The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has admitted 23,885 new students into various academic programmes, with its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, declaring that Open and Distance Learning (ODL) represents the future of higher education.
Uduma made the declaration on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, during the university’s 31st Matriculation Ceremony, held virtually across its study centres nationwide.
In a statement signed by Omotola Ojudu, Acting Media and Publicity, NOUN, the Vice-Chancellor said the growing adoption of ODL by conventional universities, alongside the increasing number of young Nigerians deliberately opting for NOUN, indicated that higher education was moving towards greater flexibility, accessibility, technology-driven learning and learner autonomy.
He said NOUN was founded on the principle that geographical location, time, employment, family responsibilities and other barriers should not prevent Nigerians from accessing quality university education.
Uduma reaffirmed the university’s commitment to expanding access to higher education while ensuring that academic standards are maintained.
The newly matriculated students comprise 17,471 undergraduates, 1,967 Postgraduate Diploma students, 4,333 Master’s students, 10 MPhil/PhD students and 104 PhD candidates.
Congratulating the students, the Vice-Chancellor described their admission into NOUN as both an opportunity and a responsibility, urging them to pursue knowledge, competence, character and integrity throughout their academic journey.
He said the changing landscape of higher education in Nigeria had seen many conventional universities increasingly embrace Open, Distance and e-Learning through the establishment of Distance Learning Centres and dual-mode academic systems.
According to him, this development had validated the vision upon which NOUN was founded decades ago.
“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,” he said.
Uduma stressed that while other institutions were now entering the ODL space, NOUN had the advantage of decades of experience, established learner-support systems and institutional expertise in delivering quality education across geographical and social boundaries.
He maintained that the expansion of ODL across Nigeria’s university system should be viewed as an affirmation of NOUN’s pioneering role rather than a threat, adding that the university was strategically positioned to provide leadership in shaping the future of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.
He also drew attention to a significant demographic shift within NOUN, noting that more young Nigerians were choosing the institution because of its flexibility, technological orientation and capacity to accommodate learning alongside work and other life commitments.
He said the trend showed that ODL was no longer being viewed simply as an alternative route to higher education, but was increasingly becoming a deliberate choice for ambitious learners seeking quality education within a flexible learning environment.
Uduma assured the students that the university would continue to strengthen its learner-support structures through improved counselling services, enhanced information and call-support systems, as well as the activities of the Student Affairs Deanery established to promote student welfare and engagement.
He urged the matriculating students to maximise the opportunities available to them by participating actively in facilitation classes, completing their Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), using the Learning Management System (LMS) and seeking assistance whenever necessary.
The Vice-Chancellor also advised the students to cultivate discipline, intellectual curiosity and integrity, stressing that university education should go beyond obtaining certificates to developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills and ethical leadership.
Addressing parents and guardians, Uduma appreciated them for the confidence reposed in NOUN and assured them of the university’s commitment to providing an academic environment that promotes excellence, character development and lifelong learning.
He urged the new students to approach their studies with determination and a clear sense of purpose, noting that their success would contribute not only to their personal advancement but also to national development.
Meanwhile, the Registrar of the university, Mr Oladipo A. Ajayi, administered the matriculating oath to the students via the Zoom platform, urging them to abide by all the university’s rules and regulations to avoid expulsion.
The 31st Matriculation Ceremony formally welcomed the 23,885 students into the NOUN community, marking the beginning of their academic journey in Nigeria’s foremost dedicated Open and Distance Learning institution.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
