Professor Olufemi Peters, Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has urged the university’s freshmen to display exceptional conduct as they begin their academic careers with the institution.
Speaking at the 25th Matriculation Ceremony for the university’s students held in Abuja on Friday, Peters said: “Many people will be interested in your academic performance and character. I implore you, therefore, to be good and worthy ambassadors of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).”
The ceremony, which welcomed 18,679 students from NOUN’s eight faculties, was virtually broadcast throughout the university’s 114 study centres across the country.
The vice chancellor gave the students his word that “we’ll strive to keep providing you with a fulfilling educational experience and make sure you grow into deserving representatives of our great university. Our job is to get you ready for the difficult world we live in now and in the future.
“I am looking forward to congratulating you upon the completion of your studies when you will join other successful colleagues at convocation for the award of certificates and prizes, which is your reward and evidence of preparedness to surmount challenges of life beyond our walls, both virtual and physical.”
Ibrahim Sheme, NOUN’s director of media and publicity, said on Friday that the Vice-Chancellor noted that every new student, as well as his or her family, friends, stakeholders, and dependents, wishes the aforementioned.
See Also: Parents Protest Against UNILAG’s Order That Students Resume With Mattresses
He continued, “In fact, this is also what our nation, Nigeria, needs to rise and achieve its place of grandeur in the international and competitive world of today and tomorrow.”
Of the matriculated students, 13,477 chose to pursue undergraduate degrees, 5,171 chose to pursue postgraduate degrees, and 31 chose to pursue PhD degrees. They will become a part of the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) community, which includes over 150,000 students spread out among 114 study centres located throughout Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.
According to Peters, who was discussing the advantages of the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system of education, “ODL enables one to learn at your choice of place and pace, regardless of social or religious status and other engagements, such as a vocation or employment.
“It does call for you to carve out the time and exercise the self-control necessary for extensive self-study. It differs significantly from a traditional university system where you are required to consistently attend lectures in a classroom or auditorium.”
Meanwhile, the university’s registrar, Mr. Oladipo A. Ajayi, gave the students the matriculation oath.