President Bola Tinubu has directed the inclusion of graduates from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Nigerian Law School. This pivotal change was announced at the 13th convocation ceremony held at NOUN’s Convocation Arena in Jabi, Abuja. The move aims to resolve longstanding restrictions that have barred distance learning graduates from these pivotal national programs.
Eliminating Educational Barriers
Historically, NOUN students were ineligible for the NYSC and Nigerian Law School due to their classification under the original act establishing NOUN, which defined their courses as “by correspondence.” This classification was interpreted as part-time study, thus excluding them from participating in the mandatory service year and legal education. The issue came to a head when a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt dismissed a lawsuit by NOUN Law graduates in 2017, seeking admission into the Law School.
However, President Tinubu’s new directive through Biodun Saliu, Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, who represented him at the ceremony, ensures that NOUN graduates are no longer sidelined. Saliu emphasized that this inclusion is timely, considering Nigeria’s changing demographics and the evolving needs of its education system.
Enhancing Access and Equality in Education
The decision is part of a broader push to expand educational opportunities and promote equality. The administration’s initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of integrating all educational formats into national developmental frameworks. By allowing NOUN graduates to participate in the NYSC and attend the Nigerian Law School, the government is taking significant steps to ensure that all students, regardless of their mode of study, have equal opportunities.
The President noted the significance of this inclusion not only as a celebration of the graduates’ academic achievements but also as a critical enhancement of the country’s educational landscape. The administration remains committed to leveraging open and distance learning (ODL) to broaden access to higher education, which is pivotal for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals set for 2030.
Commitment to Improving Education Quality
The directive from the presidency mandates the Federal Ministry of Education and the NUC to address any operational concerns swiftly. This action underscores the government’s commitment to continually improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of education in Nigeria.
With these changes, NOUN graduates now look forward to participating fully in the nation’s developmental processes, akin to their counterparts from traditional universities. The move not only rectifies a long-standing equity issue but also enhances the integration of diverse educational experiences into Nigeria’s professional and civic frameworks.
Source: Punch
