West Midland Open University debuts
The first Matriculation ceremony of West Midland open University, Anambra state campus has taken place at Anaedo hall, Nnewi on Saturday 21st February, 2026. The ceremony attracted academic bigwigs from various universities in Nigeria as well as top government officials from Awka and the neighbouring states.
The chief guest of honour, Prof. Eugene Nwadialor, the current Vice- Chancellor of Tansian university Umunys, Anambra state, expressed gladness for being part of the epoch event. He urged the matriculating students to utilise the golden opportunity to develop their skills in various fields. He told them to be thankful to God for ” studying in America”, without actually travelling to the place, saying that West Midland Open University has fulfilled their individual ambition in achieving greatness in academic world. In his words, “This Open University is an ample opportunity of acquiring degree without spending money in travelling to United States of America, the campus headquarters,”
The Vice-Chancellor advice them to take the programme seriously, not only for the sake certificate, but to acquire the relevant skills that would enhance their job pursuit. ” This is a mature programme for the serious minded people, some of you are lucky to be sponsored by the parents guardians, therefore, you should endeavour to put in your best efforts in making them happy.” He lauded the Entrepreneurship programme because of its technical benefits, adding, “Skill acquisition enhances ones career.
It is good to acquire such knowledge outside the course of studying, special handwork helps one personally, even beyond what his/ her parents must have prepared for him in future. There is no waste in skill acquisition, dignity of labour is a great breakthrough as an individual to attain top position in business and corporate world.” He thanked the management of West Midland Open University for initiating this lucrative programme that would elevate the students status in future. ”
Nigeria is a place where certificate syndrome has become the source of meaningful employment, therefore, this programme is an excellent chance to place these students on vantage position in future. When they eventually graduate, they become great assets for development of the nation,s economy.” Earlier in his landmark address, Prof. Olumide Babatope Long, the University5 Vice-Chancellor, recalled history of the Institution since its approval by the Federal Government on August 2023. ”
We are highly elated to inform you that West Midland Open University was among the four private open university to be approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria through its agency, the uncompromising National Universities Commission on August 2023.” Prof. Long whose speech was delivered by Ven . Dr Chiugo Ogueze, the University Director, South South/ South east, said that one of the major causes of unemployment in Nigeria today is lack of the requisite skills by young graduates to fit into the profession they have studied. ”
This is the reason why West Midland Open University makes it mandatory for all our students to key into one skill acquisition programme or the other during the period of their studentship.” He assured of effective programmes in skill acquisition, saying that the university has entered into partnership with National Engineering Design Development Institute ( NEDDI), and the Federal Incubation Center, Nnewi to absorb all the students who may wish to be trained in any of their several skill acquisition programme. He mentioned of further collaboration with the World rated ICE Hub, which offers valuable technology professions like Artificial intelligence, Cyber Security, Website Design Development, Data Analytics courses. ” Our students are encouraged to take up other skills like welding, auto mechanics, auto electricity, Furniture construction and Fashion making and shoe manufacturing.
It is imperative to know that these skills are important and mobile with great prospects not just in Nigeria but also in the advanced countries. The Vice- Chancellor said that the university has introduced Dutch language into the academic curriculum for the benefit of graduates who may wish to travel abroad for employment. ” We are in the academic community and so many of us know very well that many rich countries of the world today such as Israel, Turkey, India, China and Philippines made their developmental capital from Diaspora remittances if their nationals abroad,” He said that with the affiliated partners abroad, the Open University is making solid plans of helping their graduates to abroad and work in afford mentioned countries, at leastby 2029. ”
We are skill oriented Institution, or call us Diaspora University, we have professionals in various endeavours, we transform nobody to somebody, and ensure that the person becomes major contributor in nation building.” Other Distinguish guests like Dr MC Nwachukwu, the Deputy Registrar, Dr Ejiofor, Prof. Marcel Ezenwoye, Prof. Ndubuisi Ejikeme and Dr Mbieli– all presented speeches and comments to ginger the matriculating students. There was expository on ” Character and Learning “, delivered by Dr Peter Iyke Anajemba, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Business Incubation. The students also entertained the teeming audience with drama and dancing.
