ABUJA - The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the Eastern Zonal District of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) have held discussions on developing postgraduate accounting programmes and expanding opportunities for students to pursue professional qualifications alongside their university degrees.
According to a university report published on 20 October 2026, the proposals were presented during a courtesy visit by the district’s executive committee and delegation to NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, at the university’s headquarters in Abuja.
Leading the delegation, the Eastern Zonal Chairman, Mr Okorie Samuel, said ICAN was interested in strengthening cooperation with NOUN to create additional opportunities for academic advancement and professional development.
Samuel explained that the proposed collaboration could help students pursue professional accounting qualifications while completing their university programmes. He also identified ICAN’s “Catch Them Young” initiative as a potential avenue for encouraging students to consider careers in accounting.
The delegation commended NOUN’s experience in open and distance learning, particularly its application of digital technology and the conduct of its examinations. Samuel said partnerships with educational institutions were important to widening access to accounting education and professional training.
Responding, Professor Uduma welcomed the proposals and expressed the university’s willingness to explore a closer relationship with ICAN. He described collaboration with professional organisations as consistent with NOUN’s commitment to accessible education and lifelong learning.
The vice-chancellor said opportunities to combine academic study with professional certification could enhance the qualifications available to learners and help them make informed decisions about their career development.
He encouraged the delegation to submit formal proposals for consideration, including initiatives involving ICAN’s national body.
For NOUN students and graduates interested in accounting, the discussions point to a possible future connection between postgraduate study and professional development. However, the scope of any arrangement would depend on the proposals submitted and subsequent institutional decisions.
The university’s report does not announce a signed agreement or the launch of a new programme. It also provides no admission requirements, fee schedule, application procedure or commencement date. Students should therefore await a formal announcement before making application or payment commitments connected with the proposed collaboration.
During the visit, the delegation also invited Professor Uduma to serve as the lead paper presenter at the 21st Eastern Zonal Accountants’ Conference, scheduled for Enugu in April 2027.
The vice-chancellor said he would consider the invitation, noting that the proposed timing could overlap with NOUN’s convocation activities and the African Council for Distance Education conference.
