President Tinubu Directs Law School Admission For NOUN Graduates Amidst Scandal
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to admit its graduates into the Nigerian Law School, in response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the academic credentials of NOUN law graduates. This directive comes amidst calls from lawyers and legal bodies to investigate the authenticity of NOUN’s BSc in Law degree, which has raised concerns within the legal community.
President Tinubu, who serves as the Visitor to NOUN, made the announcement during the university’s 13th Convocation Ceremony held at the university’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. Represented by Dr. Biodun Saliu, Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), President Tinubu emphasized the importance of equal opportunities for all graduates, ensuring that NOUN students are not disadvantaged in pursuing legal education.
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu highlighted the pivotal role of Open and Distance Education (ODL) in Nigeria’s educational landscape, expressing his administration’s commitment to promoting accessibility and quality in higher education. He commended NOUN for its evolution in providing education access to diverse demographics, including working-class individuals and school leavers who face challenges securing admissions into conventional universities.
President Tinubu also announced plans to incorporate NOUN graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) framework, aligning with the government’s efforts to address changing demographics and expand educational opportunities. Additionally, he encouraged NOUN to enhance research efforts in technology and engage in partnerships to improve learning outcomes, particularly through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government operations.
Furthermore, President Tinubu tasked the World Bank-sponsored Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL), hosted by NOUN, to focus on research that advances ICT tools for enhanced learning nationwide. He underscored the importance of leveraging technology to bridge educational gaps and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The directive from President Tinubu signals a significant step towards resolving the challenges faced by NOUN graduates in accessing legal education and underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive and quality higher education in Nigeria.
