NOUN releases 24,575 students at 15th convocation ceremony

• 56 prison inmates inclusive

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has disclosed that no fewer than 24,575 students would graduate at the 15th convocation ceremony of the school schedule for weekend.

The figure includes 17,474 undergraduates, 1,788 Postgraduate Diploma holders, 5,282 Master’s graduates, and 31 doctoral recipients. Faculty of Management Sciences, with 7,455
produced the highest number of graduates. Closely following is the Faculty of Social Sciences, producing 6,024 graduates.

The Faculty of Health Sciences produced
3,939 graduates, including a substantial number from Nursing Science; while the Faculty of Education produced 3,431 graduates. The Faculty of Computing produced 2,205 graduates, Faculty of Science produced 943 graduates, Faculty of Arts, produced 452 graduates, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences produced 120 graduates, while the Faculty of Law produced six postgraduate graduates.

Further breakdown indicated that 10,180 out of 17,474 graduates at the undergraduate category are female representing approximately 58.3 per cent. At the postgraduate category, 3,512 out of 7,070 graduates are female representing approximately 49.7 per cent, and when doctoral graduates are included, female participation remains strong at about 49.6 per cent overall.

NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, told journalists at a press conference in Abuja, on Tuesday, that the true strength of the convocation often lies in the character of the graduating students, confirming that the graduating students have been found worthy in character and learning thus qualifying them for the graduation.

He added: “Among this graduating cohort are about 56 individuals from the Correctional Centres who are beneficiaries of the University’s policy of providing free education to inmates. “This initiative stands as one of the most profound expressions of our institutional philosophy.

“This convocation is thus not merely an event, but a statement. It’s a declaration that education must be accessible, that excellence must be sustained, and that transformation is not only possible but inevitable.”

The VC congratulated the graduating students, and asked them to be worthy ambassadors of the great University. “To our graduating students, this moment marks not an end, but a beginning, a transition into greater responsibility and wider horizons. We celebrate you, we are proud of you, and we charge you to go forth as worthy ambassadors of this great University.”

In his remarks, the NOUN Registrar, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, said the University is witnessing a great transformation, soliciting the support of students and all stakeholders to achieve the desired results.

The Director of Media and Publicity, Dr. Ibrahim Sheme, assured the Vice Chancellor of media support, and solicited more interactive opportunities to ensure adequate understanding and reportage of the activities of the university.

He said: “I wish to emphasise that members of the media have been longstanding partners of this University. Over the years, they have demonstrated professionalism, responsibility, and a strong commitment to credible journalism.

“We regard them as dependable allies in our communication efforts. The success recorded by previous administrations in maintaining a positive institutional image was, in no small measure, due to the constructive relationship we built with the media.

“There have been several instances where potentially misleading stories were responsibly withheld after clarifications were provided, an indication of the trust, mutual respect, and commitment to truth that define our relationship. These are professionals who represent reputable institutions, and are not inclined towards rumour-mongering. I am confident that they will extend the same level of cooperation and support to your administration.”