The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is the premier institution for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Africa, offering flexible, accessible, and cost-effective education for learners across Nigeria and beyond. Established with the aim of providing quality higher education to all, NOUN currently operates 78 Study Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and boasts a student population of over 500,000.
Historical Background
The concept of an Open University in Nigeria was first proposed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 1976. The idea was officially endorsed by the Federal Government in 1977 and incorporated into the National Policy on Education, which emphasized the need to provide access to higher education through open universities, correspondence courses, and work-study programs.
In 1980, President Shehu Shagari formed the Presidential Planning Committee to lay the groundwork for Nigeria’s first open university. By July 22, 1983, the National Open University Act No. 6 was signed into law, officially establishing NOUN. Although activities were initially suspended in 1984, NOUN was revived in 2002 and has since grown to become a leader in distance learning across Africa.
Key Information
- Type of Institution: Public Open and Distance Learning (ODL)
- Year of Establishment: 1983
- Current Student Population: Over 500,000
- Study Centres: 78 across Nigeria
Mission and Objectives
NOUN’s mission is to provide quality education that is flexible and affordable, using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to support a globalized economy. The university is committed to offering programs that meet the needs of various sectors, from Arts and Health to Law, Science, Management, and more.
Key Objectives of NOUN:
- Education for All and the promotion of lifelong learning
- Flexibility in the delivery of education, allowing students to learn at their own pace
- Cost-effectiveness and the ability to scale educational offerings
- Maximizing the use of academic resources and personnel
- Supporting on-the-job teacher training and professional development
- Poverty eradication through vocational and lifelong education
- Providing non-formal education and reaching underserved communities
Faculties and Courses offered at National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN):
NOUN offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its various faculties:
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
- Agricultural Economics and Extension
- Hotel and Tourism Management
- Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
- Animal Science and Fisheries
- Crop Science
- Soil Science
Faculty of Health Sciences
- Nursing (B.Nsc)
- Health and Human Kinetics
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Arts
- English Language
- Linguistics, Foreign and Nigerian Languages
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
Faculty of Management Sciences
- Accounting
- Banking and Finance
- Business Administration
Faculty of Social Sciences
- Mass Communication
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
Faculty of Sciences
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Environmental Science
Faculty of Education
- Educational Foundations
- Science Education
- Arts and Social Science Education
- Library and Information Science
Why Choose NOUN?
- Flexible Learning: NOUN’s ODL model allows students to learn at their own pace, making it ideal for working professionals, full-time employees, or those with other commitments.
- Accessibility: With 78 Study Centres across Nigeria and a vast array of online resources, NOUN provides accessible education to students regardless of location.
- Diverse Programs: From Agriculture to Law, Health Sciences to Management, NOUN offers a wide variety of programs that cater to the needs of today’s global economy.
- Technology-Driven: NOUN leverages ICT to deliver its courses, ensuring that students receive a modern education that is relevant to the digital age.
- Affordable Education: As a public university, NOUN offers cost-effective education without compromising on quality.
Conclusion
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is a leader in Open and Distance Learning, providing opportunities for lifelong learning to over 500,000 students. With its flexible programs, widespread study centres, and commitment to technology-driven education, NOUN is an ideal choice for those seeking to further their education while balancing other commitments.
