Jakarta (ANTARA) - The number of active students at the Open University (UT) has reached 525,360 across its campus network nationwide, exceeding its target of 500 thousand active students.

"The achievement of half a million students is inseparable from the efforts and hard work of the entire UT academic community," UT rector, Ojat Darojat, said at the "UT Achievement of 500,000 Students" event in Tangerang, Banten, on Tuesday.

The achievement marks a historic moment in the 39 years of the university's journey, he added.

He said that the Open University is committed to providing open education services to the nation.

The achievement is a mark of progress of the aspirations of UT's previous leaders and predecessors, who targeted 1 million active students — a goal that was declared back in 2017, he added.

"We are half the way. We are grateful for the hard work of UT communities at the center, regions, and at the outer islands and remote areas," he said.

Darojat further said he is optimistic that the goal of recording 1 million active students can be achieved by 2025.

He explained that his optimism is based on UT becoming more well-known by the public due to easy access and affordability.

Moreover, he said, the university has continued efforts to improve, for instance, by adding new study programs and improving the quality of distance learning so that it can reach more students.

"We need to maintain togetherness and optimism. Hopefully, we can achieve the dream and goals in the future," he added.

According to UT's data, 59 percent of its 525,360 active students are under the age of 25, and only 3 percent of the students are aged 45 and above.

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Translator: Sean M, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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