Universities Offering Distance Learning Programmes in Nigeria: Courses, Fees and Requirements 2023

Universities Offering Distance Learning Programmes in Nigeria: Courses, Fees and Requirements: Distance learning is a mode of education that allows students to study from anywhere without attending physical classes. It is also known as Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or online learning. Distance learning can be a convenient and flexible option for those who want to pursue higher education while working, living in remote areas, or facing other challenges.

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In Nigeria, there are several universities that offer distance learning programmes at various levels and fields of study. These universities are approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which is the regulatory body for university education in Nigeria. The NUC ensures that the distance learning programmes meet the quality standards and requirements of the conventional face-to-face mode.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the universities offering distance learning programmes in Nigeria, the courses they offer, the fees they charge, and the requirements they have for admission.

Universities Offering Distance Learning Programmes in Nigeria

According to the NUC, there are 18 universities that are authorized to operate distance learning centres in Nigeria as of 2023. These are:

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• National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN): This is the only uni-mode university that is exclusively dedicated to open and distance learning in Nigeria. It has 72 study/resource centres across the country and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in arts, sciences, education, law, management, health, and agriculture. The fees vary depending on the programme and level of study, but they are generally affordable. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes; and a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of second-class lower division for postgraduate programmes. For more information, visit the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Portal at www.nou.edu.ng.
• University of Ibadan (UI): This is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Nigeria. It has a distance learning centre that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in education, arts, social sciences, law, public health, and renewable energy. The fees range from ₦100,000 to ₦300,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes; and a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of second-class lower division for postgraduate programmes. For more information, visit the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (UIDLC) Portal at www.dlc.ui.edu.ng.
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): This is another reputable university in Nigeria with a centre for distance learning that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in education, arts, social sciences, management sciences, technology education, nursing science, environmental design and management. The fees range from ₦120,000 to ₦400,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes; and a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of second-class lower division for postgraduate programmes. For more information, visit the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Centre for Distance Learning (OAU CDL) Portal at www.oaucdl.edu.ng.
• University of Lagos (UNILAG): This is one of the most popular universities in Nigeria with a distance learning institute that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in accounting, business administration, economics, education management, public administration, science education, and social work. The fees range from ₦150,000 to ₦450,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes; and a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of second-class lower division for postgraduate programmes. For more information, visit the University of Lagos Distance Learning Institute (UNILAG DLI) Portal at www.dli.unilag.edu.ng.
• University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID): This is one of the leading universities in northern Nigeria with a centre for distance learning that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in arts, education, social sciences, management sciences, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. The fees range from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes; and a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of second-class lower division for postgraduate programmes. For more information, visit the UNIMAID Centre for Distance Learning (UNIMAID CDL) Portal at www.unimaidcdl.edu.ng.
• Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH): This is a federal university of technology located in Yola, Adamawa state. It has a centre for distance learning that offers undergraduate programmes in accounting, banking and finance, business management, economics, information technology, and public administration. The fees range from ₦80,000 to ₦120,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes. Applicants are also required to purchase an application form online via the centre’s portal and submit it with relevant documents. For more information, visit the Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola Distance Learning Centre (MAUTECH DLC) Portal at www.cdl.mautech.edu.ng.
• University of Abuja (UNIABUJA): This is a federal university located in the capital city of Nigeria. It has a centre for distance learning and continuing education that offers undergraduate programmes in economics, political science, sociology, business administration, and public administration. The fees range from ₦80,000 to ₦120,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes. Applicants are also required to process their admission through the JAMB e-facility platform and register for the programme online via the centre’s portal. For more information, visit the University of Abuja Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education (UNIABUJA CDLCE) Portal at www.cdlce.uniabuja.edu.ng.
• Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH): This is a state-owned university jointly owned by Oyo and Osun states. It has a distance learning centre that offers undergraduate programmes in accounting, marketing, computer science, nursing science, and science laboratory technology. The fees range from ₦100,000 to ₦150,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes. Applicants are also required to purchase an application form online via the centre’s portal and submit it with relevant documents. For more information, visit the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso Distance Learning Centre (LAUTECH DLC) Portal at www.lodlc.lautech.edu.ng.
