The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NOUN

  • NOUN awards degrees to six Kuje inmates

    NOUN awards degrees to six Kuje inmates

     The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has presented degree certificates to six inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja.

    Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Controller General, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Sylvester Nwakuche commended the graduates for their resilience and determination.

    In a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Samson Duza, on Tuesday in Abuja, Nwakuche said that they graduates pursued various NOUN programmes while in custody.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inmates received degrees in different disciplines, including two Master’s Degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.

    Others are four Bachelor’s Degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Criminology, and Security Studies.

    The event underscored NOUN’s commitment to inclusive and accessible education, as well as the NCoS focus on rehabilitation and successful reintegration of inmates into society.

    Nwakuche who was represented by the Deputy Controller General (DCG), Dr Amos Kupan, said education transforms lives, builds capacity and demonstrates that incarceration was not a dead end but an opportunity for growth and reintegration.

    “The Service will continue to foster skills and educational opportunities that prepare inmates for lawful livelihoods and a better future after release.

    In his welcome address, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, congratulated the graduates on their achievement, urging them to be good ambassadors of the custodial centre.

    He advised them to use their certificates to improve their lives upon discharge and not allow anyone look down on them, while also encouraging them to pursue further education to build on their success.

    Representing the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, the Director of the NOUN Special Study Centre, Dr Francis Enobore, appreciated the Service for 13 years of partnership in educational development.

    Enobore, who doubled as a retired Controller of Corrections (CC), described the programme as a pathway of hope, adding that NOUN would continue to empower inmates towards dignity and effective re-entry into society.

    He noted that NOUN’s open and distance learning model enabled even the marginalised to access education, stressing that the graduates were proof that learning heals, equips and restores dignity.

    Enobore added that the university would expand such partnerships to reach more inmates across custodial centres.

    Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Abba Kyari expressed gratitude to the NCoS Controller General, officers and men of the Kuje Custodial Centre, as well as the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN and the university’s management, for the opportunity to learn while in custody.

    He said that the learning experience restored their sense of purpose, noting that their years in custody were not wasted and that the knowledge acquired would be useful for the rest of their lives.

    Highpoints of the event were counselling sessions on re-entry, skill development and community reintegration, as the inmates pledged to model positive change and contribute meaningfully to society upon release.

    (NAN)

  • 14 interesting facts that stand NOUN out of conventional varsities

    14 interesting facts that stand NOUN out of conventional varsities

    • Ayodeji Adebowale

    1. Nigeria’s Only Single-Mode Open and Distance Learning University: NOUN is the only university in Nigeria dedicated exclusively to Open and Distance Learning (ODL), allowing students to learn flexibly without attending regular on-campus lectures.

    2. No Academic Strike Ever: Thanks to its flexible and non-residential structure, NOUN has never gone on strike meaning classes, exams, and graduations continue smoothly even when other universities are shut down.

    3. Study Anytime, Anywhere: Students can study from anywhere in Nigeria or even abroad using NOUN’s online platforms, printed modules, and multimedia resources. It’s education that fits your lifestyle!

    4. 100% Digitally Driven: NOUN is one of Nigeria’s first fully digitized universities registration, course materials, assignments, and even examinations are conducted online through the NOUN e-Learning portal.

    5. No Hostel or Campus Accommodation: Unlike conventional universities, NOUN students don’t live on campus. This significantly reduces living costs and promotes independence and self-discipline.

    6. Self-Paced Learning: Students progress at their own pace meaning you can finish your program faster or slower, depending on your personal schedule and level of commitment.

    7. Over 100 Study Centres Nationwide: NOUN has study centres in every state of Nigeria, ensuring university education reaches even the most remote and underserved communities.

    8. Designed for Working Adults: It’s the ideal university for professionals, parents, and entrepreneurs who wish to further their education without leaving their jobs, businesses, or families.

    9. First in Africa to Join the OER Movement: NOUN is among the first African universities to adopt Open Educational Resources (OER) providing free and accessible learning materials for students and the general public.

