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Top Online Universities in Nigeria (No Jamb Required)

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Editorial Staff
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Online Universities in Nigeria

Online universities in Nigeria are gaining strong acceptance as more people choose flexible higher-education options that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

These institutions do not require the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam for admission, making entry easier. Additionally, they are approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which instills confidence in students regarding the quality of their programs.

Online universities allow learners to combine studies with work, business, or family responsibilities without slowing down their education.

We have compiled a list of the top six online universities in Nigeria, including their tuition fees and the courses they offer.

List of Top Online Universities in Nigeria

  • National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
  • Miva Open University, Abuja, FCT
  • Iconic Open University, Sokoto, Sokoto State
  • West Midlands Open University, Ibadan, Oyo State
  • Al‑Muhibbah Open University, Abuja, FCT
  • Nexford University

Difference between Online University and Distance Learning University

There’s little to no difference between an online university and a distance-learning university, but one key point separates them. An online university delivers the entire learning experience through digital platforms, with little or no physical presence required except for events like graduation. 

Distance learning, on the other hand, usually requires students to appear physically for activities such as workshops, practical sessions, or examinations, even though most study materials are accessed remotely.

Universities offering distance learning in Nigeria include:

  • University of Ibadan
  • University of Lagos
  • Obafemi Awolowo University
  • Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

Top 6 Online Universities in Nigeria

All listed institutions are approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). 

1. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

The National Open University of Nigeria is Nigeria’s first and largest open and distance-learning university, founded in 1983. It is federally owned and fully accredited by the NUC. NOUN offers a wide variety of courses across nine faculties, including Arts, Education, Science, Law, and more. Undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programmes are available, totalling over 122 programmes. 

Regarding fees, NOUN’s compulsory semester charges for new undergraduates are around ₦36,000, while returning students pay about ₦18,000.  Course registration fees depend on credit units (e.g., ₦2,000 for 2-unit, ₦2,500 for 3-unit), and exam registration is about ₦1,500 per course. Project fees for undergraduates are set at ₦15,000. 

2. Miva Open University, Abuja

Miva Open University is a private online university in Nigeria, launched in 2023 by the uLesson Group. Its chancellor is Sim Shagaya, the founder of uLesson. 

The university offers courses across its Schools of Computing, Management & Social Sciences, and Allied Health Sciences, with programmes in cyber security, data science, software engineering, business administration (MBA), public administration, among others. 

Tuition at Miva starts around ₦280,000 per session, with various payment options (monthly, per semester, or per session).  Note: Miva’s graduates receive a “Letter of Exclusion” from NYSC (i.e., they are excluded from the one-year NYSC service).

3. Iconic Open University, Sokoto

Iconic Open University is a private open, distance, and e-learning institution based in Sokoto State.  It is NUC-accredited and uses a technology-driven learning platform (“iCampus”) to deliver course content online while practical or face-to-face sessions occur at regional centres.

The university offers a wide range of courses including allied health science, computing, arts, humanities, social and management science. 

For the 2024/2025 session, semester tuition for many undergraduate programmes is ₦100,000, with lower rates for some health and social science courses. There’s a one-time application fee of ₦10,000, plus additional fees for exams, registration, and library. 

4. West Midlands Open University, Ibadan

West Midlands Open University (Ibadan) is a private open-and-distance learning institution that offers higher education through ODeL (open, distance, e-learning) modes. (Note: public data on its founder is limited or not clearly documented.) The university provides programmes in business, social sciences, and computing.

5. Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja

Al-Muhibbah Open University (AOU) was established by the Al-Muhibbah Institute of ICT & Entrepreneurship Ltd, and its founding vision is tied to the Al-Muhibbah Foundation, led by Dr. Aisha Bala Muhammed.  It emphasizes open and distance learning with 21st-century skills, and its mission centers on accessible, practical education. 

AOU offers courses in Accounting & Finance, Business Administration, Project Management, Computer Science, Nursing, Public Health, and more. 

Tuition depends on the faculty: for Social & Management Sciences it’s ₦250,000 per session, for Computing ₦300,000, and for health-science programmes like BNSc Nursing about ₦450,000 per session.  There is a flexible payment plan option. 

6. Nexford University

Nexford University is a private, fully online university headquartered in Washington, D.C., founded in 2019 by Fadl Al Tarzi and Mo Rayes.  Although based in the U.S., it is popular among Nigerian and other African students because of its flexible and career-focused programs. 

It offers undergraduate and master’s degrees in business, technology, data analytics, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, fintech, blockchain, and cybersecurity. 

Nexford uses a “pay-monthly” tuition model rather than upfront semester payments. The exact monthly cost depends on the program and region, but this model allows students to pay as they learn rather than in large lump sums.

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