Federal
Federal University
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
📍 Victoria Island, Lagos · 📅 Est. 1983 · 👥 515,000+ Students
130Cut-off
24+Courses
8Faculties
NoPost-UTME
43Yrs Old
📋 Overview
Full Name
National Open University of Nigeria
Abbreviation
NOUN
Ownership
Federal
Category
Federal University
Year Founded
1983
Location
Victoria Island, Lagos
Address
National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos Study Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos State, Nigeria (HQ: NOUN Headquarters, Plot 91, Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, Jabi, Abuja)
Website
Phone
Email
Students
515,000+
Accreditation
National Universities Commission (NUC)
Hostel
❌ Not Available
Post-UTME
❌ No
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is West Africa's first dedicated open and distance learning (ODL) university, originally established in 1983 and resuscitated in 2002 by President Olusegun Obasanjo. NOUN is a federal university with its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, and operates over 100 study centres across all 36 states and the FCT, including a major study centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. NOUN is designed to provide flexible, accessible and affordable tertiary education to Nigerians who cannot attend conventional full-time residential universities — including working adults, women, persons with disabilities, and those in remote areas. The university offers over 50 accredited programmes across eight faculties and provides course materials through print, e-learning, and broadcast media.
🏛️ Faculties and Colleges
National Open University of Nigeria is organised into 8 faculties/colleges.
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Business and Human Resource Management
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Sciences
- Faculty of Social Sciences
📖 Courses Offered in NOUN
National Open University of Nigeria offers 24 accredited courses. All programmes are approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Minimum JAMB score: 130.
B.Sc (Business Administration)
B.Sc (Accounting)
B.Sc (Economics)
B.Sc (Marketing)
LL.B (Law)
B.Sc (Computer Science)
B.Sc (Mathematics)
B.Sc (Statistics)
B.Sc (Biology)
B.Sc (Chemistry)
B.Sc (Physics)
B.Sc (Nursing)
B.Sc (Public Health)
B.Ed (Education)
B.Sc (Library and Information Science)
B.Sc (Political Science)
B.Sc (Mass Communication)
B.Sc (Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution)
B.Sc (Agricultural Science)
B.A (English Language)
B.A (French)
M.Sc (various disciplines)
MBA
LL.M
💰 NOUN School Fees
NOUN school fees are among the most affordable in Nigeria, reflecting the university's mandate to democratise access to higher education. Undergraduate tuition fees range from approximately NGN 25,000 to NGN 50,000 per semester (NGN 50,000 to NGN 100,000 per session) depending on the programme and level. Law and Sciences programmes attract slightly higher fees. Students pay course material fees and examination fees separately. The university offers various fee waivers and scholarships for qualified students. Visit the NOUN e-Portal at nou.edu.ng for current approved fees.
⚠️ Fees are subject to annual review. Always verify on the official portal or bursary department before payment.
As a federal institution, fees are subsidised by the Federal Government.
📝 Admission Requirements & Cut-off Mark
130
JAMB Cut-off Mark (2026)
Minimum JAMB UTME score to apply. Departments may set higher scores.
Minimum JAMB UTME score to apply. Departments may set higher scores.
❌ Post-UTME: Not Required
1
NOUN admission requirements:
2
JAMB UTME minimum score of 130; the university also accepts mature entry candidates aged 18 and above without JAMB through a special admissions pathway.
3
Five O'Level credit passes (or passes in at least two subjects at A'Level) including English Language plus programme-relevant subjects.
4
NOUN does not conduct Post-UTME.
5
Law programme requires credits in English Language, Government/History, and three other relevant subjects.
6
Mature candidates (age 18+) without the standard qualifications can apply via NOUN's Mature Entry Route with relevant work experience and written assessment.
7
NOUN accepts applications year-round through its online portal.
🌟 Notable Alumni
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (studied at NOUN)
actress Ini Edo
entrepreneur Innocent Chukwuma
thousands of serving civil servants, military officers, police officers, nurses and teachers who obtained degrees while working full-time
NOUN has the largest student body of any university in West Africa
💡 Notable Facts about NOUN
NOUN is the largest university in Nigeria and one of the largest in Africa by student enrolment, with over 515,000 registered students nationwide.
It is West Africa's pioneer ODL university and remains operational during academic strikes that affect conventional universities.
NOUN operates a radio station (NOUN FM) and provides course materials through audio-visual and online platforms.
The university is the only federal university where working adults can obtain full degree qualifications without resigning from employment.
NOUN has over 100 study centres across Nigeria, making it the most geographically distributed university in the country..
Visit NOUN Portal
Apply for admission, check results, register courses and access student services.
Go to Official Portal ↗❓ Frequently Asked Questions — NOUN
What courses are offered in National Open University of Nigeria?
Courses offered in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) include: B.Sc (Business Administration), B.Sc (Accounting), B.Sc (Economics), B.Sc (Marketing), LL.B (Law), B.Sc (Computer Science), B.Sc (Mathematics), B.Sc (Statistics), B.Sc (Biology), B.Sc (Chemistry), B.Sc (Physics), B.Sc (Nursing), B.Sc (Public Health), B.Ed (Education), B.Sc (Library and Information Science), B.Sc (Political Science), B.Sc (Mass Communication), B.Sc (Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution), B.Sc (Agricultural Science), B.A (English Language), B.A (French), M.Sc (various disciplines), MBA, LL.M. All programmes are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
How much are NOUN school fees?
NOUN school fees are among the most affordable in Nigeria, reflecting the university's mandate to democratise access to higher education. Undergraduate tuition fees range from approximately NGN 25,000 to NGN 50,000 per semester (NGN 50,000 to NGN 100,000 per session) depending on the programme and level. Law and Sciences programmes attract slightly higher fees. Students pay course material fees and examination fees separately. The university offers various fee waivers and scholarships for qualified students. Visit the NOUN e-Portal at nou.edu.ng for current approved fees.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for National Open University of Nigeria?
The JAMB cut-off mark for National Open University of Nigeria is 130 as of 2026. Individual departments may set higher cut-off marks depending on competition.
Does NOUN conduct Post-UTME?
National Open University of Nigeria does not currently conduct a separate Post-UTME examination. Admission is based on JAMB UTME scores and O'Level results.
What is the address of National Open University of Nigeria?
The address of National Open University of Nigeria is: National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos Study Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos State, Nigeria (HQ: NOUN Headquarters, Plot 91, Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, Jabi, Abuja). Visit https://www.nou.edu.ng for directions.
What are the admission requirements for NOUN?
NOUN admission requirements: (1) JAMB UTME minimum score of 130; the university also accepts mature entry candidates aged 18 and above without JAMB through a special admissions pathway. (2) Five O'Level credit passes (or passes in at least two subjects at A'Level) including English Language plus programme-relevant subjects. (3) NOUN does not conduct Post-UTME. (4) Law programme requires credits in English Language, Government/History, and three other relevant subjects. (5) Mature candidates (age 18+) without the standard qualifications can apply via NOUN's Mature Entry Route with relevant work experience and written assessment. (6) NOUN accepts applications year-round through its online portal.
Does NOUN have hostel accommodation?
National Open University of Nigeria does not currently provide on-campus hostel accommodation.
Is NOUN accredited?
Verify accreditation status with the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Where is NOUN located?
National Open University of Nigeria is located in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Full address: National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos Study Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos State, Nigeria (HQ: NOUN Headquarters, Plot 91, Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, Jabi, Abuja).
When was NOUN established?
National Open University of Nigeria was established in 1983, making it 43 years old as of 2026. It is a federal institution.