Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for far reaching reforms at the National Open University of Nigeria, urging the immediate restoration of its Law programme, expansion of student enrolment and deeper integration of artificial intelligence into its academic framework.
Obasanjo made the call on Friday while receiving the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Uduma Orji Uduma, and members of his management team at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, shortly after their official introduction.
The former president stressed that for NOUN to remain competitive and relevant in a fast changing global education system, it must embrace innovation and technology driven learning.
He said the restoration of the Law programme would not only broaden academic opportunities for students but also strengthen the institution’s standing among universities in the country.
He further canvassed an increase in student enrolment, noting that as an open and distance learning institution, NOUN has the capacity to accommodate more Nigerians seeking flexible access to higher education.
Responding, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi A. Peters, disclosed that the university had already made considerable progress in embedding artificial intelligence into its academic content and delivery system.
He explained that the initiative had attracted commendation from international educational bodies.
Peters revealed that the university currently has about 300,000 registered students, out of which approximately 190,000 are actively engaged. According to him, the difference reflects varying levels of participation among students.
He expressed confidence in the leadership of Professor Uduma, describing him as committed to sustaining innovation and advancing the institution’s development agenda.
In his remarks, Professor Uduma pledged to prioritise the revival of the Law programme and consolidate ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the university’s academic structure. He also appreciated Obasanjo for his consistent support and contributions to the growth of the institution.
Later at the Abeokuta Study Centre of the university, the Vice-Chancellor was received by the Centre Director, Oyekunle Adegboyega, who led the visiting team on a tour of the facility’s offices.