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU): This is one of the largest and oldest universities in Nigeria with a distance learning centre that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business administration, public administration, local government studies, development studies, peace and security studies, social work and community development, entrepreneurship studies, and nursing science. The fees range from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes; and a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of second-class lower division for postgraduate programmes. Applicants are also required to purchase an application form online via the centre’s portal and submit it with relevant documents. For more information, visit the Ahmadu Bello University Distance Learning Centre (ABUDLC) portal at www.abudlc.edu.ng.
• Lagos State University (LASU): This is a state-owned university located in Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria. It has an open and distance learning and research institute that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in accounting, business administration, economics, education, public administration, transport management, computer science, and sociology. The fees range from ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes; and a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of second-class lower division for postgraduate programmes. Applicants are also required to process their admission through the JAMB e-facility platform and register for the programme online via the institute’s portal. For more information, visit the Lagos State University Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute (LASU ODLRI) Portal at www.odlri.lasu.edu.ng.
• Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU): This is a private university located in Osun state. It has a centre for distance learning that offers undergraduate programmes in accounting, business administration, economics, industrial relations and personnel management, mass communication, and public administration. The fees range from ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes. Applicants are also required to purchase an application form online via the centre’s portal and submit it with relevant documents. For more information, visit the JABU Center for Distance Learning (JABU CDL) Portal at www.jabu.edu.ng/cdl.
• University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN): This is a federal university with a history of academic excellence and innovation. It has a centre for distance and e-learning that offers a master’s degree in business administration with options in accounting, banking and finance, management, and marketing. The programme duration is 396 hours and the fees are ₦250,000 per session. The admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of second-class lower division in any discipline from a recognized university. Applicants are also required to purchase an application form online via the centre’s portal and submit it with relevant documents. For more information, visit the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Centre for Distance and E-learning (UNN CDeL) Portal at www.cdel.unn.edu.ng.
• Babcock University Ilishan (BU): This is a private university owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It has a centre for open distance and e-learning that offers undergraduate programmes in accounting, business administration, banking and finance, marketing, public administration, political science, mass communication, and nursing science. The fees range from ₦250,000 to ₦350,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes. Applicants are also required to purchase an application form online via the centre’s portal and submit it with relevant documents. For more information, visit the Babcock Centre for Open Distance and e-Learning (Babcock CODEL) Portal at www.babcock.edu.ng/codel.
• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN): This is a federal university known for its stability and academic excellence. It has a centre for open and distance learning that offers undergraduate programmes in education, arts, social sciences, management sciences, environmental sciences, agriculture, engineering and technology. The fees range from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes. Applicants are also required to process their admission through the JAMB e-facility platform and register for the programme online via the centre’s portal. For more information, visit the UNILORIN Center for Open and Distance Learning (UNILORIN CODEL) Portal at www.unilorin.edu.ng/codel.
• Afe Babalola University (ABUAD): This is a private university founded by a renowned lawyer and philanthropist. It has an open and distance learning centre that offers undergraduate programmes in accounting, business administration, economics, political science, international relations, and peace and conflict studies. The fees range from ₦300,000 to ₦400,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes. Applicants are also required to purchase an application form online via the centre’s portal and submit it with relevant documents. For more information, visit the Afe Babalola University Open Distance Learning (ABUAD ODL) Portal at www.abuad.edu.ng/odl.
• Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU): This is a state-owned university located in Ogun state. It has an open and distance learning centre that offers undergraduate programmes in accounting, business administration, economics, political science, sociology, mass communication, computer science, and industrial and labour relations. The fees range from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes. Applicants are also required to process their admission through the JAMB e-facility platform and register for the programme online via the centre’s portal. For more information, visit the Olabisi Onabanjo University Open Distance Learning (OOU ODL) Portal at www.oouagoiwoye.edu.ng/odl.
• Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE): This is a state-owned university located in Rivers State. It has an institute of distance education that offers undergraduate programmes in education, arts, social sciences, management sciences, science education, and vocational education. The fees range from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 per session depending on the programme and level of study. The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in O’level subjects, including English and Mathematics, for undergraduate programmes. Applicants are also required to purchase an application form online via the institute’s portal and submit it with relevant documents. For more information, visit the IAUE Institute of Distance Education (IAUE IDE) Portal at www.iaue.edu.ng/ide.

Courses Offered by Distance Learning Programmes in Nigeria

The courses offered by distance learning programmes vary depending on the university and the level of study. However, some of the common courses offered by distance learning programmes include:

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Economics
• Education
• Law
• Mass Communication
• Computer Science
• Criminology and Security
• Project Management
• Road Traffic Management
• Theatre Arts and Music
• Transport and Logistics

Some of the courses are also available as diploma or certificate programmes for those who do not have the minimum requirements for admission into degree programmes. 

