By Owede Agbajileke, Abuja
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is set to confer honorary degrees on African Development Bank President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, for their outstanding contributions to the country.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Peters Olufemi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja ahead of the school’s 14th convocation ceremony coming up this Saturday.
He said Dr Adesina will be awarded with Doctor of Humane Letter while Abbass will get Doctor of Business Administration after the University Joint Senate Committee selected them.
The academic revealed that the institution will be graduating 17,420 students.
Peters said the figure comprises 10,967 undergraduates, 6,413 postgraduates, and 40 students graduating at the PhD level.
Among the figures, he said 16 students obtained First Class degrees, 1,417 Second Class (Upper Division), 5,518 Second Class (Lower Division), 2,761 Third Class and 138 Pass degrees.
He also mentioned that a total of 51 inmates would graduate, including 41 undergraduates and 10 postgraduates from correctional centres.
His words: “I want to report that this is another opportunity for us to celebrate the academic achievements of our students. A total of 17,420 will be graduating this year, comprising 10,967 undergraduates and 6,413 postgraduates. And then we have 40 students graduating at the PhD level.
“This is a remarkable growth from where we started about four years ago. Of this number, we have 2,103 postgraduate diploma students and 4,310 with a master’s degree.
“Of the undergraduates, we have 16 first-class students, which is fantastic. We have 1,417 second-class upper students, 5,518 second-class lower students, and 2,761 third-class students.
“The total number of graduands from correctional centres this year is 51. This is extremely high-41 undergraduates and 10 postgraduates from correctional centres.”
He also stated that the institution is deploying technology to a great extent in the way it teaches its students.
He highlighted key reforms, including improvements in the university’s infrastructure, research funding, and delivery systems.
The VC further mentioned the institution’s accomplishments, including the hosting of prominent figures and the upcoming honorary degree awards.
He reflected on his five-year tenure, expressing satisfaction with the impact and the changes made, particularly in education and research.
