National Open University of Nigeria Admission Requirements and Application Process.
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) stands as a leading institution in Africa, known for providing flexible and accessible education. It caters to a diverse student body, offering cost-effective education through a variety of academic programs.
Currently, NOUN operates 78 Study Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with over 500,000 students enrolled.
The university employs Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to deliver education aligned with the global economy, offering courses in fields such as Arts, Health, Law, Social Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Management.
To ensure a smooth application, it is important for prospective students to understand the admission requirements and the application procedure.
Basic Undergraduate Admission Requirements
To be eligible for undergraduate admission at NOUN, applicants must meet basic academic requirements. Specifically, candidates are expected to have at least five O-level credits, which must include English Language and Mathematics.
For certain programs, additional qualifications may be required, and these can be viewed by selecting the desired program and entry level on the admission page.
Once applicants choose their program, they will be able to view the corresponding entry requirements. After this, they can proceed to fill out the application form and submit it online.
Once the pre-payment form is submitted, applicants are directed to Remita for payment. Those who pay online using a payment card will immediately access the online form to complete and submit. Applicants who choose to pay at a bank branch must enter their unique ID and RRR number.
Payment verification will generate the online application form, which must be filled before submission. The entire admission process is automated, and applicants can expect near-instantaneous results.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
For postgraduate programs, applicants must fulfill specific academic criteria. For instance, candidates seeking admission into the Postgraduate Diploma programs must possess a Bachelor’s degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND) with a minimum of a Lower Credit.
In some cases, professional qualifications such as ACA, ACIS, or ACIB may be considered. Additionally, candidates applying for the Postgraduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting must have been called to the Bar.
For Master’s degree programs, a candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a second-class lower classification or a Postgraduate Diploma in a related field. Candidates with lower classifications but at least two years of relevant post-qualification experience may also be considered.
Those applying for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs must hold a Master’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 5, along with a satisfactory average score of at least 60%.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process for NOUN is straightforward. Prospective students can begin by visiting the official website at www.nouonline.net. On the home page, they should select “Apply for Admission” and choose either the Undergraduate or Postgraduate option.
After selecting the appropriate faculty, they must complete the displayed form and click on “View Admission Criteria” to understand the entry requirements. Once ready, applicants should click “Apply” and note the unique ID displayed on the screen.
Payment for the application is made by selecting the bank branch payment option. After payment, applicants should return to the website, enter their unique ID and RRR number, and proceed with filling out the application form. Fields marked with a red star are mandatory.
Upon completing the form, applicants should click “Submit,” then print the admission letter. Finally, they are required to visit the nearest NOUN study centre for screening.
NOUN’s Role in Nigeria’s Educational Landscape
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has recognized NOUN as one of the five approved open universities in Nigeria. This is part of a broader effort to provide accessible education in the country.
The NUC has recently approved new courses for universities in Nigeria, following a comprehensive review by a committee established by NOUN in 2021.
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This committee worked to create a new core curriculum and academic standards, which were based on expert input from various disciplines across Nigerian universities.
In conclusion, NOUN offers a flexible, accessible path for individuals looking to further their education. Whether applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs, understanding the institution’s admission requirements and following the application process carefully will help ensure a smooth and successful entry into this esteemed institution.
National Open University of Nigeria Admission Requirements and Application Process
