The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, has emerged winner of the prestigious International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) 2025 Individual Prize of Excellence.
The award, which recognises exceptional leadership and impact in the field of open and distance education globally, was presented to Professor Peters at the ICDE Award Night held in Wellington, New Zealand, on Wednesday.
Peters was honoured alongside Professor Josep Duart for outstanding contributions to advancing inclusive, scalable, and sustainable education over the past five years.
The ICDE Prize of Excellence celebrates individuals and institutions that demonstrate innovation, leadership, and significant achievements in online and distance learning at national, regional, or global levels. The awards are presented in three categories—Institutional, Individual, and Lifetime Contribution—and are adjudged by an independent international jury appointed by the ICDE Board.
According to the jury’s citation, Professor Peters’ leadership at NOUN has “played a pivotal role in advancing Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning throughout his career.”
It noted that his strategic innovations have transformed NOUN’s operations, particularly through the expansion of its mobile learning platform, which now serves more than 350,000 students—significantly boosting access to education.
The citation further highlighted that Peters oversaw the introduction of blockchain-based micro-credentials for certification, reinforced NOUN’s quality assurance systems, and strengthened research excellence through initiatives such as the African Centre for Excellence in Technology Enhanced Learning.
Beyond his work at NOUN, Peters has contributed to the broader ODL community as the inaugural Vice-President of the African Council for Distance Education and as chair of a regional training board. His efforts to expand access to education, promote diversity, and encourage women’s participation in leadership were also commended.
“In summary, Professor Peters’ leadership is characterised by a commitment to both technological progress and equitable human development,” the jury stated.
Speaking virtually from Abuja, Professor Peters expressed gratitude to ICDE for the recognition, describing the award as a validation of NOUN’s mission to democratise education.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the ICDE Prize for Excellence and to be recognised by an organisation that champions ODL as a catalyst for transforming lives and communities,” he said.
“Though unforeseen travel issues prevented me from attending in person, I am grateful that technology—the very tool enabling open and distance learning—allows me to share this moment with you.
“From my earliest days at NOUN, ODL has been both a professional and personal mission: a social mandate to democratise education and empower individuals to participate more fully in community life.
“Through emerging technology and dynamic pedagogies, we have built systems that emphasise flexibility, innovation, and inclusivity. These qualities have guided our mission to expand access, strengthen support, and enhance student success across diverse contexts.”
Peters dedicated the award to his colleagues at NOUN and the wider African ODL community, saying, “We have proved that learning without limits is possible and powerful.”
He concluded by commending ICDE’s commitment to advancing education globally, adding: “May this recognition renew our collective resolve to push boundaries, deepen collaboration, and ensure quality education remains within the reach of every learner across Africa and around the world.”
The award was received on his behalf by NOUN’s Head of Information and Call Centre, Ms. Wosilatu Ainodion, who attended the event in New Zealand.
NOUN VC, Prof. Olufemi Peters Bags ICDE 2025 Global Prize of Excellence
