Overview and History of National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja

 
In an era where access to higher education is increasingly recognized as a key driver of socio-economic development, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has established itself as a critical platform for learning beyond the traditional classroom. Based in Abuja, NOUN opens the doors of tertiary education to a broad spectrum of learners — working adults, those in remote locations, individuals seeking flexible schedules and life-long learners alike. With the motto “Learn at Any Place at Your Pace,” the institution embodies the principle that education should adapt to the learner rather than forcing the learner to adapt to rigid systems. This orientation is especially significant in a country like Nigeria, where conventional university slots are limited, commuting may be difficult, and many citizens need flexibility to combine study with work, family or other responsibilities. NOUN’s model — built around open and distance learning (ODL) — allows for asynchronous study, study-centres distributed nationwide, and leveraging of ICT infrastructure to reach a wide audience. Over time, the university has grown to become arguably the largest tertiary institution in Nigeria by student numbers, signalling both the demand for such a mode and the capacity of NOUN to respond.

For prospective students, NOUN offers an opportunity: to engage in recognised university programmes without relocating, or disrupting jobs, or subjecting oneself to the cycles of strikes and campus disruptions that sometimes affect conventional campuses. At the same time, the model brings its own challenges — self-discipline, effective use of online/distance materials, and a proactive approach to student support become essential. As you consider NOUN, it is useful to explore its official web presence, guiding philosophy, founder context, history, leadership, accreditation, academic structure, campus life (in its unique sense), and some of its alumni. This will give a holistic view of what the institution offers, and how it fits within Nigeria’s higher education ecosystem.

##Official Website
The official website of NOUN is https://www.nou.edu.ng/On this portal, one can access admissions information (undergraduate, postgraduate, short courses), study-centre listings, e-learning portals, announcements, student support services, library resources and other institutional news. As an open-and-distance learning university, the website serves not just as static information but as a gateway to e-learning tools, study centre coordination, student registration modules and faculty updates.

##Motto
The motto of NOUN is “Learn at Any Place at Your Pace.” This phrase succinctly captures the essence of what the institution stands for: enabling learners to study from wherever they are, and in a rhythm that suits their lives. The emphasis is on flexibility, inclusivity and empowerment — rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all academic schedule. The motto reminds learners that they have agency over their educational journey, which is particularly apt in a distance-learning context where students must often balance multiple commitments.

##Founder
While NOUN was not “founded” by a single individual philanthropist in the conventional sense, its establishment is rooted in national policy. The idea was first proposed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 1976, which recommended an open university model for Nigeria. The enabling law — the National Open University Act No. 6 of 1983 — was signed by then-President Shehu Shagari on 22 July 1983. 

In that sense, one might credit President Shagari’s administration and the NUC’s vision for “founding” the university. Later revival efforts in the early 2000s were driven by President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. 
nounupdate.com

Thus, the “founder” in practical terms is the Nigerian Federal Government, acting via legislation and educational policy.

##History
The history of NOUN is both evolutionary and emblematic of the broader shifts in Nigerian higher education. The idea of an open university in Nigeria was first officially proposed by the NUC in 1976, as part of the push to broaden access to tertiary education. 

The National Policy on Education of 1977 specifically referenced “open universities” as one of the modes of providing higher education. 

On 22 July 1983, the National Open University Act No.6 was signed, creating the institution legally. 

However, shortly thereafter, operations were suspended on 25 April 1984, undermined by funding, policy shifts and other competing priorities. 

After more than a decade without full operations, the university was resuscitated under the Federal Government in 2001-2002. On 1 October 2002, NOUN formally recommenced, now as the National Open University of Nigeria, with a mission to provide flexible, cost-effective, quality tertiary education through ODL. 

Since then, the institution has grown significantly in student numbers, study centres and programme offerings. According to official sources, NOUN now operates from its headquarters at Plot 91, Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, University Village, Jabi, Abuja, with dozens (then over 100) of study centres spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. 

During the years, NOUN introduced significant innovations: in 2015 it launched the first open educational resources (OER) portal in West Africa. 

It also continues to refine its quality assurance, distance-learning delivery, e-learning platforms and partnerships. The history reveals an institution that began with policy intent, went through a period of dormancy, and then re-emerged with a renewed mission focused on accessibility and flexibility. Today, NOUN stands as Nigeria’s largest single-mode open and distance learning university, and offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and short-course programmes. 

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of NOUN is Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin. 

Brief biography: Born on 20 October 1953, Ewuare II was installed as the 40th Oba of Benin on 20 October 2016. Educated at Edo College, Immaculate Conception College, South Thames College and the University of Wales, he also attended Rutgers University. He has served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Angola, Sweden and Italy, and holds degrees in Economics and Public Administration. As Chancellor of NOUN, his role is largely ceremonial — presiding over convocations, representing the university in formal ceremonies, conferring degrees, and providing a bridge between the institution and broader society. His appointment signals prestige and continuity of tradition, while reinforcing NOUN’s national character. 

##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation and recognition are essential to the credibility and value of any university degree, especially for distance-learning institutions. For NOUN:

NOUN publicly states that “All our courses are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).” 

In 2023, NOUN underwent an international institutional accreditation exercise by the United Kingdom Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). 

The institution is listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) under IAU code IAU-012494. 

These attestations help reassure prospective students that NOUN’s programmes meet national and increasingly international standards. Moreover, its open and distance mode aligns with global trends in lifelong learning and access.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
Although NOUN operates largely on a distributed (study centre + online) model rather than a typical central campus model, it nonetheless offers a structured academic ecosystem supported by significant facilities. Here are six (and more) key aspects:

Faculties and Schools
NOUN operates a range of faculties covering major academic disciplines — for example: 

Faculty of Arts

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences

Faculty of Sciences

Faculty of Education

Faculty of Management Sciences

Faculty of Health Sciences

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Social Sciences


##Campus Life and Facilities
While NOUN’s model differs from traditional residential universities, student life and facilities still matter — albeit in a distributed sense. Here’s how campus (or “study centre”) life and facilities are organised:

Learner Flexibility and Diverse Cohort: Many students are working professionals, adult learners, or those seeking second-chances. The model allows study with minimal disruption to existing commitments.

Study Centres as Local Hubs: Students attend their local study centre for tutorials, interactive sessions, examinations and peer engagement, fostering community in their region without relocating.

Library & Digital Access: Access to the central and regional libraries (print + e-resources) ensures learners can retrieve materials regardless of location. The e-resources are available to users from anywhere. 

Student Support Services: Services such as counselling, ICT help-desks, student affairs units, and registration support help ease the distance-learning experience.

Minimal Residential Infrastructure: Unlike conventional universities with sprawling hostels and athletics facilities, NOUN’s model is lighter on residence; many learners commute or study remotely. However, local study centres provide space for group sessions and examinations.

Less Vulnerability to Strikes: Because learning is partly remote and not fully reliant on campus infrastructure, students often face less disruption from industrial actions that affect conventional campuses.

Community & Lifelong Learning Orientation: Many learners are mature, part-time, or seeking up-skilling; this changes the patterns of campus life — more flexible schedules, less “campus-nightlife,” more self-directed study.