₦airaland Forum

I have a troubling question. And please no bashing and sleazy answers:

Is the NOUN MSc certificate recognised/accepted for a PhD at other universities?

This should be on the front page for wider contribution.. ..

If their MSc is accredited by NUC it should be accepted by other Nigerian universities as a requirement for PhD admission. You can verify from NUC website. However, MSc. obtained via online and distance learning programs are usually not suitable for certain academic jobs

ritzyvic1:
...However, MSc. obtained via online and distance learning programs are usually not suitable for certain academic jobs

Please shed more light on this part of your statement.

This topic has been created several times and made its way to the front page. A simple search on google would have shown you several topics on this.

NOUN is a federal university and the largest ODL institution in Africa. Of course, as a federal university, it is fully accredited by the NUC and most PG students prefer NOUN because of their vast programmes and the flexibility.

JASONjnr:
This should be on the front page for wider contribution.. ..

No....it should not be.

This is because this same topic has already been discussed on front page weeks ago.

NiceLegs:
No....it should not be.

This is because this same topic has already been discussed on front page weeks ago.

Please can you share the link so I can go check it out?

It's an approved and registered university. So it should

Do you know any member here who needs financial assistance?

Send him or her to our Nairaland thread at

https://www.nairaland.com/8537195/need-financial-assistance

Help will locate him or her!

Yes, the NOUN MSc certificate recognised and accepted for a PhD at other universities.
No cause for alarm

Noun, hmmm...make I no talk first

I don't understand, is NOUN itself not a federal university? Same NOUN material was heavily used during my undergraduate studies in my university then and other unis too.

They arguably have some of the best teaching materials in West Africa. It seems the certificate is even more respected internationally than in Nigeria. We need to tone down all these perception jabs.

NOUN has directly produced countless PhD holders itself, and the certificate has been used to pursue opportunities across the world.

NOUN itself is highly suitable for PhD studies due to the quality of it's faculties. Most departments are choke-full with Profs and high-ranking academics.

All these queries bordering on recognition and perception ought to have ended at least a decade ago.

If you prefer independent study or due to work or other commitment you can't attend a traditional university, then NOUN is perfect.

Saladdin:
I don't understand, is NOUN itself not a federal University?

All these recognition queries ought to have be been buried at least a decade ago.

It's a national university not a federal university.

They call it NOUN,
Basically for continuous professional development.
A PhD is not needed in any other profession other than academics (research careers, arguably).
If you want a PhD, you must have been in a proper university.

Gbadugbakun:
It's a national university not a federal university.

It federal university so gbo brother
Bite the truth and spit the false

I saw NOUN University graduate doing PGD in University of Abuja.

Yes... My cousin who is an assistant lecturer now, graduated at NOUN (MSc.) He's already pursuing his PhD.
I have another friend here in the US with NOUN Msc. currently running his PhD.

Denalarian:
It's an approved and registered university. So it should

For a purpose,
Not for every purpose.

Just as a Polytechnic is an approved tertiary institution in the order of Universities, but it is meant for a particular purpose, and not for the purpose that Universities were built.

Purpose is everything.

mubarak89:
I have a troubling question. And please no bashing and sleazy answers:

Is the NOUN MSc certificate recognised/accepted for a PhD at other universities?

The NOUN MSc certificate is recognised in ANY Nigerian University.

Although, you may be discriminated upon if you are looking for employment with a University because it is assumed that your MSc work is not research based.

Of course, why not..

Noun itself nah Fed school nah..

Gbadugbakun:
It's a national university not a federal university.

Is the the university not owned and funded by the Federal Government? Then why is it solely a "national" university and not a "federal" university?

ritzyvic1:
If their MSc is accredited by NUC it should be accepted by other Nigerian universities as a requirement for PhD admission. You can verify from NUC website. However, MSc. obtained via online and distance learning programs are usually not suitable for certain academic jobs

This is not right. First, that NUC accredited a programme isn't a guarantee that other schools will accept them because all schools have preferences. When you do an MSc accredited by NUC and apply for PhD programmes and schools keep rejecting you, they are not under any obligation to tell you why you were rejected.

