Internet use in Nigeria is growing on a daily basis. According to Punch Newspaper, as of April 2025, broadband penetration is presently standing at about 48.15%, which is higher than the 42% we had previously last year. That growth is playing a key role in propelling online universities in Nigeria.
The truth is, our universities cannot take everyone. About two million Nigerians seek admission into universities yearly, and only 700,000 are admitted. That is why online universities in Nigeria are now being viewed by many as a better option.
People want to learn new skills, get degrees while working, and learn at home without stress. Even educationists like Sim Shagaya have said we need to use the Internet more to solve these education problems.
In this article, you will learn about the best online universities in Nigeria and what each has to offer
Continue reading and behold this list of Nigerian online universities and pick the one that serves your purpose today.
Understanding Online Education in Nigeria
Online learning, or e-learning as it’s popularly called, means learning via your phone or laptop instead of a physical classroom. You learn anywhere and at any time – at home, in the office, or in your shop.
With online learning, you watch lessons, do assignments, and access materials on your device. Many Nigerians use it now for short courses, diplomas, or full degrees.
It costs less than traditional universities and has flexible payment options. You also don’t waste money on transportation and accommodation.
The online education market in Nigeria is growing very fast. It will reach $143.3 million in 2024 and nearly $298 million in 2029 as more people embrace this flexible and cheaper mode of learning.
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Why Go For an Online University in Nigeria?
Some of the reasons people go for online universities in Nigeria are listed below:
- You learn at your own pace
- Saves transport and hostel fee
- Ideal for working-class individuals and entrepreneurs
- You can manage family responsibilities with your studies
- Some online degrees cost less than conventional universities
- No “lecturer no come” stories
15 Best Online Universities in Nigeria
The following are 15 of the best accredited online universities in Nigeria, recognized for their quality distance learning programs:
1. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
When it comes to online universities in Nigeria, the most popular is NOUN. It’s a federal university with study centers across Nigeria. Tuition is affordable, and you can study anywhere without leaving your job or business.
Popular Courses:
- Law
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Mass Communication
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Political Science
- Various Education courses
- Agricultural Science
They offer undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs. Materials are both online and in print. You only need five O’level credits including Maths and English to be admitted.
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2. Miva Open University
One of the best online universities in Nigeria, Miva Open University is well known for its tech and management courses. Approved by NUC, it offers flexible payments starting from ₦280,000 per session.
Popular Courses:
- Cyber Security
- Data Science
- Software Engineering
- Business Management
- Public Administration (MBA & MPA)
Miva possesses an e-learning system with live classes, forums, and assignments. It holds exams in centres nationwide, and international students write online. It gives graduates a “Letter of Exclusion” from NYSC.
3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Distance Learning Centre
ABU Distance Learning Centre is another top online university in Nigeria that offers flexible online degrees. They also offer postgraduate and certificate courses with fewer choices compared to NOUN.
Study materials are given in hard copy, e-copy, audio, and video. Online libraries and e-libraries in Zaria, Lagos, and Abuja are accessible to students. Elective tutorials are held on-campus each semester and transmitted live via distance learning.
Popular Courses:
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- Computer Science
- Nursing Science
- International Relations
- Political Science
You need 75% participation in all courses to write exams. Graduation requires a minimum GPA of 2.0, completion of core courses, a defended project, and internship. Exams and screenings are held in Abuja, Lagos, Zaria, Gombe, and Port Harcourt. Tuition fees are affordable for all programmes.
4. Iconic Open University
Iconic Open University is a private Nigerian online university NUC approved. Learning is done online via their LMS where you read, submit assignments, and interact with lecturers.
Exams are dependent on courses and may hold in learning centers with some being physically proctored. Tests and assignments are mostly online or project-based.
Popular Courses:
- Allied Health Sciences
- Computer Science
- Arts and Humanities
- Social and Management Sciences
Graduates are awarded an NYSC certificate. The fees vary by course but are quite affordable compared to most private universities.
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5. University of Ibadan (UI) Distance Learning
UI Distance Learning Centre is one of the best online universities in Nigeria in terms of quality and credibility. Students study from anywhere and are awarded the same certificate as on-campus students, in addition to the entitlement to NYSC.
Popular Courses:
- Arts
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Science
- Health Sciences
- Law
- Management Sciences
- Technology
- Agricultural Sciences
After registering each session, you are able to download study materials from their portal and study at your convenience. Classes and interactions with classmates and e-tutors are via the UIDLC Mobile Class LMS, making learning convenient and easy.
6. Nexford University
Nexford University is well known for technology-based online courses, making it one of Nigeria’s top online universities for Computer Science and related fields.
Popular Courses:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analytics
- Digital Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Fintech & Blockchain
- Cybersecurity
Learning is done entirely online with on-demand videos. Live lectures are delivered by faculty twice a month, and you can book one-on-one feedback sessions. You don’t write exams but submit graded assignments and projects. There are six modules for each course and a final project at the conclusion of each.
Note: Nexford is an international university accredited by the US Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) but not NUC-accredited in Nigeria.
7. Babcock University Distance Learning
Babcock University is also among the best online universities in Nigeria, offering good quality private university education online. Their distance learning is of the same quality as their on-campus courses.
Popular Courses:
- Accounting
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Social Sciences
Learning is self-paced with online lectures combined with physical examinations or check-ins occasionally. The courses are NUC-accredited and therefore recognized for further education and employment.
