EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA IN INCREASING ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION AMONGST ELDERLY PEOPLE IN FCT ABUJA

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in enhancing access to higher education for elderly people in FCT Abuja. Using a descriptive survey design, the study sampled 320 elderly students (aged 60 and above) from NOUN's FCT Abuja study centers through simple random sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire titled "Elderly Education Access and Effectiveness Questionnaire (EEAEQ)" and analyzed using mean scores and standard deviation. The findings revealed mixed results regarding access to educational resources. While digital library resources and study materials were found to be accessible, physical facilities at study centers were inadequate for elderly students' needs. The study also identified significant challenges in NOUN's support services, including inadequate tutorial support, ineffective orientation programs, and insufficient academic advising, though technical support services met basic requirements. However, internet connectivity at study centers was deemed sufficient for accessing online resources. The study concluded that while NOUN has established basic frameworks for elderly education access, its effectiveness is limited by infrastructural and support service inadequacies. The study recommend the upgrading of physical infrastructure to accommodate elderly students' needs and strengthening support services through specialized staff training and ageappropriate orientation programs. This will improve the effectiveness of NOUN educational programmes.