OPEN UNIVERSITY IS NEVER A PART-TIME INSTITUTION
Abdulrazaq O Hamzat
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.

Abdulrazaq O Hamzat
Congress of Noun Students

MabraO:
Pls am hearing they ve canceled LLB law in open university how through true is this

Nd is there an alternative for law?

The picture below was culled from NOUN's website

That is a false news. LLB in noun is here to stay.

How relevance their result is when come to using it to secure any other post graduate programme here (like; Ife and Unilag ) and abroad

what kind of question is that?

this is just like asking what is the value of you manhood compared to others

a

bilms:
what kind of question is that?

this is just like asking what is the value of you manhood compared to others

What a pity! in this era you are thinking like a mosquito. because you are too small to be here, then i dont have much to tell you, but next time, when matured men are talking keepoff! otherwise you will be sorry for the rest of your life.

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