    10. Flexible Admission and Learning Structure: Admission into NOUN is open all year round. You can apply at any time and begin studies at your convenience no strict academic calendar or UTME restriction.

    Read Also: Niger raises teachers’ retirement age to 65, announces N20,000 wage award

    11. Multimedia Learning Experience: NOUN offers a diverse learning mix from radio and television broadcasts to online lectures and printed study guides catering to different learning styles and preferences.

    12. Produces Leaders from All Walks of Life: From military officers and civil servants to clergy, artists, and entrepreneurs, NOUN graduates are shining examples of how education can fit around one’s career and lifestyle.

    13. Easy and Transparent Payment System: All payments including admission, registration, and course fees are made safely online through the NOUN Remita payment platform, ensuring accountability and convenience. Students can pay in instalments and confirm payments immediately on the university portal.

    14. Instant Admission Status Confirmation: After applying online, candidates can check their admission status instantly via the NOUN portal. Once admitted, they can immediately proceed with fee payment and course registration without waiting for lengthy admission lists

  • FG grants patent rights to NOUN researchers for ground-breaking inventions

    FG grants patent rights to NOUN researchers for ground-breaking inventions

    Some academic staff of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) have been awarded patent rights by the Federal Government in recognition of their research and innovations.

    In a statement signed by the university’s Director of Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Sheme, NOUN said the patents highlight its growing reputation as a hub for solution-driven education.

    Leading the awardees is Dr. Musa Runde of the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, who, in collaboration with colleagues across different faculties and institutions, secured two separate patents.

    One of the inventions, a Haeme Detector for Postpartum Haemorrhage Patients, was developed by Dr. Runde alongside Dr. Adaobi Mac-Ozigbo (Business Administration), Dr. Oyewole Oyelami Abiodun (Mathematics), and Mrs. Eunice Olokona Opeyemi (Nursing Sciences).

    The device is designed to aid in the rapid detection and management of postpartum haemorrhage — a leading cause of maternal mortality — and has the potential to significantly reduce preventable maternal deaths in Nigeria and beyond.

     “The second patent is Method for the Extraction of Essential Oils Using Steam Extractor Coupled with Highly Efficient Cooling System Patent awarded to Dr. Musa Runde (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science), Dr. Akeem B. Disu (Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science), Prof. Monioluwa Olaniyi (Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science), Dr. Gimba Usman (Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science), and Dr. Oria Vincent (National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State).

    “This innovation presents an advanced technique for extracting essential oils through a steam extractor integrated with a highly efficient cooling system.

    “With applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the food industry, the invention offers a cost-effective and sustainable approach to essential oil production,” the statement said.

    The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, expressed delight at the development, describing it as a major step in the university’s drive to promote research with tangible impact on society.

    He requested that the patents be properly archived for institutional reference and future use.

    Read Also: Onome Ebi announces retirement from football at 42

    Peters commended the ingenuity and collaborative spirit of the inventors, noting that such achievements highlight the NOUN’s role in shaping the future of scientific research and development in Nigeria.

    He stressed the management’s commitment to supporting research that addresses pressing societal needs, while encouraging other staff and students to emulate this exemplary stride in innovation.

    “These patents are not just a win for NOUN; they are a contribution to national development and a demonstration of how academia can respond to real-world challenges with practical solutions,” he said.

    “With these patents, NOUN continues to reinforce its standing as a forward-looking institution dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and societal impact,” the statement added.

  • NOUN Alumni float scholarship for undergraduate, postgraduate students

    NOUN Alumni float scholarship for undergraduate, postgraduate students

    The National Open University of Nigeria Alumni Association (NOUNAA) has launched a scholarship programme that will allow new students both for the undergraduate and postgraduate studies the opportunity to get a N50,000 grant to aid their tuition fee in the university.

    According to the association, the scholarship is open to any student irrespective of state or location who gets admitted to NOUN.

    The President of NOUNAA, Amb. Ifeanyi Kingsley Obukwelu, who disclosed this after the launch of the scholarship and awareness campaign in selected areas in Abuja on Thursday, said the scholarship scheme is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s zero tolerance for single Nigerian to remain illiterate.

