History of the National Open University of Nigeria

National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN

1. Introduction

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is a federal government-owned and operated distance learning institution located in Abuja, Nigeria. The vision of NOUN is "to be a world-class open flexible and distance learning institution, driven by the beliefs in the right of individuals to equal learning opportunity and the conviction that distance education be a crucial tool for sustainable national development." NOUN offers Open and Distance Learning (ODL) opportunities to interested candidates within and outside Nigeria. By pioneering open and distance learning in Nigeria, NOUN provides access to education without the time and place constraints of traditional study. As Nigeria’s premier open and distance learning institution, it offers affordable, flexible, and highly interactive modes of training that help shape the nation and foster personal growth in all facets of human endeavour. It also complements the conventional university system in eradicating illiteracy, eliminating high cost of formal education, and providing access to education without the barriers of time and place.

NOUN’s education delivery method is facilitated by a broad, country-wide network of study centres and satellite campuses, VMware and videoconferencing facilities, and supported by a state-of-the-art online platform. These structures serve as learning hubs, providing academic and administrative support to students. NOUN also engages in practical field assignments using the experiential learning approach. NOUN is unique in its student support services and Multi-Disciplinary Library geared towards learning and research. It is the only university in Sub-Saharan Africa with the software to manage its 24-hour online student registration system. Assessment monitors students’ learning through assignments, quizzes, and seminars conducted by tutors in the Study Groups. The University conducts supervised examinations at Study Centres to authenticate students’ internal assessments.

2. History of the National Open University of Nigeria

NOUN is a federal open and distance learning (ODL) institution in Nigeria, established by Decree 19 of 1983 during the administration of Shehu Shagari. It was the first of its kind in the country. The university ceased academic activities in 1984 but was re-established on July 22, 2002, under the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo. NOUN started its academic programs in September 2003 with the inaugural induction of 32 students. It currently operates from its main campus in Lagos State and has 74 study centres in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In 1980, the University of Lagos began experimenting with a correspondence course institute. Some years later, the concept of an Open University was introduced, and an Open University Planning Committee was established to oversee its development. In 1981, the Directorate of External Studies was established at the University of Lagos to facilitate this. NOUN was officially established in 1983.

3. Mission and Vision

The primary mission of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is to provide functional, flexible, affordable, and cost-effective access to quality education for all who seek knowledge and self-improvement. The University strives to improve the standard of living of underprivileged Nigerians by guaranteeing dedicated service and characteristics that catalyze a lifelong quest for knowledge, thereby enabling the transformation of Nigeria into a developed, industrial, and socio-politically stable nation.

Established by Decree No. 22 of 2002 (now the National Open University Act CAP No. N58 LFN 2004) to meet the long-felt need for Open and Distance Learning in Nigeria, NOUN has always been committed to providing quality education to all persons seeking intellectual growth regardless of age, social status, or intellectual attainment. A key objective of the University's founding legislation was to offer a remedial channel for all qualified Nigerians who are unable to secure admission for academic programs in the mainstream conventional universities of Nigeria.

4. Academic Programs

National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) offers academic programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in addition to diploma and certificate courses. Admission criteria differ between categories. At undergraduate level, the programmes cover all areas of the humanities and social sciences including environmental studies, agriculture, education and language studies. At postgraduate level, the main focus is on social sciences and management, although the university also offers master’s degree programmes in agriculture, primary health care and education. Diploma courses range from computer literacy to administration, some of which are also available as online programmes. Certificate courses provide continuing education in the areas of education, law enforcement, conflict prevention, community development and child protection.