National Open University of Nigeria
National Open University of Nigeria, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Motto	Learn At Any Place At Your Pace
Type	Public
Established	2002^[1] (1983)
Vice-Chancellor	Prof. Olufemi A. Peters^[2]
Students	515,000^[3]
Location	Abuja , Nigeria
Campus	Rural
Colours	Elf green, cadmium yellow & ruby red
Nickname	NOUN
Affiliations	AAU, NUC
Website	www.nou.edu.ng Student Portal

The National Open University of Nigeria is a federal open and distance learning (ODL) institution, the first of its kind in the West African sub-region. It is Nigeria's largest tertiary institution in terms of student number and is popularly referred to as 'NOUN'.

History

The university was initially established on 22 July 1983 as springboard for open and distance learning in Nigeria. It was suspended by the government on 25 April 1984.^[4] However, its resuscitation was begun on 12 April 2001 by the former President of Nigeria, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo. At take off of the university, pioneer student enrollment stood at 32,400.^[5]

Organisation

In 2011, NOUN had about 57,759 students.^[6] The Vice Chancellor at the time was Prof. Vincent Tenebe.^[2] The university for years operated from its administrative headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, before vice chancellor Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, moved it to its permanent headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, in 2016. The current Vice Chancellor is Prof. Olufemi Peters. It has over 75 study centres throughout the country.^[5] It offers over 50 programmes and hi750 courses.^[5]

By its nature as an ODL institution, NOUN does not provide lectures to students in normal classrooms except some certain study centres. The study centre in Lagos for instance provides lectures to all the law undergraduates and supplies course materials to all students after the payment of tuition fees. All courses offered by the university are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The registrar serves as the secretary to council and senate bodies. The registry department's primary responsibility is to provide support services for the general administration of the university with emphasis on council affairs, senate matters, recruitment of staff, student admission and welfare, staff welfare and related activities. The current registrar is Mr. Oladapo Adetayo Ajayi.

Faculties

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences^[7]
Faculty of Law^[8]
Faculty of Arts^[9]
Faculty of Management sciences^[10]
Faculty of Education^[11]
Faculty of Science^[12]
Faculty of Health Science^[13]
Faculty of Social Science^[14]

List of Departments and degree programmes

Agricultural Economics and Extension^[15]
Hotel and Tourism Management – HTM
Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness – AEA
Agricultural Extension and Rural Development – ARD
Animal Science and Fisheries.^[16]
Crop Science
Soil Science
Computer science ^[17]
environmental Science ^[18]
Mathematics ^[19]
Physics^[20]
Chemistry ^[18]
Biology ^[21]
English^[22]
Linguistics, Foreign and Nigerian Languages^[23]
Philosophy^[24]
Religious Studies^[25]
Educational Foundations Science Education^[26]
Arts and Social Science Education (ASSE)^[27]
Health and Human Kinetic ^[28]
Education Foundation^[29]

Library and Information Science^[30]
English, Department of Linguistics, Foreign and Nigerian Languages, Department of Philosophy and Department of Religious Studies.
^[20]^[19]^[18]

Students

Requirements

A diverse range of students from all walks of life are attracted to the university, similar to other Open Universities such as the Open University in the United Kingdom. For most courses there are no stringent entry requirements other than the ability to study at an appropriate level such as the West African Examination, and other national diplomas to qualify for direct entry admission. Most postgraduate courses require evidence of previous study or equivalent life experience. This fundamental open admissions policy makes undergraduate university study accessible to all.^[31]

Undergraduates

While most of those studying are mature students, an increasingly large proportion of new undergraduates are aged between 17 and 25. The reduction in financial support for those attending traditional universities, coupled with the use of sites such as YouTube and Khan Academy that appeal to this demographic, is believed to be behind this growth.^[32]

School of Postgraduate Studies

The school seeks to address Nigeria's increasing need for highly specialized knowledge and skill development in order to help the country contribute to the worldwide knowledge economy.^[33]

