FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is on par with other universities in the country.
He made this assertion on Monday while receiving a delegation from the institution, which paid him a courtesy visit and presented him with an alumni award.
Obasanjo, who holds a PhD from NOUN, emphasized that his first-hand experience with the university’s academic standards reinforced his confidence in its quality.
He recalled that Nigeria initially had only the University of Ibadan for a decade before the emergence of federal, state, and private institutions.
Despite these expansions, he noted a persistent gap in university education, prompting the establishment of NOUN to provide accessible learning for working professionals and distance learners.
“Even with existing universities, demand still outstripped capacity, necessitating the creation of NOUN to expand opportunities,” Obasanjo stated. “Some claimed open universities were inferior, but I enrolled to see for myself—and I was convinced otherwise. My PhD, supervised by distinguished academics, is no less credible than those from conventional institutions.”
He further highlighted NOUN’s growth, with over 500,000 students, and pledged continued support for the university.
Prof. Ganiyat Adesina-Uthman, Director of NOUN’s Directorate of Advancement and Linkages, described the institution as a vital asset for Nigeria and Africa, being the largest open university on the continent.
She outlined its role in advancing human capital development and appealed for Obasanjo’s assistance in funding scholarships, infrastructure, and community projects, including a proposed university hospital and auditorium.
Additionally, Prof. Wilfred Ngwuanyi, Director of the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for African Studies at NOUN, praised the former president’s advocacy for African self-reliance and sought his support for collaborations with the EFCC and the Chinese Embassy.
The event concluded with Obasanjo being honoured as an alumni member of NOUN. (NAN)
