Nigeria's Obasanjo Pushes AI Integration at Open University

A former president is using his influence to modernize one of Africa's largest distance learning institutions, and the changes could open doors for hundreds of thousands of students.

Olusegun Obasanjo, who led Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, recently met with the newly appointed leadership of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abeokuta. His message was clear: embrace artificial intelligence, restore the suspended law program, and grow student enrollment to reach even more Nigerians hungry for education.

NOUN already serves an impressive 190,000 active students out of 300,000 registered learners. The difference reflects students progressing at their own pace, a hallmark of distance learning that allows people to balance education with work and family responsibilities.

The university has already begun integrating AI into its academic content, earning recognition from international educational bodies. Former Vice Chancellor Professor Olufemi Peters confirmed these technological strides during the meeting, showing that NOUN isn't waiting for permission to innovate.

The new Vice Chancellor, Professor Uduma Uduma, pledged to prioritize reviving the law program, which would give aspiring lawyers across Nigeria a flexible path to their degrees. For students in remote areas or those who can't afford to relocate to traditional universities, this could be transformative.

The Ripple Effect

Open universities like NOUN break down barriers that keep talented people from reaching their potential. Students don't need to leave their jobs, uproot their families, or relocate to expensive cities to earn degrees. They study from wherever they are, often while supporting themselves and their communities.

When AI tools get integrated thoughtfully into distance learning, the benefits multiply. Students can access personalized tutoring, instant feedback, and resources that adapt to their learning pace. For a country of over 200 million people with limited university spaces, technology-driven education isn't just convenient, it's essential.

Obasanjo's continued advocacy for educational reform demonstrates how former leaders can use their platforms for lasting positive change. His call for modernization comes at a perfect moment, as universities worldwide are racing to incorporate AI responsibly into their teaching methods.

The visit to NOUN's Abeokuta Study Centre showed the leadership's commitment to understanding operations on the ground, not just issuing directives from headquarters. When education expands, entire communities rise together.