Let’s clear the air — in Nigeria, open and distance learning is often misunderstood. Some people still believe a degree earned without physically sitting in a lecture hall is somehow ‘less than’. One man who doesn’t just disagree but embodies the proof is Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President and elder statesman. Obasanjo has not only advocated for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) — he enrolled there, earned his PhD, and now challenges anyone who doubts that NOUN degrees stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those from any other Nigerian university.
This article walks you through the facts: how NOUN was reborn, Obasanjo’s unique student journey, why its degrees hold up legally and academically, and what critics say versus what the reality is. If you’ve ever questioned whether NOUN is legitimate, you’re about to get your answer — from verifiable facts, not opinions.
Background: Understanding NOUN’s Journey
NOUN’s story is rooted in Nigeria’s push to widen access to higher education. It was originally founded in 1983 but abruptly shut down in 1984 under a military government suspicious of new educational models. It took nearly two decades and a new democratic government to breathe life back into the vision.
In 2001, under President Obasanjo, the university was resuscitated to address a glaring reality: millions of Nigerians qualified for higher education but could not secure spots in traditional universities. The demand simply dwarfed the supply. NOUN’s rebirth wasn’t just symbolic; it was strategic, giving a credible alternative to people whose lives or jobs made full-time campus study impossible.
Since then, NOUN has grown into Nigeria’s largest university by enrollment — with over half a million students spread across the country, supported by more than 103 study centres and a network of digital learning tools. Its mission is clear: provide flexible, accessible, and accredited higher education to all Nigerians regardless of age, location, or occupation.
Obasanjo’s Unique Journey at NOUN
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo didn’t stop at reopening NOUN as president. In a move that silenced many skeptics, he joined the system himself. He first enrolled for a Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Theology, then advanced to a PhD in the same field.
He wasn’t given a free pass — his dissertation was rigorously examined by an academic panel, the same way as any other doctoral candidate at a traditional Nigerian university. His supervisors were standard faculty members, and he attended defense sessions like everyone else.
Obasanjo’s decision to study at NOUN was deliberate. In his words: “Let me go there, experience it, and conquer it.” It was his way of proving that NOUN was not a second-tier option but a legitimate, credible university where quality and standards matter.
Accreditation and Academic Standards
A Nigerian university’s credibility stands or falls on its accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) — the body that sets and polices minimum academic standards nationwide. NOUN has full accreditation for its programmes, just like any conventional university.
In its most recent accreditation cycle, multiple NOUN programmes scored high marks — with some achieving over 90% compliance with NUC’s rigorous benchmarks. This means NOUN’s curriculum, teaching quality, assessment methods, and academic staff meet the same standards as the University of Lagos, ABU Zaria, or UNN.
NOUN also has a robust internal quality assurance unit that routinely runs ‘mock accreditations’ to catch shortfalls before NUC’s official visits. This proactive culture of self-checking is one reason NOUN keeps its national recognition and growing student population.
Legal Status of NOUN Degrees
One sticking point for many years was the eligibility of NOUN graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Nigerian Law School. Initially, distance learning was excluded from NYSC — causing frustration among fresh graduates. Similarly, Law graduates faced hurdles getting admission to the Law School.
However, these policy barriers have been resolved over time. Today, NOUN’s Bachelor’s degrees are accepted for NYSC mobilization for students who studied full-time and meet the age criteria. Law students from NOUN have also gained legal recognition to attend the Nigerian Law School after policy advocacy.
This alignment with national institutions reinforces the legitimacy of NOUN degrees. Legally and practically, an accredited NOUN degree confers the same rights as one from any other recognized Nigerian university.
Impact on Access to Higher Education
NOUN’s contribution to democratizing education is undeniable. Nigeria’s population is over 200 million — with more than half under 25 years old. Traditional universities, even if expanded, can’t absorb all qualified applicants.