Immunity to strikes

The Act of Parliament which established the university prohibits any form of union for staff or for students. This has made the university unaffected by strikes such as the ASUU strikes (which lasted for eight months), which have the effect of extending the duration of students' studies.^[34]

National Youths Service Corps

The NOUN has made efforts to ensure its graduates below age 30 (the maximum age limit) participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).^[35]^[36]

Alumni

Beverly Osu, actress, model and video vixen

Technological platforms

The iLearn portal provides students with access to the university's learning resources, including:

Online class discussions organized by NOUN facilitators, creating a virtual classroom environment.
Academic support for students
Social networking and collaboration tools to facilitate interactions among students, facilitators, academic staff and faculty members.
Study tools such as the digitized video and audio materials
Access to assignments, quizzes and self-study assessment tools^[37]

Examination

The university uses computer-based test (CBT) for first and second year students, except for law undergraduates who sit conventional pen-on-paper (POP) from their first year of admission. POP examinations are used for all students after the second year, and for postgraduate students.

The CBT examinations have two formats: multiple choice questions and fill in the gap questions. The Computer Base Test (CBT) system been criticised by some students, who say that the system requires students memorize their textbooks and produce answers that match those stored on the school's computers.^[38]

Assessment

Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) are continuous assessments(C.A) that accounts for 30% of a student's total score. Students are expected to answer all TMAs, which must be answered and submitted before students sit for the end of course examination. The end of course examinations account for the other 70% of a student's score.

Facilities

E-library

The NOUN operates an e-library at the headquarters situated at Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria which all students have access to after providing a valid student's identity card. Students have access to both Internet facilities, books, journals, projects, theses of past students and other educational materials.

Radio station

The NOUN FM radio station^[39] broadcasts on workdays and provides opportunities for Mass Communication students.^{[citation needed]}

E-courseware

The NOUN also provides a platform for students that needs to access its database of educational materials NOUN e-Courseware Free Download strictly for educational purposes rather than financial or commercial purposes. Books can be downloaded in PDF formats at no cost.

Scholarships

In May 2014, the Nollywood movie star Ini Edo made headlines when she was offered a scholarship to study law at the university. Other actresses and actors including Desmond Elliot^[40] have also been offered scholarships. Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Francis Duru, Doris Simeon and Sani Danja were announced as ambassadors for the NOUN. All four were presented by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Vincent A. Tenebe, with scholarships to study their courses of choice.^[41]

