National Open University of Nigeria, popularly known as NOUN, is a federal open distance learning tertiary institution located in different parts of the country, in which its headquarters is at Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria.
The National Open University of Nigeria is the first open distance learning tertiary institution in West Africa, and it’s Nigeria’s largest tertiary institution in terms of student numbers.
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) was established on July 22nd, 1983, but was later suspended the following year and was reopened in April 2001 under the administration of former President of Nigeria Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo.
NOUN is the largest tertiary institution in Nigeria, with over 515,000 students and around 78 study centres nationwide, serving all six geopolitical zones.
It offers diverse courses and programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and even diploma programs.
NOUN objective has been to provide flexible, affordable education at the tertiary level where students can stay anywhere in Nigeria and study at their own pace.
Faculties in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Health Science
- Faculty of Social Science
- Faculty Computing
National Open University of Nigeria courses and requirements
Undergraduate courses at the National Open University of Nigeria
| B.A. Hausa |
| B.A. French |
| B.A. English |
| B.A. Christian Theology |
| B.A. Arabic |
| B.A. Philosophy |
| B.A. Islamic Studies |
| B.A. Igbo |
| B.A. (ED) Primary Education |
| B.A. (ED) French |
| B.A.(ED) English |
| B.A. (ED) Early Childhood Education |
| B.A. Yoruba |
| B.Agric Soil and Land Resources Management |
| B.Agric Crop Science |
| B.Agric Animal Science |
| B.Agric Agricultural Extension and Rural Development |
| B.Agric Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness |
| B.Sc. Biology |
| B.Sc. Banking and Finance |
| B.Sc. Accounting |
| B.NSc. Nursing Science |
| B.LIS Library and Information Science |
| B.Sc. Cooperative and Rural Development |
| B.Sc. Computer Science |
| B.Sc. Chemistry |
| B.Sc. Broadcast Journalism |
| B.Sc. Business Administration |
| B.Sc. Environmental Health Science |
| B.Sc. Entrepreneurship |
| B.Sc. Economics |
| B.Sc. Criminology and Security Studies |
| B.Sc. Development Studies |
| B.Sc. Marketing |
| B.Sc. International Relations |
| B.Sc. Information Technology |
| B.Sc. Film Production |
| B.Sc. Environmental Science and Resource Management |
| B.Sc. Physics |
| B.Sc. Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution |
| B.Sc. Maths and Computer Science |
| B.Sc. Mathematics |
| B.Sc. Mass Communication |
| B.Sc.(ED) Agricultural Science |
| B.Sc. Tourism Studies |
| B.Sc. Public Health |
| B.Sc. Public Administration |
| B.Sc. Political Science |
| B.Sc.(ED) Computer Science |
| B.Sc. (Ed) Health Education |
| B.Sc.(ED) Chemistry |
| B.Sc.(ED) Biology |
| B.Sc.(ED) Business Education |
| B.Sc.(ED) Physics |
| B.Sc.(ED) Mathematics |
| B.Sc. (Ed) Human Kinetics |
| B.Sc. (ED) Integrated Science |
| LLM Law |
Postgraduate courses at National Open University
| M.A. Christian Religious Studies (Pastoral Theology) |
| M.A. Christian Religious Studies (Old Testament) |
| M.A. Christian Religious Studies (New Testament) |
| M.A. Christian Religious Studies (Church History) |
| M.A. Christian Religious Studies (Philosophy of Religion) |
| M.A. Christian Religious Studies (Systematic Theology) |
| M.A. Christian Religious Studies (Religion and Society) |
| M.A. English (Language) |
| M.A. English (Comparative Literature) |
| M.Ed. Guidance and Counselling |
| M.Ed. Educational Technology |
| M.Ed. Administration and Planning |
| M.A. Islamic Studies |
| M.A. English (Literature in English) |
| M.Sc. Entrepreneurship |
| M.Sc. Criminology and Security Studies |
| M.Sc. Business Administration |
| M.Ed. Science Education |
| M.Sc. Public Health |
| M.Sc. Public Administration |
| M.Sc. Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution |
| M.Sc. Mass Communication |
| M.Sc. Information Technology |
| Masters in Public Administration |
| Masters in Business Administration |
| PGD. Christian Theology |
| PGD. Business Administration |
| PGD. Agricultural Extension Management |
| PGD. Entrepreneurship |
| PGD. Information Technology |
| PGD. Education |
| PGD. Economics |
| PGD. Criminology and Security Studies |
