What is the National Open University of Nigeria?
The National Universities Commission (NUC), the Nigerian government’s regulatory agency for all universities, first floated the idea of an Open University in 1976. The NUC, then led by Prof. Jubril Aminu as Executive Secretary (1975-1979), proposed to the Federal Military Government that an autonomous Open University be established for Nigeria during the Fourth National Development Plan (1981-1985). The Federal Government agreed, and the idea was later included in the National Policy on Education in 1977.
When Alhaji Shehu Shagari took over as Nigeria’s Civilian President in October 1979, he immediately established a Presidential Planning Committee on the Open University system to work out the modalities for the country’s establishment of an Open University. On April 14, 1980, Prof. Afolabi Ojo was selected as the Chairman of the Committee. Prof. A.E. Afigbo (UNN, Nsukka).
The historical background of National Open University of Nigeria
In October 1980, the Presidential Planning Committee delivered its report. The report, which included the draft University Bill, was approved. After going through all of the necessary official processes, including changing the name to National Open University, the Open University of Nigeria Bill was finally ratified and signed into law by President Shehu Shagari on July 22, 1983, and was Gazetted on July 27, 1983, as the National Open University Act No. 6 of 1983, giving the University a legal basis for its existence. This Law has governed the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) since its inception.
It is worth noting that when the National Open University was established in 1983, the government appointed Alhaji Aliyu Obaje, the Attah of Igala, as Chancellor; Alhaji Shuaibu Na’ibi, the Madakin Suleja, as Pro-Chancellor; Prof. Afolabi Ojo, as Vice-Chancellor; and Alhaji H.A. Erubu, as Ag. Registrar. However, the nascent university experienced a sunset at dawn when, on April 25, 1984, the Federal Military Government, which succeeded Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s Civilian Government, unexpectedly suspended the operation of the National Open University.
The compelling need for wider access to higher education for teeming Nigerians would not go away a decade and a half after the university’s suspension, so the idea of reviving the National Open University entered the government political narrative with the arrival of the Civilian Government led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999. The suspended National Open University Act of 1983 was reactivated in 2002, reviving the National Open University and naming Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede as Vice-Chancellor. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Prof.
Why should you consider the National Open University of Nigeria?
Jegede as the National Coordinator of, the National Open and Distance Education Programme in 2001. As it stands today, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is a leading ODL institution in Africa, providing functional, flexible, accessible, and cost-effective education to all who seek knowledge. It currently has 78 Study Centres spread across the country’s six geopolitical zones. There are currently over 500,000 students enrolled at the institution.
NOUN, as a faithful trustee of the Nigerian people, uses Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to provide an education tailored to the globalized economy. The University provides exceptional academic programs in the Arts, Health, Law, Physical, Social, Agricultural, and Management Sciences to meet the specific needs of all sectors of the global economy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that the National Open University of Nigeria can be a great option for students looking for an affordable institution with years of history of providing great quality education, a number of faculties, flexible courses, and more. If you would like to apply for the university admission is open for the 2024 intake as the university has already released the registration form for Nigerian students. All interested and eligible Nigerian students should go through the university requirements carefully, prepare well, and apply to the university based on their eligibility. There are certificates, undergraduate, postgraduate, master’s, and diploma degrees at the National Open University of Nigeria.
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