Many Nigerians now prefer to study for a degree while working, running a business or raising a family. Online and distance learning makes this possible, but it also attracts fake schools that collect fees and issue worthless certificates. This guide gives the list of NUC approved online universities in Nigeria and their fees, explains the difference between an open university and a distance learning centre, and shows how to verify any school before paying a naira.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) is the only body that licenses degree-awarding universities in Nigeria. A school that is not approved by the NUC cannot lawfully award a recognised degree, whether it teaches online or on a campus. For that reason, every reader should treat the list of NUC approved online universities in Nigeria and their fees below as a starting point and confirm the latest position on the NUC website.
Types of NUC Approved Online Learning in Nigeria
Online degree study in Nigeria comes in two forms. Knowing the difference helps in choosing a school and in understanding the fee structure.
- Open universities. These are licensed to run mainly or entirely through open and distance learning (ODL). The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is the oldest and largest. Miva Open University is a newer, fully online university.
- Distance learning centres in conventional universities. Some regular universities hold NUC approval to run specific programmes through ODL, usually in a blended mode that combines online lectures with physical tests or practicals.
The NUC approves ODL programme by programme. A university may be approved for Business Administration by distance learning without being approved for Law or Medicine in the same mode. A student must therefore confirm the course as well as the school.
List of NUC Approved Online Universities in Nigeria
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
NOUN is a federal open university with study centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma programmes in fields such as Business, Education, Law, Nursing, Science, Social Sciences and Agriculture. Learning is mostly online with study materials, and examinations are taken at designated centres. Fees are charged per semester and depend on the number of courses registered and the programme. NOUN publishes its fee schedule on its official website.
Miva Open University
Miva Open University is a private, fully online university. In April 2026, the NUC granted full accreditation to all twelve programmes the university submitted, including nursing, public health, accounting, computer science, cybersecurity and postgraduate management programmes. Its published tuition pages show a starting range of about ₦300,000 to ₦340,000 per year for undergraduate study, and some pages list per-semester amounts that differ by school, such as the School of Computing and the School of Management and Social Sciences. Because these figures vary between pages, confirm the current amount on the school’s tuition page before paying.
BYU-Pathway Worldwide Nigeria
BYU-Pathway Worldwide received a provisional licence from the NUC to operate as an online university in Nigeria. It runs bachelor’s degree programmes, and some of them are accredited through partner institutions. Applicants should read the licence conditions on the school’s site and confirm which programmes are covered.
Distance Learning Centres Approved in Conventional Universities
Several traditional universities run NUC approved ODL centres. Examples include:
- University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre, one of the oldest in the country.
- University of Lagos Distance Learning Institute.
- University of Abuja Distance Learning Centre.
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (open and distance learning arrangement).
- Ahmadu Bello University Distance Learning Centre, which has received approval for additional programmes, including nursing science for registered nurses.
- Afe Babalola University, whose ODL centre received approval for five programmes from the 2025/2026 session: Economics, Business Administration, Computer Science, Nursing Science and an M.Sc in Finance.
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi, approved for Public Administration through ODL.
- Kaduna State University, whose Distance Learning Institute received approval in July 2026 to start with an MBA delivered in a blended ODL mode.
The NUC has also said it plans to approve more universities for open and distance learning. The list therefore grows over time, and a school that is not on a list today may be approved later.
Summary Table of Approved Online and Distance Learning Providers
| Institution | Type | Mode | How Fees Are Charged |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOUN | Federal open university | Online with study centre exams | Per semester, based on courses registered |
| Miva Open University | Private online university | Fully online | Per year or per semester, by school |
| BYU-Pathway Worldwide | Provisionally licensed online university | Online | Published on the school’s site |
| University of Ibadan DLC | Distance learning centre | Blended | Per course or session, by programme |
| ABU DLC | Distance learning centre | Online with clinical or practical sessions | Per course plus exam and other charges |
| Afe Babalola University ODL | Private university ODL centre | Blended | Set by programme |
How Much Do NUC Approved Online Universities Charge?
