Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) stands on equal footing with other Nigerian universities, dismissing claims that it is inferior in any way.
Obasanjo made the statement on Monday at his residence in Abeokuta, while receiving officials from NOUN who visited to confer on him the Alumni Award in recognition of his contributions to the university and his own academic achievements.
Obasanjo, who revived NOUN in April 2001 during his first term in office, also earned a PhD from the institution after his presidency, giving him personal experience with its academic standards.
“I went in, I saw, and I conquered,” Obasanjo said. “Two distinguished lecturers supervised me through my PhD journey — if my own degree isn’t inferior, then no one else’s from NOUN is either.”
The former president emphasized the need for alternative academic pathways to bridge the gap in higher education access in Nigeria. He recalled that for a decade, only the University of Ibadan existed, until the second generation of federal and state universities emerged, followed by private institutions.
Despite this expansion, Obasanjo noted that demand still outpaces supply, making NOUN’s distance learning model a national necessity.
“People said open university education is inferior, but I wasn’t discouraged. I enrolled to experience it myself. NOUN has created new opportunities for Nigerians, especially the working class,” he added.
Obasanjo assured the visiting team of his continued support for the institution’s growth.
Prof. Ganiyat Adesina-Uthman, Director of the Directorate of Advancement and Linkages at NOUN, described the university as a trailblazer in Africa — not only as a federal university but also as the largest open university on the continent.
She appealed to the former president to champion scholarship opportunities for NOUN’s flagship programmes, including:
Entrepreneurship Studies
Criminology and Security Studies
Mass Communication
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
Indigenous Studies
Adesina-Uthman also outlined additional institutional needs, such as a university hospital, a 50-room guest house, a 1,000-capacity auditorium, and enhanced community outreach efforts through customized educational materials and infrastructure support in host communities.
“We are requesting your help in naming rights for our new Advancement and Linkages building, among other legacy projects,” she said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Wilfred Ngwuanyi, Director of the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for African Studies at NOUN, lauded the former president for his intellectual discipline and enduring commitment to African development.
He sought Obasanjo’s assistance in facilitating collaborations between the Centre and key institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Chinese Embassy, including the establishment of a Chinese Cultural Centre.
As NOUN continues to expand its reach and relevance, Obasanjo’s endorsement stands as a powerful testament to the institution’s credibility and potential in redefining higher education across Nigeria and beyond.