    He said: “This campaign is not just a scholarship programme – it is a strategic movement, a bold statement, and a reaffirmation of our belief in the power of accessible education. It is designed to bridge financial gaps, eliminate entry barriers, and inspire a new generation of learners across Nigeria to choose the National Open University of Nigeria as their launchpad to greatness.”

    According to him, the initiative is not just about giving away scholarships, but an integral part of the broader advocacy drive of the association under his leadership.

    He added: “One of the cornerstones of our strategic vision is advancing the visibility, credibility, and public acceptance of the NOUN brand. For too long, distance learning has faced unjust scepticism. I make bold to say that NOUN graduates have continually broken barriers in government, business, education, technology, and the creative industries. It is time we tell that story loud and clear. And what better way than to invest in future scholars who will amplify this impact?”

    Obukwelu, however, noted that the N50,000-scholarship target is not arbitrary but symbolises hope and a massive stride toward building a knowledgeable, skilled, and inclusive Nigeria.

    He said the scholarship was powered by the NOUN Alumni who have experienced the transformative power of NOUN education firsthand, and now, they are giving back, creating access, and rewriting the narrative for the next generation.

    He said: “To every prospective student out there: If you’ve ever dreamt of higher education, if financial barriers held you back, if you need flexibility without compromising quality—this is your moment. Scan the code on our website, Apply. Get admitted. You could be one of the many receiving a N50,000 scholarship to kickstart your journey.”

    The President also commended his predecessors for doing well and setting the tone for them to follow.

    Obukwelu added that his exco continued with some of the projects of his predecessor and as a result completed a water project in their Alumni Village in Kuje – a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory.

  • Lawmaker lauds NOUN management for recognising students’ body

    Lawmaker lauds NOUN management for recognising students’ body

    The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has taken a significant step towards improving student welfare with the establishment of a Student Welfare Board under the leadership of the Vice – Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters.

    The newly created board is tasked with addressing the needs and overall well-being of students, marking a major milestone in the university’s efforts to enhance the student experience.

    One of the board’s first major action was the formal recognition and adoption of the Congress of NOUN Students (CONS), a national student association founded at the Ilorin Study Centre.

    The adoption of CONS is widely seen as long overdue, given its pivotal role in promoting student welfare and leadership within the university community.

    The move has been met with widespread praise from prominent alumni, including Rukayat Shittu, Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker and former Senate President of CONS.

    In a statement, Shittu described the development as a “remarkable step forward” and credited CONS for shaping her leadership journey.

    “I am proud to associate with this forward-looking initiative. When I was invited to the school after my victory at the poll in 2023, I shared with the university the impact of CONS in training and shaping my perception about leadership. I encouraged them to see CONS as their baby that ought to be embraced rather than cast aside. It is gratifying to see this vision materialise.”

    Read Also: Cascador and Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Announce Strategic Partnership to Empower Nigerian Entrepreneurs

    Shittu also recognised the contribution of CONS’s founding leader, Ambassador Abdulrazaq Hamzat, who is currently the Executive Director of the peacebuilding think tank Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro).

    She applauded the dedication of the current CONS leadership under Comrade Newland, as well as the efforts of previous leaders including Lurd Bouch, Comrade Shakirudeen, Comrade Tijani, and Comrade Pelumi for sustaining the organisation over the years.

    “Their capacity for leadership, organisational strength, discipline, and persistence have kept the Congress alive and relevant. It is a testament to the strength of student leadership at NOUN,” she added.

    In addition to commending the adoption of CONS, Shittu made a passionate appeal to the university management to pardon expelled CONS leaders and issue them their certificates, describing them as “heroes whose selfless sacrifices and commitment to the betterment of NOUN have inspired countless students.”

    She added: “This is an opportunity to heal from past misgivings and forge a united path forward. honouring them will set the foundation for a new beginning, where collective progress and unity will define the future of our great institution.”