Past vice chancellors

References

External links

Association of African Universities

Association of African Universities
Algeria	Algiers 1 University Constantine 1 University Oran 1 University Université Badji Mokhtar d'Annaba Université des sciences et de la technologie d'Oran Université Des Sciences Islamiques University of Ouargla University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene
Angola	Agostinho Neto University
Benin	African University For Cooperative Development Edexcel University Poma International Business University Université de Parakou University of Abomey-Calavi
Botswana	Botho University Botswana Accountancy College Botswana International University of Science and Technology Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources New Era College Of Arts, Science And Technology University of Botswana
Burkina Faso	Institut International d'Ingénierie de l'Eau et de l'Environnement Institut Supérieur d’Informatique et de Gestion L'Université Aube Nouvelle Nazi Boni University University of Ouagadougou
Burundi	École normale supérieure de Bujumbura University of Burundi
Cameroon	Ecole Nationale Superieure Des Travaux Publics De Yaoundé Institut Universitaire du Golfe de Guinée Maflekumen Higher Institute Of Health Sciences Pan African Institute for Development – West Africa University of Bamenda University of Buea University of Douala University of Dschang University of Maroua University of Ngaoundéré University of Yaoundé I
Cape Verde	Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde
Central African Republic	EUCLID University of Bangui
Chad	University of N'Djamena
Republic of the Congo	Marien Ngouabi University
Cote D'Ivoire	Agitel - Formation École nationale supérieure de statistique et d'économie appliquée Institut universitaire d'Abidjan International University of Grand-Bassam Pigier Côte d'Ivoire Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny Université Nangui-Abrogoua Université Pelefero Gon Coulibaly Université Tertiaire et Technologique LOKO
Democractic Republic of the Congo	Catholic University of Bukavu Université catholique du Congo Université Loyola du Congo Université Simon Kimbangu University of Kinshasa University of Kisangani University of Lubumbashi
Egypt	Ain Shams University Al-Azhar University Alexandria Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology Alexandria University Benha University Cairo University Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology Egyptian e-Learning University Helwan University Mansoura University Matrouh University Menoufia University Minya University Misr University for Science and Technology October 6 University Pharos University in Alexandria South Valley University Suez Canal University Tanta University The American University in Cairo The British University in Egypt University of Sadat City Zagazig University
Eritrea	University of Asmara
Eswatini	University of Eswatini
Ethiopia	Addis Ababa Science and Technology University Addis Ababa University Bule Hora University Ethiopian Civil Service University Haramaya University Hawassa University Jimma University Mekelle University St. Mary's University Wollega University
Gabon	Omar Bongo University Université Des Sciences & Techniques De Masuku
Ghana	Accra Institute of Technology Accra Technical University African University College of Communications All Nations University Ashesi University Bluecrest University College Central University Dominion University College George Grant University of Mines and Technology Ghana Institute of Languages Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Koforidua Technical University Kumasi Technical University Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Methodist University College Ghana Pentecost University Presbyterian University College Radford University College Regent University College of Science and Technology Regional Maritime University University for Development Studies University of Cape Coast University of Education, Winneba University of Energy and Natural Resources University of Ghana University of Health and Allied Sciences University of Professional Studies University of Media, Arts and Communication Valley View University Wisconsin International University College Zenith University College
Kenya	African Virtual University Catholic University of Eastern Africa Daystar University Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Egerton University International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kenyatta University Maseno University Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Moi University Mount Kenya University Multimedia University of Kenya South Eastern Kenya University Strathmore University Umma University University of Eldoret University of Nairobi
Lesotho	National University of Lesotho
Liberia	Cuttington University Stella Maris Polytechnic University United Methodist University
Libya	Al Asmarya University for Islamic Sciences Al Zawiya University Misurata University Sabha University University of Al-Jabal Al Gharbi University of Benghazi University of Tripoli
Madagascar	University of Antsiranana University of Antananarivo University of Fianarantosoa University of Mahajanga University of Toamasina University of Toliara
Malawi	DMI-St. John the Baptist University Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Malawi University of Science and Technology UNICAF University of Malawi
Mali	University of Bamako
Mauritania	University of Nouakchott Al Aasriya
Mauritius	Open University of Mauritius University of Mauritius University of Technology, Mauritius
Morocco	Mohammed First University Mohammed V University University of al-Qarawiyyin
Mozambique	Catholic University of Mozambique Eduardo Mondlane University Maputo University Zambeze University
Namibia	International University of Management Namibia University of Science and Technology University of Namibia
Niger	Abdou Moumouni University Higher Institute of Mining, Industry and Geology Maryam Abacha American University Niger
Nigeria	Abia State University Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Adamawa State University Ahmadu Bello University Al-Hikmah University Babcock University Bayero University Bells University of Technology Bowen University Crawford University Delta State University, Abraka Ebonyi State University Federal University of Technology, Minna Federal University of Technology, Owerri Federal University of Technology, Yola Gombe State University Kogi State University Kwara State University Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Michael Okpara University of Agriculture National Open University of Nigeria Niger Delta University Nnamdi Azikiwe University Osun State University Pan-Atlantic University Redeemer's University Rivers State University University of Abuja University of Africa University of Agriculture, Abeokuta University of Agriculture, Makurdi University of Benin University of Calabar University of Ibadan University of Ilorin University of Lagos University of Port Harcourt University of Uyo Usman Dan Fodio University
Rwanda	Université Nationale du Rwanda
Sierra Leone	Njala University University of Sierra Leone
Somalia	Benadir University East Africa University Puntland State University
South Africa	Cape Peninsula University of Technology Central University of Technology Council on Higher Education Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University North-West University Rhodes University University of Cape Town University of Fort Hare University of Johannesburg University of KwaZulu-Natal University of the Free State University of Limpopo University of Pretoria University of South Africa University of Stellenbosch University of the Western Cape University of the Witwatersrand University of Venda University of Zululand Walter Sisulu University
South Sudan	University of Juba
Sudan	El Imam El Mahdi University National College for Medical and Technical Studies Omdurman Ahlia University Red Sea University University of Bakht er Ruda University of Dalanj University of Science and Technology
Tanzania	Ardhi University Muslim University of Morogoro Mzumbe University St. Augustine University of Tanzania The Open University of Tanzania University of Dar es Salaam Zanzibar University
The Gambia	University of the Gambia
Togo	Université de Kara Université de Lomé
Uganda	Busitema University Uganda Christian University Uganda Management Institute Uganda Martyrs University
Zambia	Cavendish University Copperbelt University Mulungushi University University of Lusaka College University of Zambia Zambian Open University
Zimbabwe	Africa University Bindura University of Science Education Chinhoyi University of Technology Great Zimbabwe University Harare Institute of Technology Lupane State University Midlands State University National University of Science and Technology University of Zimbabwe Women’s University in Africa Zimbabwe Open University

