The vice chancellor of National Open University (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, has disclosed that the institution will graduate 17,420 students in its 14th convocation, slated for this Saturday.
Peters, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja yesterday, 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 51 inmates would graduate, including 41 undergraduates and 10 postgraduates from correctional centres.
“I want to report that this is another opportunity for us to celebrate our students’ academic achievements. 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.”
The vice chancellor also stated that the institution is deploying technology extensively 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 and expressed satisfaction with the impact and changes made, particularly in education and research.
