How to Apply for NOUN Graduation Clearance: Full Step-by-Step Process

A complete step-by-step guide to applying for NOUN graduation clearance. Learn the online and physical processes, required documents, and fees to successfully obtain your National Open University of Nigeria degree certificate.

Reaching graduation is a monumental achievement, especially with the unique flexibility and self-discipline required for Open and Distance Learning at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). Once your name appears on the official graduation list, the final clearance process begins. This is a crucial administrative phase that verifies you’ve fulfilled all academic and financial commitments to the university.

While some aspects of the clearance can be initiated online, a significant portion often requires physical presence at your study centre. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step process, outlining the online checks, required payments, and necessary documents for a smooth NOUN graduation clearance.

Stage 1: Online Verification and Payments

Before you even step into your study center, there are critical online checks and payments you need to complete.

Step 1: Confirm Your Name on the Graduation List

  • Action: This is the very first and most important step. Your name must appear on the official NOUN graduation list released by the university.
  • Where to Check: Regularly monitor the official NOUN website (https://nou.edu.ng) and your student portal for the convocation/graduation list. The list is typically released after final results compilation and Senate approval.
  • Importance: If your name isn’t on the list, you cannot proceed with clearance.

Step 2: Check Your E-Wallet Balance & Settle Outstanding Debts

  • Action: Log in to your NOUN student portal and check your e-wallet statement.
  • Portal Link: https://www.nouonline.nou.edu.ng
  • Navigation: Look for “Check Wallet” or “E-Wallet Statement” on your dashboard.
  • Importance: Any negative balance or outstanding fees from previous semesters must be cleared before you can proceed with graduation clearance. Print your complete e-wallet statement showing all payments and expenditures.

Step 3: Determine Amount Payable for Convocation & Alumni Fees

  • Action: The university mandates specific fees for convocation and alumni registration for all graduating students. These are separate from your regular tuition.
  • Current Fees (as of 2025 announcements):
    • Convocation Fee: Around ₦30,000 (This often includes the graduation gown fee). Note: Some sources indicate ₦20,000 for gown/convocation while others specify ₦30,000 for convocation fee alone.
    • Alumni Fee: Around ₦10,000
  • How to Pay (Convocation Fee): This should be paid ONLY through the official NOUN portal.
    • Log in to https://www.nouonline.nou.edu.ng.
    • Look for a link like “Pay Convocation/Gown” or “Determine Amount Payable.”
    • Generate your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) and make the payment online using your debit card or by taking the RRR to a bank.
    • Crucial: Ensure the payment reflects on your portal.
  • How to Pay (Alumni Fee):
    • This payment is usually made directly to the NOUN Alumni Association (NOUNAA) bank account.
    • Account Name: NOUNAA
    • Account Number: (Check the latest official NOUN Convocation clearance notice for the exact account number as it can change. Previous reports mentioned Zenith Bank Account No. 1014150406 and Access Bank Account No. 1905150942. Always verify the current official account.)
    • Bank Name: Zenith Bank or Access Bank (Confirm with latest notice).
    • Important: Do NOT use USSD transfers for the Alumni fee. Make a direct bank deposit or use your personal mobile banking app (ensuring your full name appears on the transaction record) and print the receipt. USSD payments are often not accepted for this fee.

Step 4: Submit Convocation RRR (Online Verification)

  • Action: After paying your convocation fee via Remita, you need to submit the RRR on the NOUN portal for verification.
  • Portal Link: https://www.nouonline.nou.edu.ng
  • Navigation: Look for “Submit Convocation RRR” or a similar option. Enter your RRR and Matriculation Number.
  • Outcome: If the verification with Remita is successful, your online clearance process for this fee is complete.

Step 5: Fill and Print the Graduate Exit/Survey Form

  • Action: NOUN often requires graduating students to complete an online exit/survey form.
  • Where to find: This link is typically provided in the official convocation announcement or accessible through your student portal under a “Graduation” or “Exit Survey” section.
  • Importance: Fill it out accurately, submit, and print the confirmation page or the completed form.

