Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for key reforms at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), including the restoration of its Law programmes, increased student enrolment and the integration of Artificial Intelligence into its academic system.
Obasanjo made the call on Friday while hosting the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Uduma Orji Uduma, and his management team at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He emphasised the need for academic advancement through innovation and technology, urging the university leadership to prioritise modernisation and expand access to education across the country.
Responding, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, disclosed that the university has already taken significant steps toward integrating artificial intelligence into its academic content, adding that the efforts have attracted recognition from international educational bodies.
On enrolment, Peters revealed that the institution currently has about 300,000 registered students, with approximately 190,000 actively engaged, noting that the difference reflects varying levels of participation.
He expressed confidence in the leadership of Professor Uduma, stating that the new Vice-Chancellor is committed to sustaining innovation and advancing institutional development.
In his remarks, Uduma pledged to prioritise the revival of the Law programme and strengthen ongoing reforms. He also thanked Obasanjo for his continued support and contributions to the growth of the institution.
Later, at the Abeokuta Study Centre of the university, the Vice-Chancellor was received by the Centre Director, Oyekunle Adegboyega, who conducted the visiting team on a tour of the facility.
NOUN was originally established in 1983 by the civilian administration of Shehu Shagari. The institution was suspended in 1984 under the military regime of Muhammadu Buhari before being resuscitated during Obasanjo’s administration in 2001/2002.
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