PRESIDENT TINUBU INSTRUCTS THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION TO INCORPORATE NOUN GRADUATES INTO NYSC AND LAW SCHOOL

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Visitor to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has announced that he has instructed the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) to develop the necessary procedures for integrating NOUN graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. This directive specifically applies to graduates within the eligible age range as stipulated by the law.

In his address at the university's 13th Convocation Ceremony, held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the convocation arena in Jabi, Abuja, the President emphasized the significance of allowing NOUN graduates to participate in the NYSC scheme, considering the evolving demographics of the nation.

According to Vanguard Newspaper, President Tinubu, who was represented by Dr. Biodun Saliu, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), also revealed the resolution of the longstanding issue regarding the attendance of NOUN law graduates at the Law School. He assured that the doors of the Law School are now open to NOUN graduates, ensuring equal opportunities for all. Any remaining concerns or uncertainties regarding this matter should be promptly addressed by the Federal Ministry of Education.

The President highlighted that the convocation ceremony not only celebrated the academic achievements of the graduates but also emphasized the crucial role of Open and Distance Education (ODL) in the nation's educational landscape. He reiterated his administration's commitment to promoting ODL to enhance access to higher education in the country, emphasizing that the implementation of ODL is key to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In order to enhance quality, accessibility, and affordability, we will continue to pursue these goals. The Federal Ministry of Education and the NUC are committed to creating an enabling environment for the delivery of education in Nigeria, according to Tinubu.

Tinubu expressed his excitement about the university's evolution from its initial purpose of providing education for the working class to now offering education access to the youth population. He acknowledged the challenge faced by many school leavers in securing admissions into conventional universities and emphasized the need for NOUN to increase its admission of young school leavers through enhanced research efforts in technology. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of improving social safety nets for the people.

The president commended NOUN for its role in driving the government's efforts to achieve learning deliverables through ICT. He announced that in the next six months, NOUN will provide access to government functionaries for admission into various ICT programs, particularly the postgraduate programs in ACETEL. He encouraged NOUN to admit qualified government functionaries into these programs, as the government is implementing AI in all its departments to enhance decision-making processes and operational efficiency.

Tinubu also urged the World Bank-sponsored Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL), hosted by NOUN, to conduct research that will improve the use of ICT tools for learning in Nigeria.