The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has unexpectedly scrapped its law programme, leaving over 1,000 students in a state of uncertainty and frustration. This drastic decision, ratified by the university’s Senate on January 25, 2023, will take effect at the end of the 2023 second semester, putting the academic and professional futures of many students in jeopardy.
Students nearing the completion of their degrees have expressed their dismay through various channels. Particularly vocal are those united under the aegis of “Concerned Law Students,” who have appealed to the House of Representatives for intervention. In a letter dated October 27, 2023, the House acknowledged the plea and promised to facilitate a meeting between student representatives and NOUN's management.
Despite multiple meetings between the students and the university management, facilitated by the National Assembly between November 2023 and January 2024, no significant progress has been made. Over 1,500 final-year law students are now facing the harsh reality that their department will soon cease to exist. The financial and emotional toll on these students is immense, with many having invested approximately N3 million to reach the 500-level in their studies.
Adding to their woes, these students are also dealing with the institution’s failure to issue graduation certificates, leaving them without proof of their academic achievements. This lack of documentation has further exacerbated their plight, making it difficult for them to pursue career opportunities or further education.
NOUN, which operates through a distance-learning and study centre model, has been embroiled in various controversies concerning accreditation and management practices. Many students have criticized the university for its poor communication and lack of responsiveness to issues that directly impact their academic welfare. One student, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over learning about the programme’s cancellation via social media, without any official notification from the university.
“We were not notified; we only saw a statement on social media suggesting that the law programme would be stopped after we spent how many years on it, and no one has offered any form of apology or genuine concern,” the student lamented.
The university’s current stance is to halt the intake of new law students while seeking fresh accreditation for the programme. However, this decision leaves current 500-level students in limbo, with their legal education and career aspirations hanging in the balance.
When approached for a comment, NOUN’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Sheme, declined to provide any information, instead directing inquiries to be made in person at his office. While the affected students continue to seek a resolution, the broader academic community is watching closely, concerned about the implications of such abrupt changes on students’ lives and the credibility of higher education institutions in Nigeria. The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, with students hoping for a resolution that will allow them to complete their studies and move forward with their careers.
