NUC Approved Open Universities In Nigeria

The National Open University of Nigeria is the first federal institution in the West African sub-region to offer open and distance learning (ODL) programs. Called ‘NOUN’ by the general public, it is the biggest university in Nigeria in terms of enrollment.

The university was first founded on July 22, 1983, as a platform for distance and open learning in Nigeria. On April 25, 1984, the government suspended it. However, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president of Nigeria, started the process of reviving it on April 12, 2001. The number of pioneer students enrolled at the university’s founding was 32,400.

In this article, we’ll look at the NUC approved open universities in Nigeria.

Is The NOUN Certificate Recognized?

Yes. NOUN certificates will in no way be inferior to those awarded by conventional universities since the same body National Universities Commission, sets the minimum standard.

Depending on the faculty and educational level, different requirements apply to any of the courses offered by the National Open University of Nigeria. However, five O-level credits—including English language and math—are required as a minimum. 

To view the entry requirements, choose the faculty, program, and entry-level. This will allow you to verify if you met the requirements. Before submitting your application, you must make sure you meet the program’s minimum requirements. 

Things To Know About NOUN

The vast majority of people actually have some knowledge of their system of operation regarding admissions, lectures, campuses, hostels, and everything related to a university’s business practices.

Additionally, it can be challenging to learn much about NOUN unless you are a student there; this is not the case at other higher education institutions.

But with more than 400,000 students enrolled and 70 locations across the country, it’s critical to research the institution and learn about its offerings.

Here are five things you should be aware of regarding Nigeria’s National Open University.

1. The Federal Government operates the National Open University as a school.

NOUN is thought to be given preference because it is a Federal Government University. There’s no concern about the legitimacy or authenticity of the license.

The university’s graduate, master’s, and doctoral programs have NUC approval. The final approval from the NUC is what distinguishes a university in Nigeria.

2. It is an international idea.

An international educational idea that has been around for more than 40 years is Open Universities. Nigeria was not where it began.

More than 60 open universities exist today throughout the world, including in the United States, Canada, Australia, India, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Israel, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Japan, Greece, and several other nations.

The original idea behind Open Universities was the conviction that people who had not been able to attend traditional campus universities could now receive excellent degree-level education thanks to communications technology.

3. Strikes and union action don’t exist.

In a nation such as ours, where it is customary to append one or two years to the anticipated graduation year due to events such as the ASUU strike and student demonstrations,

There’s nothing like that at NOUN.

It is documented that you will not be extending your stay by a year or more. From the outset, you have a good idea of the year you will graduate.

4. The letter of exception from NYSC

It should be mentioned that the purpose of NYSC was not to validate college degrees. A certificate from the NYSC merely states, “You have served your country.”

Yes, graduates of NOUN do not receive call-up letters for their youth service; however, they do receive NYSC exception letters, which serve as an equivalent of an NYSC certificate.

As was previously mentioned, NOUN currently has over 400,000 students, which is more than the combined enrollment of ten to twenty universities.

If NYSC were to include that population, it would require nearly twice as much space to house everyone.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari signed legislation granting NOUN equal standing with other academic institutions and the ability to take part in the mandatory national service and law school.

5. It’s easy and open to enter.

One of the intriguing things about NOUN is this. To be admitted into its centers, you do not require JAMB or post-JAMB credentials. 

Every semester, NOUN accepts new students, and applications are always available.

List Of Approved Open Universities In Nigeria

Five open universities currently operating in the Nigerian university system are: 

1. The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

NOUN has 72 study/resource centers nationwide.

Distance learning centers are:

1.  University of Ibadan, Ibadan: Distance Learning Centre
2. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife: Centre for Distance Learning
3. University of Lagos, Akoka: Distance Learning Institute
4. University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri: Centre for Distance Learning
5. Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola: Centre for Distance Learning
6. University of Abuja, Abuja: Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education
7. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso: LAUTECH Distance Learning Centre
8. Ahmadu Bello University Zaria: Distance Learning Centre ABU, Zaria
9. Lagos State University: Lagos State University Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute
10. Joseph Ayo Babalola University University: JABU Center for Distance Learning
11. University of Nigeria Nsukka: UNN Center for Distance and e-Learning
12. Federal University of Technology Minna: Center for Open Distance and e-Learning
13. Babcock University Ilishan: Center for Open Distance and e-Learning
14. University of Ilorin Center for Open and Distance Learning
15. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti: Open and Distance Learning Centre
16. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye: Open and Distance Learning Centre
17. Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Portharcourt: Institute of Distance Education
18. Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto: Centre for Open and Distance Education (CODE)
19. Enugu State University of Science and Technology Open and Distance Learning Centre, Agbani
20. University of Benin: Centre for Distance Learning,

2. Miva Open University, Abuja, FCT 

Miva Open University is one of the open universities in Nigeria approved by the NUC.

On March 10, 2023, uLesson, a Nigerian ed-tech company with operations in four other West African nations, founded Miva University. As a launchpad for online education in Nigeria, the university registered as an entity with the National Universities Commission on May 16, 2023. The university started accepting students on May 27, 2023, and it offered eight programs across two faculties.

Under schools and faculties including Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data Science, Software Engineering, Accounting, Economics, Business Management, and Public Policy and Administration, the university offers a wide range of courses.

3. Iconic Open University, Sokoto, Sokoto State 

The National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria has approved Iconic University, as one of the open universities in Nigeria. Iconic University is a private open, distance, and e-learning university, which offers advanced education to prospective students wishing to earn a degree in a variety of courses. With possible study centers located in cities throughout Nigeria and abroad, the university has its main office in the state of Sokoto in Nigeria.

At the Iconic Open University, theoretical education is delivered virtually while hands-on learning takes place in physical learning centers, giving students the freedom to choose programs that suit them best. 

Students who are placed as apprentices in industries relevant to their careers benefit from this placement, which allows them to gain practical experience, industry-based knowledge, and skills. 

4. West Midlands Open University, Ibadan, Oyo State 

West Midlands Open University is known for its excellence in teaching, research, and public service, with a focus on business and management studies. It has received recognition on a national and international level.  It is one of the open universities in Nigeria approved by the NUC.

They are a vibrant, cutting-edge organization that meets the needs of businesses, society at large, and individuals for lifelong learning.

5. Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja, FCT

Al-Muhibbah Institute of ICT & Entrepreneurship Ltd. established Al-Muhibbah Open University with a strong moral basis and the goal of serving humanity by offering high-quality, open, and distance learning that is integrated with 21st-century skills. Al-Muhibbah is one of the open universities in Nigeria approved by the NUC.

The university’s mission is to advance knowledge by providing a general and applied education to all individuals, irrespective of their ethnicity, gender, political views, or creed.

Conclusion

Federal Open and Distance Learning is offered by the National Open University of Nigeria. Known as NOUN, it is the largest tertiary institution in Nigeria in terms of student population. 

NOUN is proud of its cost-effectiveness, reach-the-unreached capacity, and adaptable delivery system.

Numerous notable Nigerians, including former Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo, actress Ini Edo from Nollywood, Beverly Osu, Dre’mo, Desmond Elliot, and numerous others, are alumni of NOUN. This program’s primary goal was to assist people in earning a degree without having to quit their businesses or jobs permanently, making it easier for them to work and study simultaneously.

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