NOUN Hosts Cardiff Metropolitan University Researcher for Transnational Education Study

Prof. Mafiana (2nd left) with Mr. Jones (m) and other NOUN officials at the end of the visit

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) recently welcomed Dr. Karl Jones, a senior academic in computing from Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom. Dr. Jones' week-long visit was part of a collaborative research initiative focused on the burgeoning field of transnational education (TNE).

This research partnership was made possible by a British Council grant awarded to a joint team from NOUN and Cardiff Metropolitan University. The project, led by Professor Juliana Ndunagu on the NOUN side, aims to develop scalable and context-relevant TNE models that can benefit both Nigerian and international higher education systems.

During his visit, Dr. Jones expressed admiration for NOUN's extensive reach and sophisticated infrastructure. He specifically commended the university's flexible examination systems, including on-demand and open-book formats, as well as its rigorous approach to quality assurance and assessment moderation. He also highlighted NOUN's innovative use of technology to manage learning and assessment for its large student population, noting that “there was much Cardiff could learn from NOUN’s experience.”

NOUN's e-ticketing system and comprehensive student support infrastructure particularly impressed the visiting researcher. “I’ve worked with partners in Sri Lanka and Morocco, but seeing how NOUN supports learners across 120 centres is impressive,” he stated, adding that this raises critical questions about maintaining a consistent student experience – a key consideration in transnational education.

According to Dr. Jones, the Cardiff Metropolitan University team is keenly interested in how NOUN ensures consistent quality and student experience across its decentralized learning centers. This aspect is considered vital to the overall success of TNE programs.

Professor Chiedu Mafiana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), received Dr. Jones on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and hailed the partnership as a significant step toward strengthening academic ties between Nigerian and UK institutions. He described the visit as a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, foster institutional cooperation, and collaboratively develop strategies to enhance the delivery of Open and Distance Learning.

“This collaboration with Cardiff Metropolitan University, made possible through the British Council support, speaks to our shared vision of advancing higher education beyond borders,” Professor Mafiana emphasized.

Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, NOUN's Registrar, underscored the university's robust administrative framework and its unwavering commitment to academic collaborations. He acknowledged the visit's importance and reaffirmed the institution's dedication to expanding cross-border learning opportunities.

Professor Juliana Ndunagu provided an overview of the project's progress, noting that research activities commenced in August of the previous year and officially launched in January 2025 with the deployment of surveys and internal assessments. She emphasized the project's unique focus: enabling students in Nigeria to potentially earn a UK degree from Cardiff Metropolitan University, and vice versa. “NOUN was laying the groundwork for something new in Nigerian higher education,” she stated.

The visit included meetings with various NOUN departments involved in academic planning, virtual learning environments, examination administration, and research coordination. These discussions are expected to pave the way for future joint ventures, including academic publications, staff training initiatives, and policy discussions centered around TNE frameworks.