The flexible learning system of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is helping a married couple combine university education with professional, business and family responsibilities.
Mr Demian Orukuna and his wife, Mrs Janet Orukuna, are both studying for Bachelor of Science degrees in Public Administration at the NOUN Makurdi Study Centre in Benue State.
Their experience highlights one of the major advantages of Open and Distance Learning: the opportunity for working adults to continue their education without completely abandoning their careers and other responsibilities.
Mr Orukuna is a businessman and entrepreneur, while Mrs Orukuna serves as Deputy Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area in Benue State.
Despite their different professional responsibilities, the couple have been able to pursue their university education simultaneously through NOUN.
Mr Orukuna’s decision to enrol at the university was influenced by the flexibility of its learning system, which allows him to continue managing his business while strengthening his knowledge of administration and organisational management.
For Mrs Orukuna, university education provides an opportunity to complement her practical experience in governance with formal academic knowledge.
The couple’s educational journey has also become a shared family experience.
They study together, prepare for examinations and help one another keep track of assignments, deadlines and other academic responsibilities.
Their experience demonstrates that flexible education does not necessarily mean studying alone.
For the Orukunas, pursuing the same programme has allowed them to encourage each other and discuss subjects relating to governance, public administration and policy beyond the classroom.
However, combining family life, demanding careers and university education is not without challenges.
Time management, examination periods and assignment deadlines remain some of the pressures the couple must manage.
They have responded by serving as accountability partners for each other while also maintaining individual reading schedules when necessary.
NOUN’s digital learning resources and Open and Distance Learning structure have played an important role in enabling them to fit education around their existing responsibilities.
Their academic journey has reportedly also influenced the learning culture within their home, with their children seeing both parents actively pursuing university education.
The couple have even developed a friendly academic competition, comparing performances and encouraging each other to achieve better results.
Looking beyond graduation, Mr Orukuna hopes to apply the knowledge gained from Public Administration to his business and corporate governance activities.
Mrs Orukuna, on the other hand, plans to apply her academic experience to governance and improved public service delivery.
Their shared ambition is eventually to complete their programme and celebrate graduation together.
Their story illustrates why Open and Distance Learning continues to provide an important alternative for Nigerians who may find it difficult to attend a conventional full-time university because of employment, business, family or geographical responsibilities.
For prospective and current NOUN students, their experience is also a reminder that academic goals can still be pursued alongside other major responsibilities when there is proper planning, discipline and support.
Source verification: Official NOUN News. (Nounnews)
