The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is a Federal Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution, the first of its kind in the West African sub-region. It was initially established on July 22, 1983, as a springboard for open and distance learning in Nigeria. However, it was suspended by the government on April 25, 1984, before being resuscitated on April 12, 2001, by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

With its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, NOUN is Nigeria’s largest tertiary institution in terms of student population. It operates a single-mode open and distance learning system, providing flexible and accessible education to over 500,000 students. The university maintains over 103 study centres across the six geopolitical zones of the country, ensuring that education reaches the doorstep of every Nigerian.

The academic structure of NOUN is organized into several faculties, including Agricultural Sciences, Arts, Computing, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Management Sciences, Sciences, and Social Sciences. These faculties offer more than 50 programmes and 750 courses. The university’s instructional delivery is mediated through various technology platforms, including printed materials, audio/video tapes, and internet-based resources.

NOUN is dedicated to providing functional, cost-effective, and flexible learning which adds life-long value to quality education for all who seek knowledge. Its vision is to be regarded as the foremost university providing highly accessible and enhanced quality education anchored by social justice, equity, equality, and national cohesion. The institution is recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and participates in global ODL communities.

One of the unique features of the university is its ‘immunity’ to academic strikes, such as those conducted by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), due to its enabling Act which prohibits staff and student unions. This ensures a stable and predictable academic calendar for its students. NOUN also operates its own radio station, NOUN 105.9 FM, which serves as a training ground for mass communication students and a medium for educational broadcasting.