| PhD Business Administration |
| PGD. Public Administration |
| PGD. Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution |
| PGD. Mass Communication |
| PGD. Legislative Draughting |
| PhD Christian Theology (Old Testament) |
| PhD Christian Theology (New Testament) |
| PhD Christian Theology (Church History) |
| PhD Christian Theology (African Traditional Religion) |
| PhD Christian Theology (African Christian Theology) |
| PhD Criminology and Security Studies |
| PhD Christian Theology (Systematic Theology) |
| PhD Christian Theology (Religion and Society) |
| PhD Christian Theology (Philosophy of Religion) |
| PhD Christian Theology (Pastoral Theology) |
| PhD Information Technology |
| PhD English Language |
| PhD Educational Planning |
| PhD Educational Technology |
| PhD Educational Administration |
| PhD Public Administration |
| PhD Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution |
| PhD Mathematics Education |
| PhD Mass Communication |
| PhD Law |
| PhD/MPhil Public Administration |
| PhD/MPhil Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution |
| PhD/MPhil Criminology and Security Studies |
| PhD/MPhil Business Administration |
| 118 PhD Science Education |
General Admission Requirements at National Open University
- All applicants (undergraduate, postgraduate, and direct entry) must have at least five credit passes at SSCE/GCE ‘O’ Level—including English Language and Mathematics.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements at National Open University
- Candidates must possess at least five (5) O‑Level credits, including English and math, at not more than two sittings.
- Applicants can still apply with awaiting results; admission is finalised once they meet the requirements.
Direct Entry Candidates
- Applicants must possess two A‑Level passes in relevant subjects.
- Applicants must have an NCE or ND/HND (lower credit) in a relevant course.
- Candidates can also apply with a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of third class.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements at National Open University of Nigeria
Requirements for postgraduate programs at NOUN vary depending on the program.
▸ Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum pass/third class) or HND (lower credit) from a NOUN‑recognized university.
▸ Master’s Degree (MSc, MBA, MEd)
- Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Lower in a relevant field.
- Or a PGD in a related field or an HND (Upper Credit) may be accepted.
- Lower-class graduates with 2+ years of relevant experience may also be considered.
▸ Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Master’s degree in a relevant field from a recognised university.
- Minimum average score: 60% or CGPA ≥ 3.5/5 (some sources mention 4.0/5).
Note: There might Specific program requirements may apply, so always check the school’s website https://nou.edu.ng/
Duration of Programs at National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
Duration for Undergraduate Programs
Standard Entry (100 level): Typically 4 years, just like full-time universities.
Direct Entry (200 level): Completion time is 3 years, as students enter with A-levels, ND, or NCE.
HND/Bachelor’s direct entry (300 level): Typically 2 years to complete.
Duration for Postgraduate Programs
PGD programs last a minimum of 1 year (usually around 18 months).
Master’s degrees require a minimum of 2 years.
Ph.D. programs can be completed in a minimum of 2 years.
FAQs
Does NOUN require JAMB for admission?
No, the National Open University of Nigeria does not require you to sit for the JAMB UTME examination before being granted admission, though you will need to register your admission with JAMB, but you won’t necessarily sit for the UTME.
Does NOUN offer medicine and surgery?
No, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) does not offer medicine and surgery.
Does NOUN offer nursing?
Yes, National Open University of Nigeria offers Nursing Science.
Does NOUN offer computer science?
Yes, National Open University of Nigeria offers computer science.
Does NOUN offer pharmacy?
No, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) does not offer pharmacy.
How many years is a course at National Open University?
Undergraduate courses at the National Open University of Nigeria typically last 3-4 years depending on the course and your mode of entry.
