Universities Offering Online and Part-Time Degree Programs in Nigeria
The time when earning a university degree meant sitting in a classroom five days a week is over. In 2025, Nigeria has a growing and well-structured ecosystem of universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria that allow working professionals, entrepreneurs, parents, and career changers to earn fully accredited degrees on their own schedule. Whether you want to study from home through an online platform, attend weekend lectures on campus, or combine both through a blended model, a legitimate option exists for you — and this article maps all of it out clearly.
Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) reports that conventional universities can only absorb about 700,000 of the over two million candidates seeking admission annually. That gap is exactly why online and flexible degree programs are not just a convenience — they are a national necessity. Understanding which institutions are genuinely approved and what they actually offer is the most important step before you commit your time and money.
The Two Categories You Must Understand
When people search for universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria, they are actually searching for two related but distinct categories. Getting this distinction right saves you from making the wrong choice.
The first category is conventional universities with NUC-approved part-time or distance learning units. These are traditional federal, state, or private universities — UNILAG, UNIABUJA, University of Ibadan, ABU Zaria — that run a dedicated directorate for part-time students. Classes typically hold on campus, on weekends or evenings. Students follow the same curriculum as full-time students, and the resulting degree carries the full institutional prestige of that university.
The second category is open and distance learning (ODL) universities — institutions built entirely around flexible and remote learning. The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is the flagship of this category, joined by newer NUC-licensed open universities like Miva Open University, Iconic Open University, and West Midlands Open University. These institutions deliver learning primarily online through digital platforms, printed course materials, and virtual assessments, with no fixed class attendance required.
Both categories lead to legitimate, NUC-recognized degrees. Your choice between them depends on your preference for institutional brand, your location, your budget, and how much flexibility you truly need.
Federal Universities Offering Online and Part-Time Degree Programs in Nigeria
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
NOUN is the most significant institution on the entire universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria landscape. As Nigeria’s only fully dedicated open and distance learning federal university, NOUN operates 72 study and resource centres spread across every state in the country — meaning virtually every Nigerian has a NOUN centre within accessible distance.
NOUN delivers learning through a combination of printed course materials, a digital learning management system, audio-visual content, and in-person examinations at study centres. No JAMB UTME is required for admission — only five O’Level credit passes including English Language and Mathematics. Students control their own pace, with a minimum duration of 4 years and maximum of 8 years for undergraduate programmes.
NOUN covers Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Law, Education, Science and Technology, Health Sciences, and more. Its postgraduate programmes include Postgraduate Diplomas, M.Sc., and PhD in several disciplines. School fees are the most affordable on this list, typically ranging from ₦40,000 to ₦80,000 per semester depending on the course — making NOUN the most cost-accessible federal university degree option in Nigeria.
University of Lagos (UNILAG) — Distance Learning Institute (DLI) and ICE
UNILAG’s Distance Learning Institute (DLI) is one of the most recognized and well-structured part-time and distance learning platforms among conventional Nigerian universities. The DLI offers over 38 programmes spanning Management Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, and Education. Classes hold on Saturdays at the UNILAG main campus, combining face-to-face tutorials with online learning components.
The Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) at UNILAG coordinates the sandwich programme — particularly for Education degrees — with campus sessions during long vacation periods. Together, the DLI and ICE make UNILAG one of the top universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria with a strong institutional reputation. Fresh student fees range from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 per session.
University of Ibadan (UI) — Distance Learning Centre (DLC)
UI’s Distance Learning Centre offers a revamped blended learning experience for undergraduate and postgraduate students. As one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected universities, a UI distance learning degree carries strong academic credibility. The DLC combines online course delivery with periodic on-campus contact sessions and examinations.
UI’s DLC offers programmes in Arts, Social Sciences, Education, and Management. Fresh students begin with an initial registration fee of approximately ₦50,000, with the remaining tuition balance due before examinations. For anyone seeking the prestige of a UI degree through a flexible learning model, the Distance Learning Centre is the direct pathway.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria) — Centre for Distance Learning
ABU Zaria’s Centre for Distance Learning is one of the most active in Northern Nigeria and one of the most affordable among federal universities on the universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria list. ABU’s platform allows students across the North and nationwide to study from anywhere while accessing course materials online. It covers Social Sciences, Management, Education, and Arts, with particular strength in Education sandwich programmes for teachers across the North.
University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) — CDL&CE
UNIABUJA’s Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education runs part-time programmes on a weekend and evening schedule. It is particularly popular with Abuja-based civil servants and professionals seeking federal university credentials at accessible costs. Fresh undergraduate part-time students pay between ₦100,000 and ₦110,000 per session, with postgraduate options also available at between ₦99,500 and ₦129,500 per semester depending on the level.
