Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has affirmed that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) stands on equal academic footing with traditional universities across the country. He made this assertion on Monday during a courtesy visit and award presentation by officials of the university at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Obasanjo, who is also an alumnus of NOUN, dismissed claims that the open and distance learning model is inferior to conventional systems, saying he had experienced its academic rigour firsthand. “Some people rose up, saying Open University is inferior to non-open universities, but I was not discouraged,” he said. “I said, let me go there and have a taste of why they’re saying it is inferior. Then I came in, I saw and I conquered.”
Reflecting on the historical evolution of tertiary education in Nigeria, the elder statesman noted that for nearly a decade after independence, the University of Ibadan was the only university in the country. “In the past, there had only been one university in Nigeria for about 10 years, which is the University of Ibadan,” he stated.
He further explained how more institutions were established in phases to address growing educational demands. “The second generation of universities, which are the federal and state universities, were also established just as the third generation, which are the private universities, also came into existence,” Obasanjo said.
Despite these expansions, Obasanjo argued that the gap between supply and demand in tertiary education remained wide. “Despite the availability of universities, we’re still not coping; the gaps kept getting wider, which was why I said Open University is a necessity,” he explained. “It created more avenues and made it convenient for working-class citizens.”
Recalling his own academic journey at NOUN, the former military head of state emphasized the credibility of the institution’s postgraduate programme. “Two distinguished lecturers supervised me and supervised many other PhD students,” Obasanjo revealed. “And if they supervised me successfully, my PhD wouldn’t be inferior.”
Obasanjo, who earned a doctorate degree from NOUN, insisted that the quality of his academic work demonstrated the university’s strength. “So, if mine isn’t inferior and those before me are not inferior, National Open University has come to stay,” he declared.
He highlighted the institution’s growing student population as a testament to its relevance. “At some point, we were more than half a million, and we are still growing,” Obasanjo said. He lauded the university for its flexibility and inclusivity, especially for Nigerians who work or live in remote areas.
Speaking directly to the visiting officials, Obasanjo pledged his unwavering support to the institution. “I want to assure you of my maximum support,” he told them. “NOUN has a special place in my heart because it gave me the opportunity to go back to school while still being active in national life.”
The NOUN team had paid the visit to present an alumni recognition award to the former president and appreciate his continued advocacy for open and distance learning. In response, Obasanjo thanked the delegation and urged them to maintain high standards. “What you are doing is noble. Don’t let anyone talk down on it,” he advised.
Professor Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, who led the delegation, described Obasanjo as a role model for lifelong learners. “Baba Obasanjo has demonstrated that learning has no age barrier. His commitment to academic excellence inspires thousands of our students,” Peters remarked.
The meeting concluded with a tour of Obasanjo’s library, where the former president showed visiting NOUN officials some of his academic works. The visit, though ceremonial, rekindled public conversation on the value of open universities in a country still grappling with limited access to quality higher education.
