Discover the top 10 open and online universities in Nigeria for 2025, their school fees, available courses, and admission requirements. Study flexibly and earn a degree at your own pace.
In Nigeria today, higher education has become more flexible and accessible thanks to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions and online universities. These schools offer remote learning opportunities, allowing students to study anywhere, anytime, without the restrictions of a traditional campus setting.
Whether you’re a working professional, a stay-at-home parent, or a fresh secondary school graduate looking for flexible study options, open universities provide a way to earn a recognised degree without putting your life on hold.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 open and online universities in Nigeria, their fees, popular courses, and admission requirements.
1. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
Website: https://www.nou.edu.ng
- About: NOUN is the largest open university in Nigeria and West Africa, offering over 100 programmes across various faculties.
- Popular Courses: Law, Nursing, Computer Science, Public Health, Business Administration, Education.
- School Fees: ₦18,000 – ₦45,000 per semester depending on the programme.
- Admission Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 O’level credits (including English & Mathematics) in not more than 2 sittings.
- No JAMB required for most programmes.
Explore NOUN Postgraduate Courses and Fees.
2. University of Lagos Distance Learning Institute (DLI)
Website: https://dli.unilag.edu.ng
- About: UNILAG DLI offers part-time degree programmes in education, business, and social sciences.
- Popular Courses: Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Education.
- School Fees: ₦120,000 – ₦150,000 per session.
- Admission Requirements:
- O’level credits in relevant subjects.
- Must be at least 21 years old for some programmes.
- Some courses may require work experience.
3. University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (UI DLC)
Website: https://www.dlc.ui.edu.ng
- About: UI DLC is an extension of the University of Ibadan, offering online degrees with high academic standards.
- Popular Courses: Nursing, Computer Science, Political Science, Psychology.
- School Fees: ₦120,000 – ₦180,000 per session.
- Admission Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 O’level credits.
- Direct Entry for ND/NCE/HND holders.
4. Obafemi Awolowo University Distance Learning Centre (OAU DLC)
Website: https://odlc.oauife.edu.ng
- About: OAU offers ODL programmes with a mix of online and physical facilitation.
- Popular Courses: Accounting, Economics, Nursing.
- School Fees: ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 per session.
- Admission Requirements:
- O’level credits in 5 subjects.
- Direct Entry for diploma holders.
5. University of Maiduguri Distance Learning Centre (UNIMAID DLC)
Website: https://www.unimaid.edu.ng
- About: UNIMAID DLC caters to students in remote areas with flexible online classes.
- Popular Courses: Public Administration, Sociology, Economics.
- School Fees: ₦45,000 – ₦70,000 per session.
- Admission Requirements:
- O’level credits.
- Direct Entry for HND/ND/NCE holders.
6. Lagos State University Open and Distance Learning & Research Institute (LASU ODLRI)
Website: https://lasu.edu.ng
- About: LASU ODLRI offers e-learning programmes tailored for Lagos residents and beyond.
- Popular Courses: Business Administration, Computer Science.
- School Fees: ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 per session.
- Admission Requirements:
- O’level credits.
- No age limit.
7. Modibbo Adama University of Technology Distance Learning Programme (MAUTECH DLP)
Website: https://mautech.edu.ng
- About: MAUTECH offers online courses in science, technology, and management.
- Popular Courses: Information Technology, Agricultural Economics.
- School Fees: ₦50,000 – ₦90,000 per session.
- Admission Requirements:
- O’level credits in relevant subjects.
8. Joseph Ayo Babalola University Centre for Distance Learning (JABU CDL)
Website: https://jabu.edu.ng
- About: JABU CDL offers flexible, faith-based online learning.
- Popular Courses: Accounting, Religious Studies, Entrepreneurship.
- School Fees: ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 per session.
- Admission Requirements:
- 5 O’level credits.
9. Ahmadu Bello University Distance Learning Centre (ABU DLC)
Website: https://www.abudlc.edu.ng
- About: ABU DLC delivers 100% online programmes with top-notch support.
- Popular Courses: Business Administration, Public Administration.
- School Fees: ₦80,000 – ₦100,000 per session.
- Admission Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 O’level credits.
10. Babcock University Distance Learning Centre
Website: https://babcock.edu.ng
- About: A private Christian university offering online undergraduate degrees.
- Popular Courses: Nursing, Public Health, Business Administration.
- School Fees: ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 per session.
- Admission Requirements:
- 5 O’level credits.
- Pass in the university’s online screening test.
Conclusion
Open and online universities in Nigeria have made it possible for anyone to earn a degree without quitting work or relocating. Whether you choose NOUN for its affordability, ABU for its tech-driven learning, or UI for its academic prestige, the key is to select the programme that matches your career goals and budget.
FAQs About Online Universities in Nigeria
1. Can I get NYSC from an open university in Nigeria?
Yes, but not all programmes are eligible. NOUN, for instance, has NYSC mobilisation for qualified students.
2. Do I need JAMB to apply to open universities?
Most open universities, like NOUN, do not require JAMB.
3. Are online degrees in Nigeria recognised?
Yes. ODL degrees from accredited universities are recognised by the NUC.
4. Can I work while studying at an open university?
Absolutely. That’s one of the major benefits of ODL.
5. Which is the cheapest open university in Nigeria?
NOUN currently offers the most affordable tuition fees.
📣 Share if helpful—spread the word below!