Message from the Dean

Welcome to the Faculty of Computing, National Open University of Nigeria. The Faculty of Computing is committed to being the foremost Faculty of Computing globally recognised for the relevance of its curriculum, research, and instruction, providing high-quality training to and accessible to all at a competitive yet affordable cost on the open distance learning platform and through this commitment, coupled with aligning strategically with the university’s mission to provide functional, cost-effective, flexible learning, which adds lifelong value to quality education for all who seek knowledge. The faculty develops focused, trend-setting multidisciplinary research excellence with national, regional and international recognition through diverse research areas. The faculty is renowned for its innovative research and academic standards geared towards demystifying national, regional and global problems using information technology as an enabler to achieve digital transformation in all critical facets of human endeavour.

The faculty seeks to provide a comprehensive and relevant distance learning curriculum in emerging Computing Science-based programmes; conduct high-quality research in Computing science-related disciplines; produce well-informed graduates for careers in academia, industry, and government, as well as encouraging and supporting strong cross-disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and multi-disciplinary collaborations both within and beyond the University (nationally and internationally)

The faculty offers academic programmes at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in Information Technology. Other programmes include a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science and Cybersecurity. The design and delivery of these programmes are guided by educational research and best practices and are governed by values of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode of learning, characterised by the separation of the teacher in space and/or time from the learner. This enables learners to exercise choice over their learning regarding what, how, where they learn, the pace of learning, learning support, when and where assessment of learning takes place. The University’s approach to ODL has the following features: Openness: Removal of all restrictions to learning that characterise traditional education, including restrictions by age and location of study; Flexibility of learning: The emphasis is on learning rather than teaching. It is students’ responsibility to choose how they want to study, learn anywhere, anytime, and at their own pace, mediated by technology. In other words, it is learner-centred rather than teacher-centred. Programmes can be completed up to double the normal duration of programmes. Accessibility: Study centres are established at state and community levels, and special centres at the prison, paramilitary agencies and military units. Affordability: Removal of financial barriers by allowing learners to pay as they study and by providing materials and other services on a cost-recovery basis, and Multi-Modal Instructional Delivery: This delivery method utilises a variety of media and technologies that are most easily available to learners.

The faculty graduates are recognised by leading employers as some of the top computing talents available in the marketplace. The faculty’s unique structure brings computing and informatics together in a dynamic and collaborative way which allows staff and students to spot trends before they emerge, to solve problems before they occur, and to build a better tomorrow, starting today. Students are prepared for leadership careers in research and education in various areas of Computing.

Prof. Olayemi Mikail Olaniyi 
Dean, Faculty of Computing