How to Apply for Distance Learning Programmes in Nigeria

To apply for distance learning programmes in Nigeria, you need to follow these steps:

1. Visit the website of the university of your choice and check if they offer the course you want to study by distance learning mode.
2. Read the admission requirements and eligibility criteria for the course you want to study carefully and make sure you meet them.
3. Fill out the online application form on the website of the university or download it and print it out if it is not available online.
4. Pay the application fee as specified by the university through the designated bank account or online payment platform.
5. Submit your completed application form along with your credentials and other required documents to the distance learning centre of the university either online or physically.
6. Wait for the confirmation of your application and the notification of your admission status from the university.
7. If you are admitted, accept your admission offer and pay the acceptance fee and school fees as instructed by the university.
8. Register for your courses and obtain your study materials from the distance learning centre or online platform of the university.
9. Attend the orientation programme and familiarize yourself with the distance learning system and policies of the university.
10. Start your studies and follow the academic calendar and timetable of the university.

Benefits of Distance Learning Programs in Nigeria

Distance learning programs offer many benefits to students who want to pursue higher education in Nigeria. Some of these benefits include:

Flexibility: Distance learning programs allow students to study at their own pace and time, according to their personal and professional schedules. Students can also choose from a variety of courses and programs that suit their interests and goals.

Convenience: Distance learning programs enable students to access education from anywhere with an internet connection. Students do not have to travel long distances or relocate to attend classes on campus. They can also save money on transportation, accommodation, and other expenses associated with traditional campus-based education.

Quality: Distance learning programs are offered by reputable universities in Nigeria that have qualified and experienced instructors and staff. The programs are also accredited by the NUC and other relevant bodies. The course materials and online platforms are updated and interactive, ensuring that students receive quality education that meets the standards of the 21st century.

Opportunity: Distance learning programs provide students with the opportunity to earn a degree or certificate from a recognized university in Nigeria without having to quit their jobs or compromise their family responsibilities. They also provide students with the opportunity to network with other students and instructors from different backgrounds and locations, enhancing their social and professional skills.

Challenges of Distance Learning Programs in Nigeria

Despite the many benefits of distance learning programs, there are also some challenges that students may face while pursuing them. Some of these challenges include:

Technical issues: Distance learning programs rely heavily on technology, such as internet connection, computer or mobile device, email, etc. These technologies may sometimes malfunction or fail, causing disruptions or delays in the learning process. Students may also encounter difficulties in accessing or using some online platforms or tools.

Motivation: Distance learning programs require a high level of self-discipline and motivation from students. Students have to manage their time effectively and balance their studies with their other commitments. They also have to cope with the lack of physical interaction and feedback from instructors and fellow students, which may affect their engagement and performance.

Support: Distance learning programs may not provide adequate support or guidance to students who need help with their academic or personal issues. Students may feel isolated or overwhelmed by the workload or expectations of the program. They may also face challenges in accessing or communicating with instructors or staff who may be busy or unavailable.

Tips for Success in Distance Learning Programs in Nigeria

To overcome the challenges and enjoy the benefits of distance learning programs, students need to adopt some strategies that can help them succeed in their studies. Some of these tips include:

Plan ahead: Students should plan their study schedule and set realistic goals for themselves. They should also allocate enough time for each course and assignment, and avoid procrastination or distractions. They should also prepare for any technical issues that may arise by having backup devices or internet sources.

Stay connected: Students should communicate regularly with their instructors and fellow students through email, discussion forums, video conferencing, etc. They should also participate actively in online discussions and activities, and seek feedback on their work. They should also join online communities or groups that share similar interests or goals.

Seek help: Students should not hesitate to ask for help when they encounter any academic or personal problems. They should contact their instructors or staff if they have any questions or concerns about the course content, requirements, or assessments. They should also seek counselling or support services if they feel stressed or depressed.

Have fun: Students should enjoy the learning process and make it fun for themselves. They should explore new topics and skills that interest them, and apply them to their real-life situations. They should also reward themselves for their achievements and celebrate their milestones.

Wrapping Up 

Distance learning is a viable option for students who want to pursue higher education in Nigeria without having to attend regular classes on campus. It offers flexibility, convenience, quality, and opportunity to students who can study from anywhere with an internet connection. However, it also poses some challenges such as technical issues, motivation, and support that students need to overcome by planning ahead, staying connected, seeking help, and having fun.

If you are interested in enrolling in a distance learning program in Nigeria, you can visit the official websites of the universities offering the program and check their admission requirements and instructions. You can also contact them for more information or clarification. You can also browse through the NUC website for the list of approved distance learning centres in Nigeria and their contact details.

Distance learning is a great way to achieve your educational goals and dreams without compromising your other obligations or preferences. With proper planning, communication, assistance, and enjoyment, you can succeed in your distance learning program and earn a valuable degree or certificate from a reputable university in Nigeria.

We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you.

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