President Bola Tinubu has given instructions to the Ministry of Education to incorporate National Open University graduates into the National Youth Service Corps program.
Tinubu has also resolved the longstanding issue of NOUN Law graduates being admitted to the Law School for equal opportunities.
This announcement was made during his speech at the 13th convocation ceremony of NOUN held at the university’s Convocation Arena in Jabi, Abuja.
Prior to this, in 2017, NOUN graduates had been assured by the former vice chancellor, Abdallah Adamu, that they would soon be eligible for participation in NYSC and the Law School.
Adamu explained in an interview, “The National University Commission’s regulations do not permit part-time students to enroll in NYSC. The original NOUN Act states that we offer courses through correspondence, which NYSC interprets as ‘part-time,’ making the students ineligible for NYSC.”
Years later, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt dismissed a lawsuit filed by NOUN Law graduates seeking admission to the Nigerian Law School.
Some NOUN Law Department graduates filed a lawsuit on May 12, 2015, against the Council of Legal Education, the NUC, the Attorney General of the Federation, and NOUN for not admitting them to the Law School.
In their lawsuit, the graduates requested that authorities include NOUN graduates in the Nigerian Law School to ensure equal treatment with graduates from other institutions.
Tinubu’s directive came through Deputy Executive Secretary of NUC, Biodun Saliu, who represented him at the convocation, stating that the opportunity falls within the legal age bracket.
He stated, “Considering the evolving demographics of our nation, the government acknowledges the importance of NOUN graduates participating in the NYSC program.
“The Law School doors are now open to these graduates, ensuring equal opportunities for all. Any remaining concerns should be addressed promptly by the Ministry of Education.
“We commit to enhancing quality, access, and affordability.
“Therefore, the government, through the Ministry of Education and NUC, will provide the necessary support to ensure effective delivery of this education model in Nigeria.”
The President highlighted that the event not only celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments but also emphasized the crucial role of Open and Distance Education in shaping the nation’s education system.
He reiterated his administration’s dedication to improving ODL to enhance higher education accessibility nationally, emphasizing its importance in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The President expressed satisfaction with NOUN’s progress, underscoring its significant role in fulfilling the government’s educational objectives through ICT.