Also Read – 15 Best Tech Courses in Nigerian Universities
8. EduTech (with Covenant & Afe Babalola University)
EduTech partners with private universities like Covenant University and Afe Babalola University to run the best online university programs in Nigeria. They offer BSc and MSc degrees fully online on interactive platforms.
Popular Courses:
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Computer Science
- Other Management and Tech courses
Learning is app-based with videos, forums, and e-libraries, offering a premium digital experience. It’s ideal for working professionals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and beyond who require private university quality from anywhere.
9. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Distance Learning
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is one of the top online universities in Nigeria. OAU, via its Centre for Distance Learning, delivers flexible programmes that combine technology and quality education.
Popular Courses:
- Accounting
- Nursing
- Economics
- Management
- Education and other professional courses
The student can study at their own pace and still receive certificates as good as the ones on-campus students receive, making it ideal for workers, business owners, and busy people.
10. West Midland Open University, Ibadan
West Midland Open University is a private online university located in Ibadan that has been accredited by the NUC. It offers flexible and affordable programmes that have been designed to meet the needs of modern learners.
Popular Courses:
- Management Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Education
- Arts & Humanities
All the courses are online, making it easy for students to study from anywhere in Nigeria.
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11. Al-Muhibbah Open University
Al-Muhibbah Open University is a newly licensed online university in Nigeria with the mission of reducing the cost of education for Nigerian students.
Popular Courses:
- Management
- Social Sciences
- Education
- Arts
All their courses are online, and as a result, students can seamlessly combine studies with work and family. Their graduates receive NUC-approved certificates.
12. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Distance Learning
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) offers distance learning programmes that are suitable for Northern and the entire country’s students. They have flexible, affordable, and skill-oriented programmes for students.
Popular Courses:
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- Law
- Education
- Social Sciences
Materials can be studied online, and some courses offer optional physical presence for practicals or exams.
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13. University of Lagos (UNILAG) Distance Learning Institute
UNILAG Distance Learning Institute is one of Nigeria’s best online universities, offering flexible programmes with online lectures and physical meetings from time to time for practicals or examinations.
Popular Courses:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Education with specialisations
The students receive the same certificates as regular on-campus students, making it ideal for those who require a recognised degree while working or running their businesses.
14. Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) Centre for Distance Learning
Joseph Ayo Babalola University offers online programs through its Centre for Distance Learning. It provides flexible and faith-based learning that can be fit into busy lives.
Popular Courses:
- Business Administration
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurial Studies
- Social Sciences
All the courses are online, and students can study from anywhere and still obtain a degree from an accredited private university in Nigeria.
15. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Centre for Distance and e-Learning
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) runs its online programmes through the Centre for Distance and e-Learning, making it one of the top online universities in Nigeria.
Popular Courses:
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Arts
Students study through online course materials and at their own pace. Upon graduation, they receive the same certificates as regular UNN students, which can be used for work and further education.
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How Do You Enroll in Online Universities in Nigeria?
Here is a general guide:
- Visit the university’s official website
- Click on “Apply” or “E-learning” portal
- Fill in your application form online
- Pay the necessary application fee
- Upload your certificates (WAEC, ND, or degree certificates)
- Wait for admission confirmation via email or SMS
- Proceed with registration and payment of school fees
- Attend orientation and begin your classes
Always ensure you are on the official website so as not to fall into the hands of scammers.
Are Nigerian Online University Certificates Recognised?
Yes. Certificates from reputable online universities in Nigeria like NOUN, UI, OAU, UNILAG, and ABU are approved by NUC and recognised for employment and NYSC mobilisation (where required). For private online universities, ensure they are accredited by NUC to avoid issues.
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Advantages of Online Universities in Nigeria
Below are why people choose online universities:
- Flexibility for working-class students
- Study from anywhere without relocating
- Affordable compared to some physical universities
- Access to international lecturers in some schools
- Combines education with family responsibilities
Disadvantages of Online Universities in Nigeria
However, there are challenges too:
- Requires self-discipline
- Poor network connection can affect classes
- Less social interaction with classmates
- Some employers prefer traditional university certificates (although this is changing fast)
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How to Choose the Right Online University in Nigeria
Before applying to any online degree program in Nigeria, make sure to check the following:
- Is the school accredited by NUC?
- Can you do the program completely online?
- Are the courses flexible enough to accommodate your schedule?
- Will you be qualified for NYSC (if less than 30 and a first-time graduate)?
- Do employers accept the school’s certificate?
Selecting the appropriate school hinges on your goals, budget, and the level of flexibility you require.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Online education is accepted, particularly when undertaken through NUC-approved universities.
Now, NOUN students can serve in NYSC under the Open University policy amendment for qualified graduates below 30 years.
If it’s an accredited university, most foreign universities recognize Nigerian online degrees for postgraduate programs.
NOUN is the cheapest and most flexible online university in Nigeria.
Conclusions
The following is the list of Nigerian online universities you should make a choice in 2025. Whether you are a civil servant in Abuja, a banker in Lagos, a businessman in Port Harcourt, or an artisan in Enugu, online education can fit into your life without disrupting your hustle.
Do not delay till next year. Choose any of these best online universities in Nigeria today and prepare yourself for a better tomorrow.
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