Wondering if the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) offers Pharmacy or Surgery courses? This guide explains whether NOUN runs medical programmes like Pharmacy, Medicine, or Surgery, and highlights the health-related programmes available at NOUN in 2025.
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is one of the largest and most accessible tertiary institutions in the country, offering flexible learning opportunities across different faculties. Many prospective students ask whether NOUN offers highly specialized medical programmes such as Pharmacy, Medicine, or Surgery.
If you are planning to study these courses through NOUN, it is important to understand what the university currently provides under its Faculty of Health Sciences.
This article will explain whether NOUN runs Pharmacy or Surgery programmes, and we will also look at alternative health-related programmes available at the university.
Does NOUN Offer Pharmacy or Surgery Courses?
The simple answer is No.
- NOUN does not offer Pharmacy as a course.
- NOUN does not offer Medicine and Surgery as a programme either.
These programmes require extensive clinical training, laboratory exposure, and hospital-based practice, which cannot be adequately delivered through NOUN’s open and distance learning (ODL) system.
Why NOUN Does Not Offer Pharmacy or Surgery
There are several reasons why NOUN does not currently provide Pharmacy or Surgery courses in Nigeria:
- Clinical Requirements – Medicine and Pharmacy require direct patient interaction, practical laboratory sessions, and hospital rotations.
- Regulatory Restrictions – The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) have not accredited NOUN for these courses.
- ODL Limitations – NOUN primarily operates as a distance learning institution, making it difficult to provide hands-on medical training that is compulsory for these professions.
What Health-Related Courses Does NOUN Offer Instead?
Although NOUN does not run Pharmacy or Surgery, it offers several health and allied science programmes under the Faculty of Health Sciences. These include:
Undergraduate Programmes (B.Sc/B.NSc):
- Nursing Science (B.NSc Nursing)
- Public Health (B.Sc Public Health)
- Environmental Health Science (B.Sc Environmental Health Science)
Postgraduate Programmes (PGD/M.Sc):
- PGD Public Health
- M.Sc Public Health
- M.Sc Nursing Science
These programmes prepare students for careers in healthcare management, nursing, public health practice, environmental safety, and preventive medicine, which align well with NOUN’s ODL system.
Alternatives for Students Who Want Pharmacy or Surgery
If your dream is to become a Pharmacist or a Medical Doctor/Surgeon, you should apply to universities in Nigeria that are fully accredited by the MDCN and PCN. Examples include:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
These schools provide the clinical training and accreditation needed to practice Pharmacy or Medicine in Nigeria.
Comparison: NOUN Health Programmes vs Pharmacy & Surgery in Nigeria
| Category | NOUN Health Programmes | Traditional Medical Courses (Pharmacy & Surgery) |
|---|---|---|
| Available Programmes | Nursing Science, Public Health, Environmental Health Science, PGD/M.Sc Public Health, M.Sc Nursing | Pharmacy (B.Pharm/Pharm.D), Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) |
| Mode of Study | Open & Distance Learning (ODL) – online lectures, eCourseware, virtual tutorials, occasional in-person facilitation | Traditional face-to-face learning with full-time classes, laboratories, hospital rotations, and clinical training |
| Accreditation Body | National Universities Commission (NUC) accredits NOUN’s health-related programmes | Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for Medicine, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) for Pharmacy |
| Practical/Clinical Training | Limited hands-on practicals; mostly theory, research, community health projects | Intensive laboratory work, hospital postings, patient interactions, internships |
| Career Path | Nurses, Public Health Officers, Environmental Health Specialists, Health Administrators | Medical Doctors, Surgeons, Pharmacists |
| Admission Requirements | O’Level credits in science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, English); Direct Entry accepted | Higher JAMB cut-off marks; rigorous entry screening; O’Level with strong science background |
| Duration | 4 – 5 years (B.Sc/B.NSc), 1 – 2 years (PGD), 2 – 3 years (M.Sc) | 5 years (Pharmacy), 6 – 7 years (Medicine & Surgery) |
| Graduates’ Recognition | Recognized in nursing, public health, and allied health sectors | Recognized as pharmacists, medical doctors, and surgeons |
| Employment Opportunities | Public health agencies, hospitals, NGOs, schools, environmental agencies | Hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, clinics, government health institutions |
👉 Key Takeaway:
- NOUN is ideal for students who want a career in Nursing, Public Health, or Environmental Health through a flexible ODL system.
- Pharmacy & Surgery require traditional universities with full clinical facilities, as NOUN is not accredited to run these courses.
Which Path Should You Choose?
Choosing between studying at NOUN or pursuing Pharmacy/Medicine in a traditional university depends on your career goals, lifestyle, and long-term plans. Here’s a guide to help you decide:
- If you want to become a Medical Doctor or Pharmacist
- You must attend a traditional university that offers MBBS or Pharmacy (B.Pharm/Pharm.D).
- NOUN does not offer clinical medical programmes.
- Be prepared for intensive in-person training, hospital postings, and a long academic journey (5–7 years).
- After graduation, you will undergo compulsory internships and professional licensing exams (MDCN for doctors, PCN for pharmacists).
- If you are passionate about Public Health, Nursing, or Allied Health
- NOUN is a great option because it provides flexibility through distance learning, which is ideal for working professionals or students with other commitments.
- NOUN graduates are recognized in Nursing, Public Health, and Environmental Health fields, and can work in hospitals, NGOs, government agencies, or continue with postgraduate studies.
- The cost is generally lower than traditional universities, and you can combine work + study easily.
- If you prefer research, community health, and policy-making
- NOUN programmes in Public Health and Environmental Health prepare students for careers in policy development, research, and health administration.
- This is suitable if you want to impact health at the community or national level rather than practicing as a physician or pharmacist.
✅ In summary:
- Choose NOUN if you want flexibility, careers in Nursing, Public Health, Environmental Health, or Allied Health, and a balance between work and study.
- Choose Traditional Universities if your dream is to become a Doctor or Pharmacist, since these careers require intensive clinical training and are not offered at NOUN.
Conclusion
NOUN does not offer Pharmacy, Medicine, or Surgery as courses in Nigeria because of the clinical and practical training requirements that cannot be met through its distance learning model.
However, if you are passionate about healthcare and want to pursue a career in related fields, NOUN provides strong programmes in Nursing, Public Health, and Environmental Health Science.
So, while you cannot study Pharmacy or Surgery at NOUN, you can still build a rewarding career in the health sciences through its accredited programmes.
FAQs on Pharmacy and Surgery at NOUN
1. Does NOUN offer Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria?
No, NOUN does not offer Medicine and Surgery.
2. Can I study Pharmacy at NOUN?
No, Pharmacy is not offered at NOUN.
3. What health-related courses can I study at NOUN?
You can study Nursing, Public Health, and Environmental Health Science.
4. Is NOUN accredited to offer Pharmacy or Medicine?
No, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) have not accredited NOUN for these courses.
5. Which universities in Nigeria offer Pharmacy and Medicine?
Universities like UNILAG, UI, ABU, OAU, UNIBEN, and UNIZIK offer accredited Pharmacy and Medicine programmes.
📣 Share if helpful—spread the word below!