The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has announced the opening of admission into its Certificate in Entrepreneurship Education programme, an eight-week virtual training programme designed to equip participants with practical entrepreneurship and business-development skills.
The university officially announced the admission opportunity on 21 September 2026, with the programme scheduled to commence on 30 September 2026. (Noun News)
Programme to Run for Eight Weeks
According to NOUN, the Certificate in Entrepreneurship Education programme will be delivered virtually over eight weeks.
The programme is structured into:
Six weeks of intensive entrepreneurship training
Two weeks for examinations and development of a Business Model Canvas
This structure is intended to move participants beyond theoretical knowledge by helping them develop practical business ideas and models that can potentially be transformed into viable enterprises. (Noun News)
Who Can Apply?
Applicants are required to possess a minimum of three credits at O'Level.
This means the programme is not limited to students currently pursuing conventional undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at NOUN.
Eligible members of the public who meet the entry requirement can also apply.
The relatively flexible admission requirement makes the programme an option for aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners and individuals interested in developing practical business-management skills.
Courses and Skills to Be Covered
NOUN says participants will receive training in several areas important to starting, managing and expanding a business.
Topics expected to be covered include:
Entrepreneurial thinking
Creativity and innovation
Value chain development
Record-keeping
Business modelling
Financial planning and management
Marketing
Monitoring and evaluation
Technology in business management
Business plan development
Grant-winning strategies
Business sustainability
Business registration and regulatory agencies
Artificial Intelligence in business strategy and operations
The combination of business planning, financial management, technology and artificial intelligence suggests that the programme is designed around both traditional entrepreneurship skills and emerging digital-business opportunities. (Noun News)
Application and Registration Fees
In its 21 September 2026 admission announcement, NOUN states that the application fee is:
?5,000
The university's news announcement also lists course registration at:
?8,500 per module. (Noun News)
Applicants Should Confirm the Fee Before Payment
NOUN Update observed that the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and General Studies' existing programme information page currently displays a different category-based fee structure, including exemptions for qualifying NOUN incubatees and lower rates for some other categories. (Deags)
Because the latest NOUN News admission announcement specifically states ?8,500 per module, applicants are advised to confirm the amount generated on the official application portal before making payment, particularly if they are NOUN students, staff, alumni or existing incubatees.
This will help avoid relying on an older fee schedule that may not apply to the current admission exercise.
Special Opportunity for NOUN Incubatees
The Directorate's programme information indicates that NOUN students who have passed GST302 with an approved business plan and are undergoing mentorship through DE&GS incubation centres may qualify as NOUN incubatees.
The existing Directorate page says such incubatees may receive special fee treatment for the entrepreneurship programme. (Deags)
Affected students should therefore confirm their status with the Directorate before making payments.
Entrepreneurship Incubation Opportunities
Completing the training may offer participants more than a certificate.
NOUN says participants can also benefit from entrepreneurship incubation opportunities provided through the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and General Studies in collaboration with the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL).
The incubation component is intended to help promising participants further develop and scale their business ideas. (Noun News)
This could be particularly useful for participants who already have a business idea but need additional guidance in areas such as business modelling, finance, marketing, technology adoption and access to opportunities.
Programme Begins September 30
The programme is scheduled to commence on:
Wednesday, 30 September 2026
With the official admission announcement made on 21 September, interested applicants have a relatively short period before training begins.
NOUN has not stated a separate application-closing date in the announcement, so interested applicants are advised to complete their application as early as possible. (Noun News)
How to Apply
Interested applicants are expected to apply through NOUN's official online application platform.
Before making payment, applicants should:
Confirm that they meet the minimum entry requirement.
Complete their application using the official NOUN portal.
Confirm the applicable programme and module fees displayed on their account.
Keep copies of payment receipts and registration records.
Confirm the virtual training arrangements before the commencement date.
Applicants should avoid paying individuals or unofficial agents claiming to guarantee admission into the programme.
What This Means for NOUN Students
For existing NOUN students, particularly students who have completed GST302 Entrepreneurship, the programme could provide an opportunity to move beyond academic entrepreneurship coursework into practical business development.
It may also be particularly useful for students who already operate businesses or intend to launch one after graduation.
The programme's coverage of business planning, grant opportunities, digital technology and artificial intelligence could provide participants with practical skills that complement their degree programmes.
NOUN Update Advice
Interested applicants should take note of the 30 September 2026 commencement date and complete their application early.
Because there is currently a difference between the fee stated in NOUN's latest news announcement and the category-based amounts displayed on the Directorate's programme page, applicants should confirm the amount generated by the official portal or obtain clarification directly from the Directorate before making payment.
NOUN Update will continue monitoring the programme for any clarification on fees, application deadlines, training links or other instructions issued by the university.
Please share this information with NOUN students, aspiring entrepreneurs and other interested applicants who may benefit from the programme.
NOUN UPDATE
News • Education • Opportunities
Website: www.nounupdate.com
Official NOUN announcement: NOUN Announces Admission into 8-Week Certificate in Entrepreneurship Education