NOUN fills this gap by offering flexible study options for:
– Working adults who need to earn while they learn – Women managing family and education together – Rural dwellers far from conventional university campuses – Nigerians in the diaspora wanting a local qualification
Its over half a million active students make it Africa’s largest single-mode open and distance learning institution. This scale translates to significant social impact: every semester, thousands of graduates add to Nigeria’s educated workforce without straining on-campus resources.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Inside NOUN, key voices add weight to Obasanjo’s stand.
Prof. Ganiyat Adesina‑Uthman
Director of the Directorate of Advancement and Linkages, she calls NOUN “a great blessing” to Nigeria and Africa at large. She highlights its uniqueness as the biggest open university on the continent and constantly campaigns for more scholarships, better infrastructure, and partnerships to sustain growth.
She’s been instrumental in pushing for:
– Scholarships in flagship programmes like Entrepreneurship, Mass Communication, and Criminology. – New infrastructure like a university hospital, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and a guest house for visiting academics. – Community-focused projects such as providing water, toilets, and study materials at learning centres nationwide.
Prof. Wilfred Ugwuanyi
Head of the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for African Studies at NOUN, he champions international collaborations. Under his watch, the university has sought partnerships with bodies like the EFCC to run anti-corruption courses and with the Chinese Embassy to establish a Chinese Cultural Centre. He credits Obasanjo’s leadership vision as central to these bold steps.
Together, these perspectives show NOUN is not static — it’s evolving through partnerships, quality upgrades, and new opportunities, with Obasanjo’s active endorsement pushing it forward.
Common Criticisms & Obasanjo’s Rebuttal
NOUN is not without its critics. Typical concerns include:
– High dropout rates due to the self-discipline required. – Limited lab and hands-on experience for certain science courses. – Less direct interaction with lecturers compared to traditional face-to-face learning. – Lingering public bias against distance degrees.
Obasanjo counters these points firmly. He argues that:
– NOUN’s supervision and defense processes are as rigorous as any traditional PhD — he experienced it firsthand. – Open universities worldwide follow similar models; what matters is the quality assurance framework, which NOUN has. – Large enrollment numbers reflect public trust and acceptance — people vote with their feet. – Challenges with motivation and labs are being tackled with hybrid learning centres and better student support.
In essence, the criticisms reflect areas for improvement, not evidence of inferiority.
NOUN vs Traditional Universities: An Objective Comparison
When you stack them side by side, here’s how NOUN truly compares:
Aspect | NOUN | Traditional Universities — | — | — Accreditation | Same NUC standards | Same NUC standards Delivery Mode | Flexible, remote study | Classroom-based Practical Work | Limited labs, self-driven | Full lab access Faculty Quality | Qualified, same standards | Qualified, same standards Degree Recognition | Fully recognized | Fully recognized Access | Open to millions | Limited by campus size
The real difference is learning style, not quality. NOUN offers flexibility; traditional universities offer structured in-person learning. Both models have a place in modern education.
Continuing Challenges & Future Outlook
Despite its success, NOUN faces important hurdles:
– It needs more physical infrastructure — a hospital, auditorium, and guest accommodation are top priorities. – More scholarships are needed to attract diverse talent. – Partnerships with local and global institutions must deepen to expand research capacity. – Quality management must keep pace with rapid student growth.
Obasanjo remains vocal about mobilizing resources to meet these needs. He urges alumni, government, and private donors to invest in the university’s next phase. The leadership, meanwhile, is keen on blending technology, new collaborations, and community development to stay ahead.
NOUN’s journey mirrors Nigeria’s struggle for accessible, inclusive education. From a military-era closure to a thriving modern institution, it stands today as Africa’s largest open university, recognized by law, trusted by students, and proven by the personal commitment of its most famous student — Obasanjo himself.
When Obasanjo declares NOUN degrees equal to any other in Nigeria, he speaks from lived experience, institutional data, and the bold vision that education must reach everyone, everywhere.
If you ever doubted whether an open university could match the prestige of a traditional campus, remember this: quality comes from standards and accountability — not just classroom walls.