Secondly, as for online programs, whether your online degree will be taken seriously or not solely depends on the university that issued it. That blank statement you made here is totally false.

Belawy:
I saw NOUN University graduate doing PGD in University of Abuja.

PGD is done in Nigeria and beyond when:
—You are switching disciplines.
—You didn't meet the requisite score for the advance degree you intend to pursue.

It has nothing to do with the value or quality of NOUN certificate.

Modified:
Yes... My cousin who is an assistant lecturer in a state university now, graduated at NOUN (MSc.) He's already pursuing his PhD in a Federal University.
I have another friend here in the US with NOUN Msc. currently running his PhD.
I'm seeing some negative comments on here already. NOUN is Open and Distance Learning plus being a Correspondence school modeled after the Open University, UK.
In Nigeria, some people feed on perception and not reality research. They say what they don't know.

Here are some Nigerian universities that are ranked behind NOUN in the Webometrics Nigeria Ranking (July 2025): from NOUN’s position #24, those ranked 25-28 are behind it.

Usmanu Danfodiyo University (#25)

University of Abuja (#26)

University of Jos (#27)

University of Uyo (#28)



All Nigerian institutions ranked below NOUN (Webometrics — July 2025)

25. Usmanu Danfodiyo University


26. University of Abuja


27. University of Jos


28. University of Uyo


29. University of Maiduguri


30. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University


31. Delta State University Nigeria


32. Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State


33. Kwara State University


34. Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti (University of Ado Ekiti)


35. Redeemer's University


36. Osun State University


37. Pan African University Lagos


38. Ebonyi State University


39. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun


40. African University of Science & Technology Abuja


41. American University of Nigeria


42. Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma


43. Imo State University Owerri


44. Niger Delta University


45. Kogi State University


46. Rivers State University of Science & Technology


47. Joseph Ayo Babalola University


48. Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi


49. Kebbi State University of Science & Technology (KSUSTA)


50. Igbinedion University Okada


51. Abia State University Uturu


52. Thomas Adewumi University Oko-Irese


53. Nasarawa State University


54. Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State


55. Bauchi State University Gadau


56. Godfrey Okoye University


57. Caleb University


58. Bowen University


59. Adeleke University Ede


60. McPherson University


61. Federal University Kashere, Gombe State


62. Babcock University


63. Skyline University Nigeria


64. Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI)


65. Kaduna State University


66. University of Medical Sciences, Ondo


67. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (Anambra State University of Science & Technology, Uli)


68. Enugu State University of Science & Technology


69. Federal College of Education Zaria


70. Ajayi Crowther University Oyo


71. Benue State University


72. Yaba College of Technology


73. Federal University Dutsin-Ma


74. Tech U (Technical University, Ibadan)


75. Edo University Iyamho


76. Lagos State Polytechnic


77. Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa


78. Nile University of Nigeria (Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Abuja)


79. Tai Solarin University of Education


80. Baze University, Kuchigoro


81. Adamawa State University


82. KolaDaisi University, Ibadan


83. Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna


84. Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State


85. Lead City University, Ibadan


86. Veritas University


87. Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin


88. Bingham University, New Karu


89. Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti


90. Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University (Katsina State University)


91. Bells University of Technology, Otta


92. Federal University Birnin Kebbi


93. Akwa Ibom State University of Technology


94. Madonna University Nigeria


95. Auchi Polytechnic


96. Southwestern University Oku Owa


97. Taraba State University Jalingo


98. Achievers University Owo


99. Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua


100. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai


101. Sule Lamido University


102. Anchor University, Lagos


103. Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin


104. Lagos Business School (Pan-Atlantic University)


105. Federal Polytechnic Idah


106. Federal Polytechnic Ilaro


107. Gombe State University, Gombe


108. Yobe State University (Bukar Abba Ibrahim University, Damaturu)


109. Benson Idahosa University


110. Federal Polytechnic Oko


111. Polytechnic Ibadan


112. Sokoto State University


113. Mountain Top University


114. Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin


115. Federal Polytechnic Bauchi


116. Ondo State University of Science & Technology, Okitipupa


117. Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta


118. Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil


119. Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science & Technology, Ikere-Ekiti


