The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, has implored new students to uphold the values of academic integrity, hard work, and excellence as they undertake their academic activities with the institution.
Peters spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the university’s 28th matriculation ceremony, where 25,342 students matriculated across nine faculties.
Of the figure, 18,698 were admitted for various undergraduate degree programmes and 6,564 for postgraduate programmes, including doctoral students.
In his speech, Peters urged the freshers to build positive networks and healthy relationships while shunning vices that would distract them from their academic pursuits.
He said: “Your journey at NOUN is not just about earning a degree, it is about transforming yourself into well-rounded, innovative and resourceful individuals.
“Take full advantage of the flexible learning opportunities to pursue your academic and personal goals. Remember, the discipline and resilience you develop here will not only serve you during your time at NOUN, but throughout your career and life.”
According to a press statement by Ibrahim Sheme, the Director of Media and Publicity, NOUN, the VC emphasised that the ODL mode of education is not inferior to the conventional brick-and-mortar system, stressing that evidence abounds of the remarkable success and professional feats recorded by students who graduated from the university.
“NOUN graduates have excelled in various fields, making significant contributions to their professions and communities,” he said, adding, “Indeed, many of our graduates have risen to prominent positions in government, industry and academia, demonstrating the high-quality education that NOUN provides.”
Speaking on the benefits of the university’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system, Peters underscored its flexibility to learn at one’s own pace, place, and time using modern educational technologies.
He said, “At NOUN, your classroom is not confined to four walls; instead, it extends to your homes, workplaces, or wherever you choose to study. This approach gives you flexibility over how you study and equips you with the self-discipline, time management, and digital skills essential today.”
He further encouraged them to use all the resources and learning aids the university offers, imploring them to take note and get accustomed to using digital facilities such as smartphones and computer gadgets.