By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The Federal Government has taken decisive action to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s education sector by directing the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and other agencies to crack down on unauthorized tertiary institutions.
This move aims to eradicate “certificate mills” and ensure that academic standards are upheld.
At the 14th convocation ceremony of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of maintaining academic integrity. “The integrity of our academic system must not be compromised, and the activities of certificate mills must be checked and permanently stopped,” he said.
The President also highlighted the need for universities to equip graduates with the skills required to thrive in a digital world. He encouraged institutions to implement innovative policies that foster academic excellence and essential soft skills.
Tinubu noted that the global economy is shifting towards knowledge-based systems, and Nigeria must keep pace. He stressed the importance of collaboration among education agencies, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), NUC, NBTE, and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
The President specifically tasked NOUN with leading the charge in building a digitally skilled workforce to drive economic growth and global competitiveness. “Through strategic interventions, we are ensuring that education remains inclusive and technologically driven,” he added.
To support this vision, the Federal Government is investing in fibre optics infrastructure at NOUN through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). This initiative aims to provide seamless internet access for students across the country.
NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, reported that 17,420 students graduated during the convocation ceremony, including 51 inmates from correctional centres. The university’s commitment to equity and equal opportunity is evident in its efforts to promote lifelong learning and widen access.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the graduating students to uphold integrity, pursue excellence, and use their education to positively impact society. He encouraged them to remain connected to their alma mater and support the university’s development efforts.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu called on NOUN to transition into a fully online institution, leveraging its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) expertise. “At this juncture, it has become imperative to reiterate that this administration remains committed to strengthening the integration of all agencies involved in the administration of education to enhance efficiency and quality,” he said.