    The adoption of CONS and the creation of the Student Welfare Board are expected to strengthen student representation and engagement within NOUN, fostering a more vibrant and inclusive academic community.

  • Lalong commissions NOUN study centre inWase, stresses need to strengthen education

    Lalong commissions NOUN study centre inWase, stresses need to strengthen education

    Former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Bako Lalong, has performed the official commissioning of the National Open University Study Centre Wase, Plateau State, a federal project conceived and attracted by the former Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase.

    While performing the event, Senator Lalong appreciated President Tinubu and the Ministry of Education for making sure the collaboration with the National Assembly yielded a positive result.

    Read Also: Task Govs to take responsibilities seriously, Tinubu tells Nigerians

    He stressed the need to strengthen education and give Nigerians, particularly from the rural areas, an opportunity to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance.

    Lalong praised the former Deputy Speaker Wase for attracting the project and ensuring that it is completed.

    He said he was proud of Wase who, apart from giving him support during his tenure as governor, continues to push for the interests of the State as well as making the achievements of the APC stand out.

    Lalong said the study centre will give the marginalised, and even those who are willing to acquire additional education an opportunity to do so with ease.

  • NOUN partners group on childcare, education

    NOUN partners group on childcare, education

    Authorities of Super Nannies Nigeria and National Open University of Nigeria have pledged to lift the nation’s education sector, especially in transforming childcare.

    The partnership, they said, would enable them to provide an enhanced learning experience for the children.

    This partnership, according to them, would bring together the unique strength of the organisations towards driving innovation and delivering unparalleled values to learners.

    Read Also:JUST IN: INEC declares Dogonyaro’s seat vacant, to announce date for by-election

    Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and emphasised the university’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in education.

    In a statement by the spokesperson of Super Nannies Nigeria, Mrs. Chika Nwuche, the collaboration of these two organisations is aimed at introducing a new era of possibilities that will set standards for excellence in the childcare industry.

    “NOUN is a leading provider of distance education in Nigeria, known for their innovative solutions and exceptional teaching methods. By combining their expertise with Super-nannies professional childcare programme, we are confident that our learners will benefit from a more comprehensive and seamless learning experience,” said Nwuche.

    According to her, “This partnership aims to enhance the care-giving profession, empowering Nigerians to embrace the role of caregivers while ensuring children receive educated and trained caregivers.

  • VC to students: Use your expertise for development

    VC to students: Use your expertise for development

    The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, Olufemi Peters, has told graduating students of the African Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) to utilise their digital expertise to drive development in their respective countries.

    Speaking ahead of the 13th convocation of the university on Saturday, Peters said: “I
    expect these graduates from Nigeria and other African nations, now equipped with digital expertise, to spearhead developmental initiatives, especially in the realm of technology for education.”

    Peters announced that the institution was set to graduate six PhD students, with ACETEL making a significant contribution of four to this cohort.

    He commended the Centre’s remarkable growth within its five-year existence, citing it as a testament to its resilience and unwavering dedication.

    Read Also: NOUN reschedules investiture of Oba of Benin to Saturday

    He said: “I commend the Centre for producing such a notable number of PhD scholars within a short span of five years. Additionally, we have eleven MSc students graduating. These scholars are specialising in high-demand courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Management Information Systems.

    “These programmes are on the rise,
    attracting a considerable number of students. We anticipate further growth as we demonstrate our commitment to providing quality education remotely.”

    Peters underscored the pivotal role of ACETEL’s digital infrastructure in supporting the university’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system.

    He said: “The digital infrastructure facilitated by the Centre is integral to our ODL delivery. It plays a crucial role in providing accessible and high quality education to our diverse student body.”

    Assuring continued support beyond World Bank funding, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged ACETEL’s role in garnering international recognition for the university.

    He hailed the partnerships and collaborations established with national and international institutions, emphasising their significance for future endeavours.

    The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the graduating students on their achievements and urged them to remain good ambassadors of the university.

  • NOUN to award degrees to 22,175 students

    NOUN to award degrees to 22,175 students

    National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) would award various degree certificates to 22,175 undergraduate and postgraduate students on Saturday.

