Everything You Need To Know About The National Open University Of Nigeria (Noun), Lagos (Updated 2025)

Let’s face it: university education in Nigeria can sometimes feel like trying to win a lottery. Between JAMB drama, ASUU strikes, admission wahala, and overcrowded lecture halls, it’s no surprise that many Nigerians are now looking at unconventional options that still deliver the goods.

Enter NOUN — the National Open University of Nigeria.

Now, if you’re hearing about NOUN for the first time, don’t worry. Sit tight, relax, maybe grab a cup of zobo or coffee, because I’m about to gist you everything you need to know about this unique university — especially the Lagos headquarters that many people refer to as the heart of open learning in Nigeria.

What Is NOUN, and Why Should You Care?

First things first, NOUN is Nigeria’s premier open and distance learning university. That’s right — it’s the largest tertiary institution in Nigeria that offers flexible, remote education that fits into your lifestyle. It was established in 1983, suspended in 1984 (don’t ask, Nigeria was Nigeria-ing), and then brought back in 2002 by the Obasanjo administration.

The main idea? To give Nigerians — young, old, employed, unemployed, married, single, in the village or abroad — access to quality university education without having to attend traditional on-campus lectures.

It’s learning on your own terms, and guess what? NOUN is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), so your degree is valid and recognized across the country.

Where Is NOUN Located in Lagos?

While NOUN has over 100 study centres scattered across the country, the Lagos centre — or more accurately, the headquarters — is located at:

14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Yes, right in the heart of VI. Fancy, right?

But here’s the catch: while Lagos hosts the administrative headquarters, your academic activities won’t necessarily happen there unless that’s your chosen study centre. NOUN operates in such a way that you can pick the centre closest to you and do all your learning and assessments there.

Who Is NOUN For?

NOUN is not your typical "come and chop" type of university. It’s flexible, yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. You’ll still need to put in the work — just without the morning rush to catch lectures or fighting for seats at CBT centres.

NOUN is ideal for:

• Working-class professionals who want to upgrade their academic qualifications

• Business owners who want a degree without sacrificing their hustle

• Stay-at-home parents

• People who couldn’t secure admission in traditional universities

• Retirees (yes, learning never stops!)

• Basically, anyone who wants to learn at their pace and on their schedule

So whether you’re 18 or 58, NOUN has a seat for you (okay, not literal seats, but you get the gist).

How Does NOUN Work?

Let’s talk about how this thing actually works, because I know some people still think NOUN is a cyber scam. It’s not.

1. Application and Admission

Applying to NOUN is quite straightforward:

• Visit www.nou.edu.ng

• Choose your programme

• Pay the application fee (online or via REMITA)

• Fill the online form

• Submit and wait for your admission letter

No need for JAMB. I repeat: NO JAMB. You can now breathe.

2. Study Model

Once you’re admitted, you get access to your study materials through the NOUN e-courseware, and guess what? These materials are in PDF and multimedia formats.

Some courses may have Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs), which are done online. These count towards your final grade. You also sit for examinations at your selected study centre.

3. Online Portal and Flexibility

Each student gets access to a personal portal where you register courses, pay fees, download materials, check results — basically, manage your academic life like a boss.

You don’t need to sit in 3-hour lectures. If you like, study at 2 a.m. with your slippers and hairnet on — no judgment.

Popular Programmes Offered at NOUN

NOUN offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across faculties like:

• Health Sciences

• Social Sciences

• Management Sciences

• Agricultural Sciences

• Education

• Law

• Science

• Arts

• Entrepreneurial Studies

Courses range from Computer Science to Mass Communication, Peace Studies, Criminology, Business Administration, Public Health, and more. Oh, and they also offer MBA programmes for you corporate big boys and girls.

Just be sure to check that your preferred course is available at your desired study centre.

School Fees — How Much Are We Talking?

Now, this is the part everybody wants to know.

NOUN fees are relatively affordable, and what makes them even sweeter is that you only pay for the courses you register. It’s not like those traditional universities where you’re slapped with a one-size-fits-all fee.

Here’s a general breakdown (though figures may vary slightly depending on your programme and level):

And remember, there are no hidden charges — no "hostel maintenance fee", no "departmental dues", and certainly no "we-don’t-know-what-this-fee-is-for-but-pay-it-anyway" type of charge.

Duration of Programmes

Unlike traditional universities that operate on a semester basis with fixed timelines, NOUN allows you to study at your own pace.

• Undergraduate degrees typically take 4–6 years

• Postgraduate diplomas may take 1–2 years

• Master’s programmes can take 2–3 years

But the beauty of it? You can pause and resume if life gets in the way. That’s freedom!

Examinations and Results

Yes, NOUN students write exams too. You didn’t think you’ll just download PDFs and be awarded degrees, did you?

Exams are taken physically at your designated study centre, and results are released online through the student portal. If you don’t pass a course, no wahala — you can re-register and rewrite it.

NOUN NYSC & Law School Saga — What's the Latest?

There was a time NOUN graduates were not allowed to go for NYSC or attend Law School. That was the talk of town for a long time.

The good news?

• NOUN now issues exemption letters to qualified graduates for NYSC (usually for part-time students)

• Law students can now attend Law School, thanks to legislative changes

So yes, NOUN graduates are no longer treated like distant cousins. The recognition is now real.

Pros and Cons of Studying at NOUN

Let’s be honest — no system is perfect. So here’s a quick look at the sweet and not-so-sweet sides of NOUN.

✅ Pros

• Flexibility to learn at your own pace

• No JAMB required

• Affordable fees

• No strikes (hallelujah!)

• Access to digital learning resources

• Study while working or doing other things

❌ Cons

• Limited physical interaction with lecturers and fellow students

• Some employers (unfairly) look down on distance learning

• Self-discipline is required (you can't just "cram overnight and pass")

• Internet access is a must

Final Thoughts: Should You Choose NOUN?

Look, NOUN isn’t for everyone. If you need constant classroom interaction, motivational slaps from lecturers, or the thrill of hostel life, then this might not be your thing.

But if you want to earn a respected degree on your own terms, keep working while studying, or you simply don’t want to deal with ASUU mood swings, then NOUN might be exactly what you need.

It’s a university that understands the hustle and gives you the flexibility to grow without putting your life on hold.

And yes, a degree is a degree. Whether you attended a lecture in a fancy hall or listened to a podcast in your kitchen — what matters is what you do with that degree.