The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Abdullahi Ribadu, has announced plans to engage the National Youth Service Corps to enable graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria to participate in the national service programme.
Ribadu made this known in Abuja during NOUN’s 15th convocation ceremony, where 24,575 students were awarded degrees across various disciplines. Representing Bola Tinubu at the event, he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reviewing existing NYSC policies to accommodate eligible graduates from open and distance learning institutions.
He explained that the NUC would work with the NYSC to adjust current frameworks in response to evolving trends in higher education, particularly the increasing number of younger graduates emerging from non-traditional learning systems.
According to Ribadu, the dynamics have shifted significantly. Unlike in the past, when most graduates were above 30 years, there is now a growing population of younger graduates—many below the age threshold—who should be considered for national service. He assured stakeholders that efforts would be made to implement necessary policy changes.
The NUC boss also highlighted the critical role of open and distance learning in bridging Nigeria’s widening access gap in higher education. He commended NOUN for its consistency in providing flexible academic opportunities to diverse groups, including working professionals, security personnel, civil servants, entrepreneurs, women managing family responsibilities, and even inmates in correctional facilities.
Describing the institution as a key player in Nigeria’s education system, Ribadu noted that NOUN has grown into one of Africa’s largest open universities, with over 500,000 students enrolled nationwide. He said this reflects the immense potential of alternative learning systems to complement conventional universities while maintaining strong academic standards.
He further reiterated the government’s plan to transform NOUN into a globally competitive digital university in line with international best practices.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Uduma Oji Uduma, detailed the composition of the graduating class. Out of the 24,575 graduands, 17,474 earned undergraduate degrees, 1,788 obtained postgraduate diplomas, 5,282 received master’s degrees, and 31 were awarded doctoral degrees.
Breaking down undergraduate performance, he revealed that 57 students graduated with First Class Honours, 2,505 with Second Class Upper Division, 8,541 with Second Class Lower Division, 4,149 with Third Class, and 234 with Pass degrees.
Uduma described the milestone as a testament to the resilience, discipline, and perseverance of the graduates. He also emphasized the inclusion of correctional facility inmates, noting that it demonstrates the transformative power of education in rehabilitation and social reintegration.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of the university and Ewuare II called for increased government funding to enhance NOUN’s infrastructure and digital capabilities. He stressed that such investments are vital for national development.
The monarch also expressed concern over existing restrictions preventing qualified NOUN graduates from participating in the NYSC scheme, urging authorities to ensure equal opportunities for all graduates regardless of their mode of study.
He commended the determination of the graduating students and reaffirmed his continued support for the growth and advancement of the institution, describing NOUN as a vital pillar in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