120. Al Qalam University, Katsina


121. Federal Polytechnic Ede


122. Federal University Wukari, Taraba State


123. Novena University, Ogume


124. Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (listed as an entry)


125. Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun


126. Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe


127. Crawford University, Igbesa


128. Nigeria Maritime University


129. Paul University, Awka


130. Rhema University, Aba


131. Federal College of Education, Kano


132. Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo


133. Federal Polytechnic Bida


134. Gregory University, Uturu


135. Wesley University of Science & Technology, Ondo


136. Plateau State University, Bokkos


137. Caritas University, Enugu


138. Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku


139. Yusuf Maitama Sule University


140. Kaduna Polytechnic


141. Greenfield University, Kaduna


142. Dominican University Nigeria


143. Federal University, Gusau


144. Western Delta University


145. Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu (Osun State)


146. PAMO University of Medical Sciences


147. Lagos City Polytechnic


148. Tansian University, Umunya


149. Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo


150. University of Cross River State (UNICROSS)


151. Salem University, Lokoja


152. Federal University Wukari (note: Wukari also appears earlier as 122 — Webometrics shows multiple related centres; page lists several separate entries)


153. Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo


154. Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja


155. Crescent University, Abeokuta


156. Dominion University


157. Clifford University


158. Kano State Polytechnic


159. Federal Polytechnic, Offa


160. University of Delta, Agbor


161. Arthur Jarvis University


162. Precious Cornerstone University, Oyo


163. Federal College of Education, Abeokuta


164. Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa


165. Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru


166. Federal College of Education Technical, Asaba


167. Augustine University, Ilara-Epe


168. Abia State Polytechnic


169. Wellspring University


170. Obong University


171. Federal University Gashua


172. Topfaith University, Mkpatak


173. Air Force Institute of Technology, Nigeria


174. Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana


175. Chrisland University, Abeokuta


176. Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri


177. Ignatius Ajuru University of Education


178. Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic


179. Kings University, Odeomu


180. Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin


181. Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education


182. Kwararafa University, Wukari


183. Westland University, Iwo


184. Admiralty University of Nigeria


185. University of Mkar


186. Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA)


187. Nigerian Army University, Biu


188. Michael & Cecilia Ibru University


189. Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan


190. Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu


191. Summit University, Offa


192. Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria


193. Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara


194. Coal City University


195. Crown Polytechnic


196. Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri


197. Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences (EKUMEDHS)


