Management Information System (MIS), National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN
The Director, Management Information System (MIS) of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Dr. Muhtari Alhassan, has disclosed that certain changes have been effected on the university’s portal to keep pace with the dynamism of the technology and improve efficiency.
In an interview with NOUN News, the director said the university management has approved new changes on the portal, which include the provision of course materials for download at student’s leisure.
According to him, students can now see both the wallet balance and number of credit units they have registered for the semester “because most students register more than their required courses. With this new innovation, students will only be allowed to register current and carryover courses.”
Alhassan explained that NOUN portal “is dynamic and it is changing all the time. Right now some students that register their courses may discover they don’t have to register it because if they result of the exams comes out and they have excelled in it, there will be no need for them to register for that particular course any more. That is why students have problem with their portal during this period.’’
Asked on the issue of missing fund, he said such complaints could be borne out of the attitudes of some students assigning an external agent for their registration.
“Funds don’t get missing. All payments are made through Remita. What normally happens is that, there were times students over register courses or exams beyond the amount in their e-wallet and once that happens he could get a negative balance. If that is done such registration can be aborted and the student’s money will be refunded respectively when the student directs his complaint to the bursary unit,” he said.
The director urged students to appreciate the efforts of the management towards their numerous complaints and also assured them that solutions will always be given to their complaints.
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Comprehensive Guide to NOUN Management Information System (MIS): Programs, Courses, and the Directorate
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) stands as a premier institution for Open and Distance Learning (ODL), providing flexible educational opportunities across Nigeria. Among its robust academic offerings, Management Information System (MIS) occupies a critical space. MIS bridges the gap between computer science, information technology, and business management.
Whether you are looking to understand how NOUN administers its technological framework or exploring academic pathways in MIS, this comprehensive guide covers the administrative directorate, academic programs, key course structures, and resources.
1. The Directorate of Management Information System (DMIS) at NOUN
At the administrative core of the university is the Directorate of Management Information System (NOUNMIS). NOUNMIS is tasked with providing the university’s management staff, students, and stakeholders with accurate, reliable, and timely information using cutting-edge technology and methods.
Key Responsibilities and Services:
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Application Development: NOUNMIS minimizes reliance on external consultants by building and maintaining proprietary platforms, such as:
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NOUN Portal System: Manages admissions, registrations, and student biodata.
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StudWare: Handles academic, financial, and student record databases.
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eTMA (Electronic Tutor-Marked Assessment): Facilitates continuous assessment submissions online.
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Online Script Submission & Electronic Verification Systems: Streamlines examination processing and document validation.
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Data Management & Archiving: Handles massive data processing, database management, and archiving required to sustain an ODL environment.
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Technical Support: Offers technical assistance to students and staff navigating the university’s digital portals.
2. Academic Programs in Management Information System
NOUN offers robust academic pathways through its faculties and centers (such as the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning—ACETEL) for students wishing to specialize in MIS.
A. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) & M.Sc. Management Information System
The M.Sc. Management Information System program is meticulously designed to prepare graduates for complex careers involving the design, analysis, implementation, and operation of computer-based information systems.
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Target Audience: Research-oriented graduates in MIS, Computer Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security, Engineering, and related physical sciences.
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Duration: Typically spans a minimum of 4 semesters and a maximum of 8 semesters (depending on the specific entry route/mode).
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Core Requirements: Students must earn prescribed credit units (e.g., a minimum of 36 credit units), complete mandatory seminars, and defend an original dissertation.
B. Ph.D. in Management Information Systems
For advanced scholars, the Ph.D. programme in MIS focuses on rigorous, intensive research intended to make original contributions to existing knowledge. Candidates take core doctoral courses in their first year before proceeding to comprehensive thesis research, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed journal publications.
3. Core MIS Courses Across NOUN Faculties
Because MIS cuts across multiple disciplines, various undergraduate and postgraduate programs incorporate MIS into their curricula. Key courses include:
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BUS 401 / BUS 815 (Management Information System): Core management courses offered to Business Administration students. They introduce learners to the fundamentals of data processing, electronic commerce, decision-support systems, and the impact of MIS on business globalization.
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DAM 364 / DAM 382 (Information Systems Management): Tailored for computer science and technology students, these courses focus on managing IT as a strategic organizational asset, disaster recovery plans, database security, and the mechanics of software applications like Microsoft Access.
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EDA 842 (Application of Management Information Systems in Education): Offered in education management programs, this course trains educational administrators on how to apply IT frameworks to school governance and decision-making.
4. Navigating Your Studies and Resources
Succeeding in a technology-driven and distance-learning environment like NOUN requires understanding how to utilize available resources:
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The e-Learning Portal: Accessible via NOUN e-Learning, where students access courseware, interact with facilitators, and participate in forum discussions.
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Course Materials (Courseware): NOUN provides comprehensive digital course guides and module PDFs for courses like DAM 364 and BUS 401, detailing weekly schedules, self-assessment exercises, and Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs).
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Information Support: Students facing technical glitches regarding registration, portal access, or eTMA submissions can reach out to the NOUN Information Call Centre (NICC) or the central support desk.
(For broader educational updates, career guides, and general insights into Nigerian academic frameworks, you can also explore resources on platforms like Wealth Information Nigeria.)
Conclusion
Management Information System at the National Open University of Nigeria represents a dual ecosystem: it acts as the structural digital backbone driving the university’s administrative efficiency via DMIS, and it serves as a cutting-edge academic discipline shaping future IT and business leaders. Whether you are engaging with the e-portal for your coursework or pursuing a postgraduate degree in MIS, mastering these systems is essential for modern professional success.
