NOUN Names Postgraduate School Building After Founding VC, Emeritus Professor Olugbemiro Jegede

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has officially inaugurated its newly completed School of Postgraduate Studies building, naming the edifice in honour of the university’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Olugbemiro Jegede. National Open University of Nigeria

The ceremony, held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the university’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, serves as a tribute to Jegede’s foundational role in establishing Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Nigeria. NOUN News

The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, described the dedication as a symbolic gesture of gratitude. Highlighting Jegede’s unique history with the institution, Peters noted that the Emeritus Professor holds the staff file number 0001, signifying his role as the university's first employee upon its restoration in 2003 under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. The Sun Nigeria

"Professor Jegede led this institution during a period of immense uncertainty and logistical hurdles," Peters remarked. "This building stands as a testament to his vision and the enduring legacy of ODL in the West African sub-region."

The inauguration is part of a series of valedictory activities marking the conclusion of Professor Olufemi Peters' five-year tenure, which is set to end on February 11, 2026. His administration has been characterized by:

Infrastructure Expansion: The completion of several key facilities at the headquarters and various study centres nationwide.

Academic Growth: Strengthening the postgraduate school to meet the rising demand for flexible advanced degrees. Daily Trust

The high-profile event was attended by principal officers, deans, and senior academic staff, along with community leaders and associates of Professor Jegede. Attendees lauded the gesture as a move that fosters institutional memory and encourages dedicated service among current staff.

The newly inaugurated building will serve as the administrative hub for the university’s expanding postgraduate programs, streamlining research and doctoral services for thousands of students globally. Vanguard News