198. Glorious Vision University


199. Legacy University, Okija


200. Michael Otedola College of Primary Education


201. Lagos State University College of Medicine


202. Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo Ohaji


203. Ahmadu Bello University Distance Learning Centre


204. Ritman University


205. Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic


206. Christopher University


207. Edo State Polytechnic, Usen


208. University of Africa, Toru Orua


209. Atiba University


210. Miva Open University


211. Trinity University, Yaba


212. Evangel University, Akaeze


213. Federal College of Agriculture, Akure


214. Federal College of Education Technical, Zuba


215. Federal College of Education, Obudu


216. Hezekiah University


217. Renaissance University, Enugu


218. Bayelsa Medical University


219. Confluence University of Science & Technology, Osara


220. Heritage Polytechnic


221. Spiritan University


222. Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri


223. Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu


224. Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare


225. National Mathematical Centre (listed as a rank entry)


226. Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede


227. Mudiame University, Irrua


228. Igbajo Polytechnic


229. Tower Polytechnic


230. College of Education, Akwanga


231. University of Calabar Graduate School


232. Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru


233. Wavecrest College of Hospitality


234. Havilla University, Nde-Ikom


235. Federal College of Education, Eha Amufu


236. Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo


237. Federal College of Education, Katsina


238. Maduka University


239. Hallmark University Nigeria


240. Federal School of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu


241. Modibbo Adama University (MAU) Yola


242. Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo


243. Mewar University, Masaka


244. James Hope University, Lagos


245. Ave Maria University, Piyanko


246. State University of Medical & Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno


247. Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola


248. Dorben Polytechnic


249. Federal College of Education Technical, Omoku


250. Polytechnic Ife


251. University of Maiduguri Centre for Distance Learning


252. Federal College of Education Technical, Bichi


253. Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse


254. St Augustine College of Education


255. Anan University, Kwall


256. Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo


257. AllOver Central Polytechnic


258. College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti


259. Federal College of Education, Kontagora


260. Covenant Polytechnic, Aba


261. College of Education, Jalingo


262. Institution of Ecumenical Education, Enugu


263. Umar Suleiman College of Education


264. Interlink Polytechnic


265. Edusoko University, Bida


266. Lighthouse Polytechnic, Evbuobanosa


267. Benue State University Centre of Excellence for Food Technology & Research (CEFTER)


268. Federal College of Education, Pankshin


269. College of Agriculture, Jalingo (Taraba State)


270. Ekiti State University Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo


271. Gombe State College of Health Sciences & Technology, Kaltungo


272. Fountain University, Osogbo


273. College of Education, Agbor


274. Nigerian Army College of Environmental Science & Technology (NACEST)


275. Federal Polytechnic, Mubi


276. Federal College of Education, Yola


277. Federal College of Education Technical, Gusau


278. Yusufu Bala Usman College of Legal & General Studies


279. State College of Basic & Remedial Studies, Sokoto


280. Dominican Institute, Samonda Ibadan


281. Temple Gate Polytechnic, Aba

Saladdin:
I don't understand, is NOUN itself not a federal university? Same NOUN material heavily used during my undergraduate studies in my university then and other unis too.

They arguably have some of the best teaching materials in West Africa. It seems the certificate is even more respected internationally than in Nigeria. We need to tone down all these perception jabs.

NOUN has directly produced countless PhD holders itself, and it certificate has been used to pursue studies across the world.

All these recognition queries and perception issues ought to have ended at least a decade ago.

If you prefer independent study or due to work or other commitment you can't attend a traditional university, then NOUN is very perfect.

NOUN is a federal university. Google search even confirms it to be a federal institution.

Below is google search for NOUN university Nigeria.

The "noun" in your query is an abbreviation for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), which is a federal, public, and open and distance learning institution in Nigeria. It is the largest university in Nigeria by student population and offers flexible, cost-effective education across the country.
Federal institution: NOUN is owned and operated by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

@Gbadugbakun

Saladdin:
Is the the university not owned and funded by the Federal Government? Then why is it solely a "national" university and not a "federal" university?

Federal is owned by the the federal government just like you said but national is owned by the whole country not just the federal government that's why NOUN is in all the 36 states.

TyroneP:
Yes... My cousin who is an assistant lecturer now, graduated at NOUN (MSc.) He's already pursuing his PhD.
I have another friend here in the US with NOUN Msc. currently running his PhD.

Thanks. Na this kind direct answer I dey find since. Thank you.

Ashirioluwa:
NOUN is a federal university. Google search even confirms it to be a federal institution.

Below is google search for NOUN university Nigeria.

The "noun" in your query is an abbreviation for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), which is a federal, public, and open and distance learning institution in Nigeria. It is the largest university in Nigeria by student population and offers flexible, cost-effective education across the country.
Federal institution: NOUN is owned and operated by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

We are both on the same page and saying the same thing. I think you intend to correct the user @ Gbadugbakun who made that wrong assertion that the institution is a "national" university and not a "federal" one.

Gbadugbakun:
Federal is owned by the the federal government just like you said but national is owned by the whole country not just the federal government that's why NOUN is in all the 36 states.

Okay, now you agree that it's a federal university with full national spread, as against your earlier statement. That's fine.

mubarak89:
Thanks. Na this kind direct answer I dey find since. Thank you.

Check the modified one on the first page.

Is NOUN a school?
Even me as an employer I don't regard that school.
If you come to me with a paper from that school you absolutely lost it from that moment

NOUN certificate is accepted in any universities throughout the world including Nigeria.