State Universities Offering Online and Part-Time Degree Programs in Nigeria
Lagos State University (LASU) — School of Part-Time Studies
LASU’s School of Part-Time Studies (SPTS) is the largest state university part-time platform in Nigeria, offering 17 programmes on a weekend schedule. It is one of the most active universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria at the state level, with consistent annual admissions and an organized fee structure. Fresh student fees range from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 per session.
Ekiti State University (EKSU) — Directorate of Part-Time Programmes
EKSU runs both weekday and weekend part-time formats through its Directorate of Part-Time and Pre-Degree Programmes. The weekday format serves younger students while the weekend format targets working executives and professionals. Fresh student fees run between ₦80,000 and ₦130,000 per session — one of the most affordable state university part-time options in the Southwest.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) — Distance Learning Centre
OAU’s Distance Learning Centre combines OAU’s nationally recognized academic prestige with flexible delivery. Primarily covering Social Sciences, Management, and Arts, the DLC serves professionals across Osun, Oyo, Ogun, and neighbouring states. OAU’s academic reputation makes it a top-tier choice among universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria in the Southwest. Tuition runs between ₦100,000 and ₦180,000 per session.
New NUC-Licensed Open Universities in Nigeria
A new generation of fully online, NUC-licensed open universities now completes the picture of universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria. These institutions operate purely digitally — no campus attendance required — and represent the most flexible and technologically advanced learning options currently available in Nigeria.
Miva Open University
Miva Open University is Nigeria’s first fully operational private open university, delivering all programmes entirely online through a technology-driven learning management system that includes pre-recorded lectures, digital study materials, and virtual assessments. Miva focuses on career-relevant fields including Technology, Business, and Health Sciences. Admission requires only five O’Level credits — no JAMB UTME is needed. Miva is NUC-licensed and holds current accreditation. Graduates receive a Letter of Exclusion from NYSC rather than a call-up letter, as Miva’s online-only model is not structured for NYSC mobilization. This is clearly disclosed on the institution’s website.
Iconic Open University
Based in Sokoto State and NUC-licensed, Iconic Open University offers flexible online degree programmes in Allied Health Sciences, Arts and Education, Computing Sciences, Management, and Social and Media Sciences. No JAMB UTME is required, and students study through Iconic’s digital platform on a personalized schedule.
West Midlands Open University
West Midlands Open University is an NUC-licensed institution offering fully online degree programmes without the requirement of JAMB UTME. Its programmes cover core academic disciplines with a focus on accessibility for mature and working students across Nigeria.
Al-Muhibbah Open University
Al-Muhibbah Open University, licensed by the NUC in 2023, offers remote learning opportunities across undergraduate disciplines. Students apply directly through the university’s portal and study entirely online without any fixed campus attendance requirement.
Private Universities Offering Part-Time Programs in Nigeria
Several NUC-approved private universities also run part-time programmes, expanding the universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria landscape to include faith-based, technology-focused, and liberal arts institutions.
Babcock University (Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State) offers distance learning programmes through its online platform, covering Business, Social Sciences, and more. Programmes maintain the same academic standards as on-campus equivalents and are NUC-recognized. Babcock’s strong industry reputation adds professional value to its flexible degree offering.
Lead City University (Ibadan, Oyo State) does not require JAMB UTME and offers part-time and weekend degree programmes. It accepts A-Level, IJMB, JUPEB, NCE, and OND certificates as alternative entry qualifications. Lead City is one of the most accessible private university options for working professionals who want to avoid the JAMB examination route entirely.
Caleb University (Lagos State) and Ajayi Crowther University (Oyo) are among the NUC-approved private universities that offer part-time programmes for working adults with flexible scheduling structures.
How to Choose the Right Online or Part-Time University for You
With so many institutions on the universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria list, making the right choice requires asking the right questions before you commit. Here is a practical framework for your decision.
- Verify NUC accreditation: Always check nuc.edu.ng directly to confirm that your specific course at your chosen institution holds active NUC accreditation. This is non-negotiable. An unaccredited programme wastes every naira and year you invest in it.
- Confirm NYSC eligibility: If NYSC participation matters to you — for employment, career advancement, or personal goals — choose a conventional university with an NUC-approved distance learning or part-time unit, not a fully online-only institution.
