Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly defended the credibility and relevance of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), asserting that the institution is not inferior to traditional universities in any form. Obasanjo, who earned a PhD in Christian Theology from NOUN after establishing the institution during his presidency, said the university has lived up to its founding vision of expanding access to education for all Nigerians.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by a NOUN delegation to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Obasanjo recounted the evolution of Nigeria’s university system. He explained that despite the existence of first, second, and third-generation universities—federal, state, and private institutions respectively—there remained a growing gap in access to education. According to him, NOUN was created to address this gap by offering flexible learning opportunities, particularly for working adults and underserved populations.

“There were criticisms that Open University is inferior to conventional universities. I wasn’t deterred. I went in myself, experienced the system, and earned my PhD. If the lecturers who supervised me also supervise others in conventional institutions, then there is no inferiority in the quality of education offered,” Obasanjo said. He added that NOUN has become a permanent and vital part of Nigeria’s educational landscape.

Director of NOUN’s Directorate of Advancement and Linkages, Professor Ganiyat Adesina-Uthman, affirmed that the institution has positively impacted not only Nigeria but several African countries by boosting human capital development. Ambassador Ifeanyi Obikelu, President of the NOUN Alumni Association, highlighted the group’s commitment to advancing the university’s mission and supporting its graduates through strategic initiatives and professional development.