The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has partnered with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) to develop a comprehensive policy for micro-credentials. This initiative aims to enhance the university's response to emerging skills demands, improve graduate employability, and support lifelong learning in a rapidly changing technological landscape. A four-day workshop was held from October 5th to advance this project, which is part of a broader Commonwealth-wide effort led by COL. The workshop focused on creating a credible and flexible approach to micro-credential learning.
The workshop, which concluded recently, was designed to support the development of a robust institutional micro-credential policy for NOUN and lay the groundwork for pilot micro-credential courses. Vice-Chancellor Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor Chiedu Mafiana, emphasized the significance of this initiative in shaping the future of flexible and technology-enabled learning at NOUN. He highlighted that micro-credentials would enable the university to expand access, respond to emerging skills needs, and support lifelong learning.
Professor Jane-Frances Agbu, Adviser, Higher Education at COL, represented her organization at the workshop. She noted that this initiative is part of COL's broader work on micro-credentials across the Commonwealth, which includes regional consultations, national policy development, and institutional pilots. Agbu stressed that the credibility of micro-credentials depends on well-articulated policy guidelines. She emphasized that micro-credentials are increasingly important in a world driven by technological advancements, digital transformation, and evolving employment patterns.
According to Agbu, the ability to continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn has become essential in today's rapidly changing world. Micro-credentials can provide practical pathways for upskilling, reskilling, professional development, and lifelong learning. The NOUN initiative is part of COL's efforts to strengthen the connection between policy and practice in micro-credential learning. This collaboration aims to establish a credible micro-credential system grounded in quality, relevance, flexibility, scalability, recognition, and sustainability.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has reaffirmed its commitment to this initiative. Dr. Fumilayo Morebise, representing NUC Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, expressed the commission's support for the development of micro-credentials. The NUC's involvement underscores the importance of this initiative in advancing Nigeria's higher education landscape. The collaboration between NOUN, COL, and NUC reflects a concerted effort to enhance the quality and relevance of higher education in Nigeria.
The development of micro-credentials at NOUN is expected to provide students with flexible and practical learning opportunities that align with emerging skills demands. This initiative will enable the university to respond rapidly to changing employment patterns and technological advancements. By establishing a credible micro-credential system, NOUN aims to expand access to quality education and support lifelong learning.
The partnership between NOUN and COL has marked a significant milestone in the development of micro-credentials in Nigeria. The next phase of this collaboration will focus on developing micro-credential courses. With the support of COL and NUC, NOUN is poised to establish a robust and sustainable micro-credential system that will enhance the employability and skills of its graduates.
Key points
- NOUN and COL collaborate to develop a comprehensive policy for micro-credentials.
- The initiative aims to enhance graduate employability and support lifelong learning.
- The National Universities Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to the initiative.
