President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Education to include the National Open University graduates to the National Youth Service Corps scheme, particularly those within the service age bracket, as stipulated by the law.
Tinubu gave this directive during his presentation at the 13th convocation ceremony of the university on Saturday, April 13, 2024. at the University’s Convocation Arena, Jabi, Abuja.
Tinubu, who was represented by Biodun Saliu, Deputy Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Biodun Saliu, equally noted that the resolution of the longstanding issue regarding the admittance of NOUN law graduates to law schools in the country.
“With the changing demographics of our great nation, the government has recognised the importance of allowing NOUN graduates to participate in the NYSC scheme.
“The doors of the Law School are now open to the graduates, ensuring equal opportunities for all. Any remaining concerns or uncertainties should be promptly addressed by the Federal Ministry of Education,” he said.
Noting that the gathering was not just a celebration of the graduates’ academic successes, the president said it also explained significant role that Open and Distance Education has in shaping the nation’s educational framework.
He then emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing ODL to expand access to higher education across the nation, noting that the utilization of ODL is essential for meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
“We will continue to do this in order to improve quality, access and affordability.
“Government is, therefore, committed through the Federal Ministry of Education and the NUC to provide the enabling environment to ensure a good delivery of this mode of education in Nigeria,” Tinubu added.
The president did not hide his excitement over the evolution of the university, initially envisioned as an educational platform for the working class, which has now expanded to serve the growing needs of the youthful population.
He recognized the challenge that many school leavers face in gaining admission to traditional universities and emphasized the necessity for enhanced research in technology at NOUN to accommodate more young school leavers and improve social safety nets for the people.
Tinubu stated that NOUN has become a central figure in advancing the government’s commitment to achieving educational goals through ICT.
He disclosed that within the next six months, NOUN will start providing access to government officials for enrollment in various ICT programs, particularly postgraduate courses at the African Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning.
The president enjoined NOUN to admit qualified government functionaries into its postgraduate programs offered by the Centre of Excellence, as the government is undertaking a transformative journey incorporating Artificial Intelligence across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to boost decision-making and operational efficiency.
Tinubu equally tasked the World Bank-sponsored ACETEL, hosted by NOUN, to focus on research that will improve the use of ICT tools for enhanced learning outcomes in the country.
