The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is set to mark a significant milestone in its academic journey as it prepares to graduate a total of 24,575 students during its 15th convocation ceremony scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, an event that not only celebrates academic excellence but also underscores the institution’s expanding role in widening access to higher education across Nigeria and beyond.
The announcement was made in Abuja during a pre-convocation media briefing by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Uduma Oji Uduma, who described the upcoming ceremony as both a moment of pride and a reflection of NOUN’s commitment to inclusive and flexible learning. According to him, among the thousands of graduates, 57 outstanding students have achieved First Class honours, a feat that highlights the academic rigor and quality of education delivered through the university’s open and distance learning model.
Providing a detailed breakdown of the graduating class, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that the cohort includes 17,474 undergraduate students, 1,788 recipients of Postgraduate Diplomas, 5,282 Master’s degree holders, and 31 doctoral graduates, representing a diverse range of academic disciplines and professional pursuits. He noted that this impressive figure reflects the growing acceptance of alternative education systems in Nigeria, particularly for individuals seeking to balance academic pursuits with work, family, and other responsibilities.
DDM News gathered that the Faculty of Management Sciences recorded the highest number of graduates with 7,455 students, followed closely by the Faculty of Social Sciences with 6,024 graduates, while the Faculty of Health Sciences produced 3,939 graduates. These figures not only demonstrate the popularity of these fields but also point to the increasing demand for skills in management, governance, and healthcare sectors within the Nigerian economy.
One of the most notable highlights of this year’s graduating class is the strong representation of female students, particularly at the undergraduate level, where women account for 10,180 out of the 17,474 graduates. Professor Uduma emphasized that this is more than just a statistical achievement, describing it as a “philosophical milestone” that reflects progress toward gender inclusion and empowerment in higher education. He stressed that the growing participation of women in academia is a positive indicator of societal transformation and a step toward greater equality in opportunities and outcomes.
In a deeply symbolic and inspiring revelation, the Vice-Chancellor also announced that 56 inmates from correctional centres across the country are among the graduating students, beneficiaries of the university’s policy of providing free education to incarcerated individuals. This initiative, he explained, is rooted in the belief that education has the power to transform lives, restore dignity, and offer a second chance to those seeking redemption. By extending learning opportunities to inmates, the university is not only imparting knowledge but also fostering hope and rebuilding identities, reinforcing the idea that no individual is beyond rehabilitation.
DDM News understands that the convocation ceremony will be conducted in a decentralized format, reflecting NOUN’s unique structure as an open and distance learning institution. While the main event will take place at the university’s national headquarters in Abuja, simultaneous activities will be held across various study centres nationwide, ensuring that graduates from different locations can participate in the celebration without the need for long-distance travel. This approach, according to the Vice-Chancellor, embodies the institution’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, allowing every graduate to share in the moment of achievement regardless of geographical constraints.
In what has been described as a major administrative breakthrough, Professor Uduma also announced that graduating students will receive their certificates immediately after the ceremony, a departure from the traditional delays often associated with certificate issuance in many Nigerian institutions. He described this development as a shift from bureaucratic inefficiency to institutional effectiveness, signaling a new era of responsiveness and accountability within the university’s administration.
The upcoming convocation will also feature a series of pre-event activities, beginning with a lecture scheduled for April 17, to be delivered by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Godwin Agabi. The lecture, themed “Nigeria Against Corruption,” is expected to spark meaningful dialogue on ethical leadership and national development, reinforcing the university’s commitment to producing not only skilled graduates but also morally conscious citizens. The session will be chaired by Professor Kabir Bala, a former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, adding further academic weight to the event.
For Professor Uduma, who assumed office as Vice-Chancellor in February 2026, this convocation holds special significance as his first in the role, symbolizing both continuity and renewal within the institution. He expressed optimism about the future of NOUN, emphasizing the need to build on existing achievements while embracing innovation and reform to meet the evolving demands of the education sector.
Earlier in the briefing, the university’s Director of Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Sheme, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the institution and the media, describing journalists as vital partners in communicating the university’s vision and achievements to the public. He commended the media for their professionalism and support, urging continued cooperation to ensure accurate and impactful reporting.
As anticipation builds for the convocation ceremony, expectations remain high among students, faculty, and stakeholders, with many viewing the event as a defining moment in the life of the university. Beyond the celebration of academic success, the ceremony represents a broader narrative of access, inclusion, and transformation, showcasing how education can serve as a powerful tool for personal and national development.
In the final analysis, the 15th convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria stands as a testament to the institution’s enduring mission to democratize education, break down barriers, and create opportunities for all, reaffirming its place as a key player in shaping the future of learning in Nigeria.