There is no single national fee for online study. Each school sets its own charges, and the amount changes from one admission cycle to the next. Public institutions such as NOUN and the federal distance learning centres usually charge less than private ones, since they receive government support. Private online universities such as Miva charge higher annual tuition but typically offer instalment payment by semester.
The main factors that decide the cost are:
- The programme chosen, since science, nursing and technology courses cost more than arts and management courses.
- Whether the school bills per course or a flat amount per session.
- Extra charges for application forms, acceptance, matriculation, examinations, practicals and project supervision.
- The level of entry, because Direct Entry students pay for fewer years.
Students should also budget for data, a laptop or phone, and travel to an examination or study centre where physical tests are required. A school that quotes a very low fee and promises a certificate in a few months is a warning sign.
Admission Requirements
Requirements differ by school and programme, but the common conditions are:
- Five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in WAEC, NECO or GCE results, in not more than two sittings.
- Credits in subjects related to the chosen course, such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics for health and science programmes.
- For Direct Entry, a relevant National Diploma, HND, NCE or A-level result.
- For professional programmes such as nursing, a valid practising licence from the regulatory council.
- For postgraduate study, a first degree or postgraduate diploma from a recognised institution.
Some open universities do not require a UTME score, while some distance learning centres inside conventional universities follow their own admission rules. Check the admission page of the chosen school for the current rule.
How to Verify That an Online University Is NUC Approved
Verification is the most important step. Follow these checks before paying any fee:
- Visit the official NUC website and open its list of approved universities and ODL providers.
- Confirm that the exact programme, not only the school name, is approved for distance or online delivery.
- Check that the school’s web address matches the one listed by the NUC, because scammers copy school names and logos.
- Pay only into the school’s official account or through the payment page on its portal, never into a personal account.
- Ignore agents who promise guaranteed admission, quick certificates or lower fees in exchange for cash.
The NUC also publishes warnings about illegal and unapproved institutions from time to time. Reading these notices helps a student avoid a loss of money and years of study.
Advantages of Studying in an Approved Online University
Approved online study offers several practical benefits. Students study from any location, keep their jobs and set a pace that fits their daily schedule. Fees are often paid in instalments. The degree is awarded by a licensed university and is accepted for employment, further study and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) rules that apply to the graduate’s age and route of study. Graduates of programmes such as nursing or accounting must still meet the licensing or professional examination requirements of their regulators.
Challenges to Prepare For
Online learning needs discipline. Students must keep up with weekly materials without a lecturer reminding them in person. Reliable internet and electricity matter, and some programmes require physical attendance for examinations, clinical postings or practicals. Students should read the programme handbook early to understand these obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a degree from an NUC approved online university valid? Yes. A degree from a licensed institution and an approved programme is valid, provided the programme is accredited for the mode of study used.
2. Which is the cheapest NUC approved online university in Nigeria? Public providers such as NOUN generally cost less than private online universities, but exact amounts change, so compare the current fee schedules.
3. Can I study online without JAMB? Some open universities admit students without a UTME score, while other centres follow their own rules. Confirm on the school’s admission page.
4. Is Miva Open University approved by the NUC? Yes. The NUC granted it full accreditation for its submitted programmes in April 2026.
5. Are online degree holders eligible for NYSC? Eligibility depends on the graduate’s age and the NYSC rules in force, so check the current NYSC guidelines.
Final Thoughts
The list of NUC approved online universities in Nigeria and their fees includes open universities such as NOUN and Miva, a provisionally licensed online provider in BYU-Pathway, and distance learning centres in universities such as Ibadan, Lagos, Abuja, ABU and Afe Babalola. Each school sets its own charges, so no single figure applies to all. Before applying for the 2026/2027 session, confirm the school, the programme and the current fees on the official NUC and university websites, and pay only through official channels.