The vision of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) remains very much on course, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Vincent Ado Tenebe, said yesterday during the matriculation ceremony of the institution held across the states in the country, including FCT.

In his matriculation address, Professor Tenebe however remarked that the university is making maximum use of information and communication technologies in instructional delivery to equip all its students in the country.

“The university is steadily pursuing its vision and our academic programmes have been strengthened with the engagement of well-qualified and academic staff in all our 67 study centres.”

Tenebe added that the University, at the international level, is working with other ODL institutions not just in Africa but also across the world, saying: “The institution is mindful of its responsibilities and is pursuing them with vigour.”

He however enjoined the matriculants to fully dedicate themselves to their studies, explore and maximise the learning opportunities around them.

Speaking withNews Expressin one of the study centres in Nigerian Prisons Service Headquarters in Abuja, the Director of Special Studies and former Retired Deputy Comptroller General of Nigerian Prisons, Barrister Ladan Babakodong, admitted that the number of student given admission by the institution is steadily increasing, saying majority of Nigerians have comeappreciate the concept of open distance learning.

He stressed further that “despite the fact that some people have misgivings about this programme, things are being run normally even as we produce qualitative graduates at the appropriate time.”

As at the time of filing this report, the total number of admitted students across the nation had not been declared. However, in the study centre visited byNews Express, 46 students got matriculated.

•Photo shows Colonel Dr Olayiwola, Chief Counsellor of the Nigerian Prisons Study Centre; Director of the Study Centre, Barrister Ladan Babakodong and Dr Nwogbo David, Principal Assistant Registrar.