The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has admitted 23,885 new students, reflecting the growing demand for flexible and technology-driven access to higher education in Nigeria.
The new students were formally inducted into various academic programmes during the university’s 31st Matriculation Ceremony held virtually across its study centres nationwide on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, said the increasing acceptance of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) was reshaping the future of higher education.
Uduma noted that more conventional universities were adopting elements of ODL, while a growing number of young Nigerians were deliberately choosing NOUN because of the flexibility it offers.
He said the trend demonstrated a shift towards an education system that prioritises accessibility, technology, flexibility and greater responsibility for learners.
According to him, NOUN was founded on the principle that factors such as geographical location, employment, family responsibilities and time constraints should not prevent Nigerians from obtaining quality university education.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university’s ODL model had continued to provide opportunities for people who might otherwise be unable to pursue conventional university education.
He added that the growing student population and wider adoption of distance learning showed that technology-enabled education would play an increasingly important role in Nigeria’s higher education system.
Uduma urged the newly matriculated students to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the university, remain committed to their studies and embrace the independence required under the ODL system.
The ceremony marked the formal admission of the 23,885 students into NOUN’s academic community as the institution continues to expand its role in providing flexible higher education across the country.
