Feyisayo Ogunbiyi |l
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is not inferior to conventional universities, insisting that the institution plays a critical role in addressing Nigeria’s educational needs.
Obasanjo, who made this assertion on Monday while receiving an award as NOUN’s first alumnus, emphasized the importance of distance learning in a developing country like Nigeria, where millions are still unable to access traditional tertiary education.
Speaking at the university’s headquarters, Obasanjo, the founder of NOUN, reflected on the evolution of Nigeria’s university system, noting that the expansion of universities over the years has still not adequately closed the education gap.
“In 1948, the University of Ibadan was the only university in Nigeria. For almost a decade, there was no other. Then came the second-generation universities like Nsukka and Ahmadu Bello, followed by federal, state, and private universities,” he said.
“Yet, despite all that, we still couldn’t meet demand. The gap was still wide. That was why I insisted on the necessity of an open university.”
Obasanjo, who earned a degree from NOUN after leaving office, dismissed criticisms suggesting the institution is substandard, stating that its flexibility and accessibility make it a unique solution for many Nigerians—particularly the working class.
“NOUN has made education accessible to people who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity. Some people tried to undermine its credibility, but I wasn’t discouraged. I came, I saw, and I conquered,” he said.
“NOUN has come to stay. At a point, our student population exceeded half a million, and the numbers continue to grow.”
The event also featured a presentation of strategic plans by the university’s top officials, including the Director of Advancement and Linkages (DAL), Prof. Ganiat Adesina-Uthman, and the Director of the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for African Studies (OOCAS), Prof. Wilfred Ngwuanyi.
Prof. Adesina-Uthman unveiled the DAL 2025 roadmap, which includes the establishment of an Endowment Fund to support the institution’s long-term sustainability.
“One of the major highlights of our 2025 plan is the creation of an Endowment Fund—something that is long overdue. We intend to begin by engaging distinguished alumni like Your Excellency, as well as philanthropists, to support legacy projects,” she said.
Similarly, Prof. Ngwuanyi outlined the achievements of OOCAS and sought Obasanjo’s support in securing collaborations and recognition for the centre.
“We humbly request your assistance in facilitating strategic collaborations with the Chinese Embassy, ECOWAS, and the African Union. We also seek recognition as a TETFUND Centre of Excellence and support for research and institutional development,” he said.
In response, Obasanjo endorsed the development plans and advised the university to pursue its goals with strategic focus and stakeholder engagement.
“I support all that has been said. But we must take these things in order of priority. Understand the interests of those you’re approaching before seeking their support,” he advised.
The ceremony concluded with a special plaque presented to Obasanjo, honouring his enduring contributions to the growth and recognition of open and distance learning in Nigeria.
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