National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN): The Honest Student’s Guide to Admission, Fees, and Career Prospects

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), based on the latest institutional data and student experiences. Whether you are a working professional or a student seeking an alternative to conventional universities, here is everything you need to know.

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The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is one of the most popular institutions in West Africa. It caters to a massive demographic—from young school leavers to “middle-lifers” and even senior citizens. With a student population exceeding 515,000, it is currently the largest university in Nigeria by enrollment.

Also check out: Studying Nursing in Nigeria: University vs. School of Nursing

A Brief History

Established in 1983 and later suspended in 1984, the university was relaunched in 2002. While the headquarters recently moved from Lagos to Abuja, its reach remains nationwide. It holds the distinction of being the first Federal Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution in West Africa.

Study Mode: How it Works

NOUN operates on an e-learning model. It is designed for flexibility, meaning you don’t have a tight schedule of physical classes.

Self-Study: You learn from home using recorded classes and materials on the e-learning portal.
Study Centers: There are dozens of centers nationwide (over 76 at the last count). These centers provide administrative support and occasional physical team-ups for practical-heavy courses like Nursing or Law.
Virtual Classrooms: Students have access to “Zoom-style” platforms for tutorials and practicals.

Faculties and Popular Courses

NOUN offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate (Masters/PhD) programs across eight faculties:

Agricultural Sciences
Arts
Computing
Education
Health Sciences (Nursing, Public Health, Environmental Health)
Law
Management Sciences (Accounting, Economics)
Social Sciences (Mass Communication, Political Science)

Most Popular Courses: Computer Science is currently the top choice, followed by Nursing and Law.

Admission: No JAMB Required?

One of the biggest draws to NOUN is the ease of admission.

Requirements: You generally need five credits in your O’Levels (WAEC/NECO).
The JAMB Factor: You do not need to write the JAMB UTME to get in, nor is there a Post-UTME exam. However, you will eventually need a JAMB profile for regularization.
Instant Admission: Once you apply via the official NOUN portal, you often receive a provisional admission letter on the spot if you meet the requirements.

Fees and Charges (Estimated)

While fees can fluctuate, here is a rough breakdown of the costs:

New Undergraduates: A compulsory fee of approximately ₦36,000.
Returning Undergraduates: Approximately ₦18,000.
Exam Fees: ₦1,000 per course.
Course Fees: ₦2,500 to ₦3,000 per course.
Project Fees: Roughly ₦15,000 in your final year.

Note: You are limited to 29 units per semester, meaning most students take about 10 courses per semester.

Assessments and the “300 Level Challenge”

NOUN uses a 30-70 grading system:

TMA (Tutor Marked Assessment): These are four online tests per course taken on your portal, carrying 30% of your grade.
Final Exams: 70% of your grade.
- 100 & 200 Level: Exams are Computer-Based Tests (CBT).
- 300 Level & Above: Exams shift to Pen-on-Paper (Theory).

Warning: Many students face challenges at the 300 level. Without physical lecturers to explain complex topics like Math or Physics, the shift to theory exams often results in carryovers for those who aren’t highly self-disciplined.

Accreditation, Law School, and NYSC

Accreditation: All NOUN programs are accredited by the NUC.
Law School: After some controversy, NOUN Law graduates are now cleared to attend the Nigerian Law School.
NYSC: NOUN graduates do not go for the one-year national service. Instead, they receive an Exclusion Letter, which is legally sufficient for employment in Nigeria.

Pros and Cons: Is NOUN Right for You?

The Pros

Flexibility: Study from your bedroom at your own pace.
No Strikes: NOUN is independent and not affected by ASUU strikes.
Affordability: The fees are predictable and relatively low.
Federal Recognition: Degrees are respected for jobs, promotions, and further study abroad.

The Cons

Requires Self-Discipline: If you can’t study without being pushed, you may struggle.
Admin Delays: There are frequent reports of delays in releasing results.
No “Campus Life”: You miss out on hostels, social vibes, and traditional student experiences.

Comparison Table: NOUN vs. Conventional University

To help you finalize your decision, here is a direct comparison between the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Conventional (Traditional) Nigerian Universities.

Feature	National Open University (NOUN)	Conventional University (UNILAG, UI, etc.)
Admission	No JAMB UTME required. Open access.	Requires JAMB UTME and Post-UTME.
Learning Mode	Online/Distance Learning (Flexible).	Physical classroom (Structured).
Strike Actions	Strike-Free. Operates independently.	Frequent ASUU/NASU strikes.
Duration	Self-paced (can take 4–8 years).	Fixed (usually 4–5 years).
NYSC Status	Exclusion Letter (No 1-year service).	Full Service (Call-up letter).
Fees	Pay per course/exam (Pay-as-you-go).	Lump-sum annual tuition/departmental fees.
Campus Life	Minimal. No hostels or student unions.	Full social experience, hostels, and clubs.
Assessments	Online Tests (TMA) + Final Exams.	Attendance + In-person tests + Exams.
Graduation	Can be delayed due to admin/results.	Usually predictable (outside of strikes).
Employment	Highly valued for working professionals.	Generally preferred for fresh graduates.

Which One Should You Pick?

Choose NOUN If:

You are working: You need a degree while maintaining a 9-to-5 job.
You are older: You want to avoid the “stress” of being in a classroom with teenagers.
You want to finish on time: You are tired of ASUU strikes adding 2 years to a 4-year course.
You want a Federal Degree: You need a recognized credential at an affordable, installment-based cost.

Choose a Conventional University If:

You are a teenager: You need the discipline, social growth, and networking that comes with campus life.
You want to serve: You have a dream of going to the NYSC orientation camp and wearing the “khaki” uniform.
You need “Pushing”: You struggle to study on your own and need a lecturer and a timetable to keep you focused.
You want a “Degree and a Skill”: Conventional universities offer more hands-on practicals for certain science and technical courses.

Final Pro-Tip: The “300 Level” Trap

Many students rush into NOUN because it’s easy to get into, but they drop out at the 300 level. Why? Because the exams change from CBT (Objective) to Pen-on-Paper (Theory). If you haven’t been studying deeply on your own, this is where the carryovers start.

Next Step: Would you like me to find the specific Study Center closest to your current location (e.g., Ibadan) or help you with the breakdown of courses for a specific department?

Who Should Apply?

NOUN is ideal for:

Working professionals seeking career advancement.
Entrepreneurs and business people.
Nursing mothers or parents needing flexibility.
Postgraduate students.

Personal Opinion: If you are a teenager or in your early 20s, you should consider a full-time conventional university first. The traditional campus experience builds social skills and provides the guidance that NOUN lacks. NOUN demands high mental stamina; in fact, many students drop out after the 200 level because they cannot handle the independent workload of the final years.