The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) this Saturday held its 14th convocation ceremony, conferring degrees on 17,369 students, including 51 inmates from correctional centres across the country.
The convocation, which took place at the university’s headquarters in Abuja and other study centres nationwide, marking another milestone in NOUN’s effort to expand access to tertiary education across Nigeria.
Of the total number of graduating students, 16,964 were awarded undergraduate degrees, while 6,413 earned postgraduate qualifications. Forty students completed their doctoral studies and received PhDs.
The list of graduates also included 51 inmates—41 undergraduates and 10 postgraduates—who completed their programmes while serving various sentences in correctional facilities.
Sixteen students graduated with First Class honours, 1,417 with Second Class Upper Division, 5,518 with Second Class Lower, 2,761 with Third Class, and 158 with Pass degrees.
In the Nursing Science programme, 1,117 students received their certificates, including 12 with Distinction, 490 with Credit, and 615 with Pass.
The convocation lecture, which held on Friday at the university’s conference centre, was delivered by the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
Speaking on the topic “Advancing Africa’s Positioning within Global Development and Geopolitical Dynamics,” Adesina emphasized the need for Africa to embrace innovation, strategic partnerships, and education in redefining its place on the global stage.
The event was chaired by Professor Attahiru Jega, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
As part of the convocation proceedings, NOUN conferred honorary doctorate degrees on Dr. Adesina and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, in recognition of their contributions to national and international development.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Olufemi Peters, praised the resilience of the graduating students, particularly those who studied under difficult circumstances.
“NOUN remains committed to its mission of making quality education accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of location or status. The success of our inmate-students further reinforces that belief,” he said.