Universities in Nigeria

Universities in Nigeria
Federal	Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo Ahmadu Bello University Bayero University Kano Federal University, Birnin Kebbi Federal University Dutse Federal University, Dutsin-Ma Federal University, Gashua Federal University, Gusau Federal University Kashere Federal University, Lokoja Federal University, Otuoke Federal University Oye Ekiti Federal University, Wukari Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru Federal University of Lafia Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun Federal University of Technology Akure Federal University of Technology, Minna Federal University of Technology Owerri Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Modibbo Adama Federal University of Technology, Yola National Open University of Nigeria Nigeria Maritime University Nigerian Army University Biu Nigerian Defence Academy Nnamdi Azikiwe University Obafemi Awolowo University University of Abuja University of Agriculture, Makurdi University of Benin University of Calabar University of Ibadan University of Ilorin University of Jos University of Lagos University of Maiduguri University of Nigeria University of Port Harcourt University of Uyo Usmanu Danfodiyo University
State	Abia State University Uturu Adamawa State University Adekunle Ajasin University Akwa Ibom State University Ambrose Alli University Bauchi State University Bayelsa Medical University Benue State University Borno State University Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Cross River University of Technology Delta State University Ebonyi State University Edo University, Iyamho Ekiti State University Enugu State University of Science and Technology Gombe State University Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Imo State University Kaduna State University Kano State University of Technology Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Kogi State University Kwara State University Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Lagos State University Nasarawa State University Niger Delta University Olabisi Onabanjo University Ondo State University of Science and Technology Osun State University Plateau State University Rivers State University Sokoto State University Sule Lamido University Tai Solarin University of Education Taraba State University The Polytechnic, Ibadan Umaru Musa Yar'adua University University of Africa, Toru-Orua Yobe State University Bukar Abba Ibrahim University Zamfara State University
Private	Achievers University Afe Babalola University Ajayi Crowther University Al-Hikmah University American University of Nigeria Anchor University Arthur Javis University Augustine University Ilara Babcock University Baze University Bells University of Technology Benson Idahosa University Bingham University Bowen University Caleb University Caritas University CETEP City University Chrisland University Christopher University Coal City University Covenant University Crawford University Crescent University Elizade University Fountain University Godfrey Okoye University Gregory University Hezekiah University Igbinedion University Joseph Ayo Babalola University Kings University Koladaisi University Kwararafa University Landmark University Lead City University Madonna University McPherson University Mountain Top University Nile University of Nigeria Novena University Obong University Oduduwa University Pan-Atlantic University Paul University Redeemer's University Nigeria Renaissance University Rhema University Ritman University Salem University Samuel Adegboyega University Tansian University University of Mkar Veritas University Wellspring University Wesley University Western Delta University

Authority control databases