President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has issued a directive to the Federal Ministry of Education, mandating the inclusion of National Open University (NOUN) graduates in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Emphasizing the importance of allowing eligible individuals within the service age bracket to serve their country, President Tinubu made this announcement during his address at the 13th convocation ceremony of the university held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the University’s Convocation Arena in Jabi, Abuja.
Represented by Biodun Saliu, Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), President Tinubu also addressed the longstanding issue regarding the admission of NOUN law graduates to law schools in the country.
Acknowledging the evolving demographics of Nigeria, President Tinubu underscored the significance of incorporating NOUN graduates into the NYSC scheme.
He highlighted that the convocation ceremony not only celebrated the academic achievements of the graduates but also underscored the pivotal role of Open and Distance Education (ODL) in shaping the nation’s educational landscape.
Affirming his administration’s dedication to enhancing ODL to facilitate broader access to higher education nationwide, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of leveraging this mode of education to align with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
President Tinubu reiterated the government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for the effective delivery of ODL in Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Education and the NUC. He also addressed the challenges faced by many school leavers in gaining admission to traditional universities, stressing the need for increased research in technology at NOUN to accommodate more young individuals and enhance social safety nets.