    Six students would be graduating with Doctor of Philosophy certificates (PhDs).

    Of the 22, 175 students, the university would be awarding 22 students with First Class degrees.

    The Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof Olufemi Peters disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a press briefing ahead of the 13th convocation ceremony of the university scheduled for Saturday.

    Peters said: “This year, the total number of graduates that we have is 22,175 students across our various campuses.

    “Of this number, 15,798 are for undergraduate degrees while 6,407 are for postgraduate degrees. All the faculties have representation of undergraduates with the faculty of social sciences having the largest number of graduands.

    “Out of this undergraduate, we have 22 of them with First Class, about 1,886 with Second Class Upper, about 8,427 with Second Class Lower, and about 3,782 with Third Class and a few pass.

    “For the postgraduates, we have postgraduate diplomas in various fields like agriculture, art, education, management sciences, and social sciences, totaling 2,362, and for the masters, we have 4039 who will be graduating with masters degrees.

    “I’m happy to report that we have six PhD graduates, which is an indication that the university is gradually moving towards establishing a more robust postgraduate school.”

    Read Also: NOUN reschedules investiture of Oba of Benin to Saturday

    On some of the activities lined up for the convocation, Prof. Peters said the investiture of the new Chancellor of NOUN, Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’ Akpolokpolo Ewuare 11, will take place on Thursday.

    While commending President Bola Tinubu for appointing the Benin monarch as Chancellor, Prof. Peters said the highly respected traditional ruler would also be conferred with an honorary doctorate degree.

    Speaking further, the Vice Chancellor said two eminent Nigerians; Founder of Innoson Motors, Innocent Chukwuma and Hajia Hafsatu Abdulwaheed, would be conferred with honorary doctorate degrees.

    He said while Chukwuma will get a Doctor of Business Administration for his enterprise and massive contribution to local content, Hafsatu will be awarded a Doctor of Letters for promoting girl – child education and using literacy to break the cycle of poverty.

    “These two awardees reflect the core value of NOUN, which is entrepreneur ingenuity and knowledge-based content creativity,” the VC said.

    On the convocation lecture scheduled for Friday, Prof. Peters said the Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Tanzania (OUT), Prof. Elifas Bisanda, will deliver the lecture titled ‘Is western education still relevant for Africa?’

    The NOUN VC also listed various achievements recorded by the university within the last year, which include the massive deployment of technology in the delivery of lectures in the 120 study centres across the country, among others.

  • NOUN unveils Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for African studies

    The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has unveiled its newly redesigned Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for African Studies (OOCAS).

    Mr Ibrahim Sheme, Director, Media and Publicity, NOUN, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.

    Sheme said during the unveiling, the Vice-Chancellor, NOUN, Prof. Abdalla Adamu, said the institution would continue to make efforts at ensuring that it remained among the topmost educational institutions engaged in cutting-edge research.

    Adamu said the centre, formerly known as the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Good Governance, was redesigned to widen its scope to meet with happenings in the contemporary society.

    He added that it was also  redesigned  with a view to creating more avenues to research more on Africa as a whole.

    READ ALSO: NOUN gets new Deputy Vice-Chancellor

    Adamu said the centre was open to collaboration with local and international scholars willing to dissect Africa, towards the goal of producing cutting-edge research that would showcase the African story.

    Prof. Stanley  Ngoa, Director, OOCAS, revealed that the centre had  already swung into action, with various collaborations with research bodies within and outside the country.

    Ngoa said the key areas of focus for the OOCAS included African Leadership and Development, Food Security and Agricultural Research, Health in Rural Nigeria; Infant and Maternal Mortality, among others.

    He said those involved in the centre included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom the centre was named after;  veteran journalist, Mr. Ray Ekpu and a former Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman.

    Others are Professor Baz Dreisinger, the founder of the Prison to College Pipeline in the United States, Prof. Toyin Falola, a reputable authority on African Studies, as well as other reputable scholars in different fields of endeavour.

    According to Ngoa, a website for the centre will soon be launched.