NOUN students raise the alarm over inability to access portal

Students of the National Open University of Nigeria have expressed frustration over their inability to access the university’s portal.

A 400-level student in the Mass Communication Department, Godfrey Ogah, told our correspondent that he had been unable to access his portal to check his results for the past three weeks.

The university had instructed students to visit the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for the regularisation of their results and documents.

Ogah said, “I was shocked when the portal displayed ‘Matric number not found on NOUN list’ during my login attempts. I’ve been using this matric number for over four years, but now it’s not recognised. Despite going to JAMB, there has been no solution.”

In July 2024, prospective students applying to NOUN and other open distance learning centers were required to register through JAMB. This directive aims to combat fraudulent activities and maintain the integrity of candidates’ records.

JAMB issued an advisory in Abuja, emphasising its commitment to streamlining the registration process.

The advisory stated, “To combat fraudulent activities and ensure the accuracy of candidates’ records, JAMB mandates that all applicants seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions must provide their National Identification Number during registration, regardless of the study mode, whether regular or non-regular.”

However, Ogah, mentioned that he did not gain admission through JAMB.

Another 400-level Mass Communication student, Ajoke Oni, shared her concerns, “I cannot access my results from the last semester, despite having completed my JAMB regularisation. My matric number is no longer found, and I recently discovered that I can no longer access the portal.”

As a final-year student, I cannot afford to lose all the years I’ve invested in this school. NOUN needs to resolve this issue and restore access to the portal for me and my fellow students.”

Chukwudi Anya recounted his experience, “Two weeks ago, a coursemate alerted me about the regularisation issue and that many students’ matric numbers were missing from the NOUN platform. “When I checked, my matric number was also missing. I am frustrated by the constant problems NOUN causes us. I haven’t gone to JAMB for regularisation yet because many students who have done so are still unable to access the portal. I’m at my wit’s end and just watching things unfold. NOUN, please help us.”

Efforts to obtain a response from NOUN regarding the issue were unsuccessful. Calls and SMS sent to the university’s spokesperson, Mallam Ibrahim Sheme, went unanswered.