Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has called for increased student enrolment and far-reaching technological reforms at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence and the restoration of the institution’s law programme.

Obasanjo made the call on Friday when he hosted the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Uduma Uduma, at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the university’s Director of Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Sheme, the former president underscored the need for the institution to expand access to quality education through innovation and the deployment of modern technology.

He urged the management to prioritise digital transformation initiatives, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence into academic delivery, as part of efforts to position the university competitively on the global stage.

Obasanjo also advocated the restoration of the university’s law programme, stressing its importance in broadening academic offerings and attracting more students.

Responding, Prof. Uduma assured that his administration would give priority to reviving the law programme and consolidating ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the university’s academic framework.

He expressed appreciation to Obasanjo for his sustained support and contributions to the growth and development of the institution.

In his remarks, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, disclosed that the university has already made significant progress in embedding artificial intelligence into its academic content.

He noted that the institution’s technological strides have attracted recognition from several international educational bodies.

On student population, Peters revealed that NOUN currently has about 300,000 registered students, out of which approximately 190,000 are actively engaged in academic activities. He explained that the difference reflects varying levels of participation among students.

Peters expressed confidence in the leadership of the new Vice-Chancellor, describing him as committed to sustaining innovation and advancing the university’s institutional development.