing NOUN graduates to participate in the NYSC scheme.”
The president emphasized that the event not only celebrated the academic achievements of the graduates but also underscored the pivotal role that Open and Distance Education (ODL) plays in shaping the nation’s educational landscape.
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing ODL to broaden access to higher education nationwide, stressing that leveraging ODL is crucial for meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We will continue to do this to enhance quality, access, and affordability.”
“Government is, therefore, committed through the Federal Ministry of Education and the NUC to provide the conducive atmosphere to ensure effective delivery of this mode of education in Nigeria,” Tinubu added.
He acknowledged the challenge that many prospective students encounter in securing admission to conventional universities and underscored the need for increased technological research at NOUN to accommodate more young individuals seeking education and improve social safety nets for the populace.
The president expressed satisfaction that NOUN has become a central entity in advancing the government’s commitment to achieving educational objectives through ICT.
