NOUN is NOT a Part-Time Institution.

OPEN UNIVERSITY IS NEVER A PART-TIME INSTITUTION

AM PROUD TO BE A NOUNITE

There is a perception in the public that the National Open University

of Nigeria (NOUN) run part time programmes, but this perception is

not founded on any truth. Rather, it is a mere perception by those who

lack adequate knowledge of the Open Education system.

For the purpose of education, let me set the record straight once and

for all, National Open University has never been a part time

institution, it has never ran a part program, neither would it ever

run any part time programme. Open University is a full time

institution whose mode of study is full flesh Open Education system.

The Open University is a full time study through open mode of learning

where high quality self-directed, learner-centered instructional

course materials are made available to students, while instructional

facilitation is carried out when necessary,typically after

arrangements have been made by the university based on agreement

between the students and the course facilitators. Although, there

sometimes exist tutorial facilitation, this optional for students who

wish to participate. In NOUN, guidance counselors supports are

available at the study centres to provide individual students with the

necessary information, support and study skills.

As clearly stated on the website of NOUN, this single mode of open

education is different from the integration of distance learning

system into the face-to-face teaching and learning system, which is

more typical of conventional universities.

The Open University system is designed in such a way that as a

students, you are required to study everyday for specific hours.

Rather than be coming to a classroom where lecturers teach students

every day like the conventional universities, the Open University

course materials are designed in such a way that, it is easily

comprehensible by any reader. It would feel as if a lecturer is

teaching it to you. And in case you still need clarification on some

modules, your facilitators and other students are there online through

the i-learn platform to seek clarification and interact, this is in

addition to the face to face facilitation that is being organized for

students at the study centres.

It is important to note that, what many seems to be unaware of is the

fact that, National Open University of Nigeria is one of the fastest

degree awarding Universities in Nigeria,all of its 4years degree

courses can be completed within 4years or even less and some of its

Masters degree could also be completed in a year or less, at most,

1year and half.. I don’t think this is a quality you can find in any

part time study.

So, it is important to explain the difference between part time and

Open Education system.

There is a sharp difference between part time study, popularly called

distance learning in conventional universities and the Open University

mode of learning which adopt the Open and Distance Learning model.

Part time study from the distance learning in conventional

universities are a study in which you spend more years than the normal

years to complete the course. That mode of learning could be studies

done in the weekend, evening classes or even few days in a week.

For example, if Accounting Degree is ordinarily completed in four

years by students, those studying it on part time (distance learning)

may need 6years to get it. The duration of a part time degree is

longer than a full time degree. Also, full time degree students may

pay lesser amount than part time students. Part time students have

less credit unit each semester than full time students for the same

course.

But in the Open University open mode of educational system, what we

have is not a part time study, rather, it is a full time study done in

a flexible and convenient way.

Here, a 4years course is a 4years course, you do not require any extra

years to complete it. However, you are allowed to determine how you

intend to study within your own time schedule.

At the beginning of your study, you are made to be aware of the number

of compulsory credit unit courses required to graduate. If by the

design of the institution, you are required to complete at least 8

courses each semester, but because of your schedule, either your work,

finance or whatever, you may choose to re-arrange how to complete your

courses.

Rather than register for 8 courses every semester, you may choose to

register only 4 courses when your schedule is tight, then register 12

in another semester when you are less busy.

When you are broke, you may abandon study to hustle, then come back

the next semester after getting enough fund to register. This time,

rather than register 8 like other students, you may register 10 or

more to gradually cover the courses you have missed the other

semesters.

How you register your courses do not concern the institution, all that

mattered is for you to complete them and pass your examinations.

Anyone who fail to complete the mandatory courses due to what ever

reason will be left behind, while others who have completed theirs

would graduate within the stipulated time.

Since no one actually knows the lecturers that mark your script in pen

and paper examinations, and you get instant result in your e-exams,

its almost impossible to manipulate the system. Here, it is almost

impossible to pass examinations if you have not properly comprehended

the study materials. You may never graduate even after 8years.

Through this model, those who work do less study when they are busy at

work, they carry more course loads during their leave or other less

tasking periods. And since facilitation (tutor) is optional, they do

not need to attend any lecture if they have well comprehended the high

quality self-directed, learner-centered instructional course materials

that are made available to students.

Also, let me use this opportunity to also inform you that, there is

also a sharp difference between distance learning and online learning.

Both study involves studies you can do at your own time, anywhere you

are. However, there are few things that generally separate distance

learning from online learning.

Distance learning courses are self study and involve things being sent

to you by post, such as text books, worksheets and DVD’s. Sometimes,

this materials is sent via email. In either case, the participants

will work at home, usually alone, to complete the course. Distance

learning sometimes don’t involve a specific teacher, its more about

you completing your work independently and only sending it back for

markings.

However, online learning is similar, though there are differences.

In online learning, there will be more interaction with others such as

an online forums or taking tests. You will be able to contact your

teacher this way too via email or by video link. Online courses

sometimes involve video seminars being broadcast live. So, its just

like being in a classroom but you are scattered around the country.

The Open University integrated the online learning into its system,it

also included the face to face facilitation which is optional and then

require students to visit the study centre time to time for group

discussion, counseling, facilitation (tutorial) and to collect

educational materials. With this arrangement, the school is able to

deliver quality through open and flexible mode of learning.

Finally, let me remind you once again that, National Open University

is not a part time institution, it has never been. Open University is

a full time university where incomparable quality learning is taking

place. Until you come into the system,you may never know what you are

missing.

I don’t care if you attend Obafemi Awolowo University, University of

Ibadan, Unilag, Unilorin or whatever, just have it at the back of your

mind that, you are not in anyway better than students or graduates of

Open University, actually, you are not comparable. Open University is

first of its kind.