Dr.Chinenye Ifiok lauds NOUN at 13th Convocation
By Genesis Ogiri, Abuja
National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN has celebrated a pivotal milestone in its history , the 13th CONVOCATION ceremony. This grand event, a testament to academic diligence and achievement, has Honoured graduates across various levels, from first degrees to doctorates
NEWSWAY Media understands that Dr. Chinenye Ifiok, the academic staff, Department of political Science, lauded and rated the National Open University of Nigeria as the best online institution in Africa. She expressed satisfaction with the infrastructural development of the school and its service delivery
"She said that the institution would provide the enabling environment for quality education to thrive so that new generation of leaders could be raised to proffer solutions to nations’ challenges , as the VC has declared readiness to reposition the University to meet the global standard.
Dr. Chinenye Ifiok, is an academic to the core, ingrained in the academic traditions of simplicity, humility, discipline, credibility, excellence, integrity and honour.
While celebrating the graduands, she expressed pleasure on their doggedness and relentless efforts to reach the climax of their academic journey, noting that Convocation is the whole climax of academic excercise. She encouraged them to aspire for more heights in their pursuit of learning as this is the gateway to bring development to the society.
Dr. Ifiok , however, charged the graduands of the institution to be good ambassadors and as well cultivate good virtues and act of discipline.
Dr. Chinenye disclosed this while dwelling on the need for the students of the institution to have good conduct and ethos such that would help them contribute to national development in their various endeavors.
The elated Dr. Chinenye , called on the graduands to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired for the advancement of the country.
"She said the National Open University of Nigeria has really done well academically to inculcate values, tolerance, respect for the rights of others, respect for constituted authority and the rule of law and order.
“Patriotism and the need not only for competition but also for collaboration and team work, among others,” she said
"She commented the effort of the VC professor olufemi Peters for his quality administrative experience and his readiness to move the institution to the highest pedestal of glory to meet the global needs of the people.
Newsway Media gathered that Professor Olufemi Peters believes in the power of ideas, innovation, change and transformation; the values of hard-work, merit, achievement, quality and results; the virtues of openness, transparency, accountability, honour and integrity; the leadership style of team-work and inclusiveness; and the provision of opportunities, spaces and avenues for younger colleagues to excel and deliver on results, while providing guidance, inspiration and motivation.
Saturday NEWSWAY reports that Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, said a total of 22,175 students were graduated across undergraduate and postgraduate levels and diverse disciplines.
He explained that out of the figure 15,768 achieved undergraduate qualification, while 6,407 eamed postgraduate qualifications.
Giving further breakdown, Peters said at the undergraduate level, a total of 22 graduated with a first-class; 1,885 with second class (upper division), 8,434 with second class (lower) division, 3786 with third class, and 169 with Pass degrees.
“Of the 6,407 students who graduated at the postgraduate levels, 2,362 students obtained the Postgraduate Diploma, 4,039 students, the Master degree and 6 students obtained the PhD degrees.
“I am also happy to announce that 4 of the doctoral graduates are from our flagship World Bank assisted Africa Centre for Excellence for Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL).
“The Centre offers MSc and PhD programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Management Information System (MIS). Through our IT-driven Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL) system, these graduates have acquired essential ICT skills that are indispensable and will undoubtedly propel them toward success in their future endeavours,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor revealed that since inception, NOUN has provided scholarships to about 83 inmates in Correctional Centres, exemplified by a current PhD student in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.
Olufemi Peters said: “Our dedication to the University’s mission is unwavering. We take pride in offering education that is both flexible and qualitative, yet affordable and accessible”.
The Convocation ceremony was preceded by the Investiture of the Oba of Benin, His Majesty Oba Ewuare II, as the new Chancellor of NOUN.
Oba Ewuare II, on his part, said as he stepped into the role of Chancellor, he was acutely aware of the weight of responsibility that accompanies it.
“My vision for the National Open University of Nigeria is one of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. It is my fervent aspiration to leverage my position as a traditional ruler to enhance the fortunes of this esteemed institution,” he said.
NOUN’s 13th Convocation is more than just a celebration of academic achievements; it’s a testament to the university’s dedication to expanding access to quality education, embracing technological advancements, and fostering community engagement. As NOUN continues to break new ground and reach out to all corners of Nigeria, it remains a beacon of hope and a model for the future of higher education.