Renewed push on mobilisation of NOUN graduates for NYSC scheme

The Federal Government has said it is fully transforming the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) into an international competitive online university, even as the push for the inclusion of NOUN graduates in the National Youth Service Corps scheme

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made this known in a message to the 15th convocation of the university held at the weekend April 18, 2026.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Natuonal universities Commission Professor Abdullahi Ribadu said government was also expanding access , improving quality and strengthening infrastructure and integrating technology to Teaching and learning.

The Chancellor of the National open university of Nigeria, His Royal majesty, omo N’ Oba N’Edo, Uku okpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare, oba of Benin, called on the Federal Government to increase sustained intervention funding for the University.

“It is therefore incumbent upon me, in my capacity as Chancellor, to respectfully call the attention of the Federal Government to the imperative of dedicated and sustained intervention funding for this University. If we are to fully harness its strategic importance, then its physical and technological infrastructure must be commensurate with its national mandate”

His majesty also appealed for inclusion of NOUN graduates in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.

“I therefore most earnestly urge the appropriate authorities to remove all impediments preventing eligible graduates of this University from participating fully in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.

“Equity and justice demand that no graduate of a duly recognised Nigerian university should suffer disadvantage on account of the mode through which their education was delivered”.Educational Resources

The Vice Chancellor of the institution Prof Uduma Uduma said the university has continued to invest strategically in technology as the backbone of its Open and Distance Learning mandate. But appealed for more support.

As we look ahead, we seek continued partnership in strengthening our ICT resources, expanding our data centre capacity, procuring additional computer systems for collaborations with Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and supporting our role in hosting Computer-Based Tests for national bodies es such as JAMB and NECO across our Study Centres.

NOUN’s research enterprise has recorded remarkable progress, reflecting a deliberate commitment to scholarly excellence and global competitiveness”

Professor Uduma Oji Uduma gave a breakdown of the number of the graduating students.

“At this 15th Convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria, a total of 24,575 graduands are being awarded various qualifications of this great University. This includes 17,474 undergraduate degrees, 1,788 postgraduate diplomas, 5,282 master’s degrees, and 31 doctoral degrees. These numbers are precise in arithmetic, yet expansive in implication. “

Some graduating students advised student to study hard if they hope to excel.