- Match the delivery model to your lifestyle: Weekend campus programmes suit people with stable weekday work schedules. Pure online programmes suit shift workers, those living far from major cities, and people with highly unpredictable schedules.
- Compare total costs honestly: Look beyond tuition alone. Factor in acceptance fees, registration levies, examination fees, study materials, and transport to campus (for campus-based part-time). NOUN wins on total cost for most students.
- Research course availability: Not every university offers every course in part-time or online mode. Confirm your specific programme is available and currently running before applying.
- Check the learning platform: For online and blended programmes, ask whether the institution uses a reliable learning management system with good technical support, regular content updates, and accessible digital libraries.
What These Programs Cost: A Realistic Overview
Understanding the fee landscape across universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria helps you plan your investment smartly. Here is what current academic session data shows.
NOUN is the most affordable, with undergraduate fees of ₦80,000 to ₦160,000 annually with no transportation cost to a central campus. UNIABUJA CDL&CE charges fresh students ₦100,000 to ₦110,000 per session — making it the most affordable conventional federal university option. UI Distance Learning starts with a registration fee of approximately ₦50,000 for fresh students with balance paid before exams. UNILAG DLI and LASU SPTS charge between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000 per session for fresh students. OAU Distance Learning runs between ₦100,000 and ₦180,000 per session. EKSU’s Directorate charges between ₦80,000 and ₦130,000 per session — among the most competitive for a Southwest option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which is the best university for online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria?
For maximum flexibility and affordability, NOUN leads. For institutional prestige combined with flexible delivery, UNILAG DLI and UI Distance Learning Centre are the top choices. For fully digital learning without campus attendance, Miva Open University is the most advanced platform currently available.
Q2: Do online and part-time degrees from Nigerian universities have the same value as full-time degrees?
Yes — provided the programme is NUC-accredited. The certificate does not state “part-time” or “online.” Employers, professional bodies, and postgraduate institutions treat NUC-accredited degrees equally regardless of how they were earned.
Q3: Can I study online and still do NYSC in Nigeria?
Yes, if you graduate from a conventional university’s NUC-approved distance learning unit (such as NOUN, UNILAG DLI, UI DLC, or ABU CDL) and are under 30 at graduation, NYSC mobilization is available. Graduates of fully online private open universities like Miva receive exclusion letters rather than call-up letters.
Q4: Is JAMB required for online and part-time university admission in Nigeria?
For conventional federal and state universities, yes — JAMB is mandatory. NOUN, Miva, Iconic, West Midlands, and Al-Muhibbah Open University admit students without JAMB UTME. Lead City University and some private universities accept alternative entry qualifications without requiring UTME.
Q5: How long does an online or part-time degree take in Nigeria?
A standard 4-year course takes 5 to 6 years part-time at conventional universities. At NOUN, the minimum is 4 years with a maximum of 8 years. At Miva and other private open universities, duration varies by course and pace of study — some programmes offer accelerated tracks.
Q6: Are postgraduate online and part-time programmes available in Nigeria?
Yes. UNIABUJA CDL&CE offers part-time M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes. NOUN offers postgraduate diplomas, M.Sc., and PhD. UI Distance Learning Centre also offers postgraduate options. ABU Zaria runs postgraduate distance learning in select disciplines.
Q7: How do I verify if an online university in Nigeria is legitimate?
Visit nuc.edu.ng and search for the institution’s name and your specific course. Both must appear as currently active and accredited. Never rely solely on the institution’s own claims or social media presence for confirmation.
Q8: Can I combine work and an online or part-time degree successfully in Nigeria?
Yes — thousands of Nigerians do this every year. The key success factors are choosing the right delivery mode for your actual schedule, staying ahead of assignment deadlines, dedicating specific study hours per week (typically 10 to 20 hours minimum), and accessing digital library resources consistently.
Final Thoughts
The landscape of universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria is broader, more legitimate, and more accessible in 2025 than at any point in Nigeria’s educational history. From NOUN’s nationwide network of 72 study centres to UNILAG’s Saturday DLI sessions in Lagos, from UI’s blended Distance Learning Centre to the fully digital platforms of Miva and Iconic Open University — the options are real, the degrees are recognized, and the path is clear.
What separates successful part-time and online students from those who never finish is not intelligence — it is choosing the right institution for their actual life, committing to a study schedule, and verifying accreditation before paying a single naira. The universities offering online and part-time degree programs in Nigeria listed in this article all meet the first condition. The other two are entirely within your hands.
Start with nuc.edu.ng. Confirm your school. Confirm your course. Apply through official channels. And take that first step toward the degree that changes your professional life.