Stage 2: Physical Clearance at Your Study Centre

Once the online steps are complete and verified, you will proceed to your designated study centre for the physical clearance process. This stage involves presenting all your required documents for verification and endorsement by various departments.

General Timing: Convocation clearance usually commences a few weeks before the convocation ceremony and takes place during specific working hours (e.g., Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.).

Step 6: Gather All Required Documents (Create Multiple Copies!)

This is perhaps the most critical step. Organize all your documents meticulously. It’s highly recommended to make at least 3 clear photocopies of every single document, in addition to bringing the originals.

📚 Further Reading

Essential Documents to Present:

  1. Printout of your name on the Graduation List: The specific page showing your name.
  2. Comprehensive E-Wallet Statement: Printed from your portal, showing all payments and expenditures from admission to graduation, and importantly, no negative balance.
  3. All Remita Receipts/Bank Tellers: For all payments made throughout your academic journey, especially for:
    • Application Fee
    • Acceptance Fee
    • Semester Registrations
    • Course Registrations
    • Exam Registrations
    • Project Fee
    • SIWES/Teaching Practice/Practicum/Clinical Attachments (if applicable to your program)
    • JAMB Regularization Fee (₦6,000)
    • Result Verification Fee (Undergraduate: ₦5,000; Postgraduate: ₦10,000)
    • Convocation Fee (official portal payment)
    • Alumni Fee (bank deposit/mobile app payment to NOUNAA)
  4. NOUN Admission Letter/File: The admission letter issued at your point of entry, and potentially your physical admission file.
  5. O’Level and Degree Certificates (for Postgraduate students): Originals and photocopies.
  6. Valid Means of Identification: Your NOUN Student ID card (printed and laminated), National ID Card (NIN), Driver’s License, or International Passport.
  7. Course Registration Slips: All course registration slips from every semester you registered courses.
  8. Exam Registration Slips: All exam registration slips for every semester you sat for exams.
  9. Completed Final Clearance Form: This form is often provided at the study centre during the clearance process or sometimes available for download online. It typically has sections for various departmental sign-offs (e.g., Bursary, Registry, Library, Academic Affairs).
  10. Duly Signed & Bound Project/Thesis (Soft & Hard Copy): For undergraduate final projects and postgraduate theses/dissertations. Ensure it’s properly bound and signed off by your supervisor and department.
  11. Evidence of non-examinable course completion: (e.g., Field Observation, Teaching Practice I & II, Clinical Attachment, Practicum, Seminar, etc.) registration slips and completion evidence.

Step 7: Undergo Departmental Clearance at Your Study Centre

At the study centre, you will typically move through various desks or offices for verification and sign-offs:

  1. Registry/Academic Affairs Desk: For verification of your academic records, course registration, exam registration, and project submission. They will check if all your results are uploaded and processed.
  2. Bursary/Account Desk: To verify all your fee payments against your e-wallet statement and Remita receipts. They will confirm you have no outstanding financial obligations.
  3. Library Desk: To ensure you have returned all borrowed library materials (if any) and have no outstanding library fines.
  4. Student Affairs Office: For general clearance and potentially sign-off on your ID card return (if required).
  5. Study Centre Director’s Office: For the final endorsement and sign-off on your clearance form.

During this process, be patient, polite, and ensure every required section on your physical clearance form is signed and stamped by the respective officer.

Step 8: Confirmation of Clearance & Certificate Collection

  • Once all departments at your study centre have signed off on your clearance form, your status will be officially updated by the university.
  • You will be notified of the convocation ceremony details and schedule for certificate collection.
  • Keep your fully signed clearance form safe, as it is your proof that you have completed all requirements.

Important Considerations & Tips

  • Start Early: Do not wait until the last minute. The clearance process can be lengthy due to the volume of students.
  • Official Information: Always rely on official announcements from the NOUN website and your study centre for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements and deadlines. Information from third-party websites can sometimes be outdated.
  • Organize Documents: Keep all your printouts and receipts neatly organized in a file. This will save you a lot of time and stress.
  • Be Patient and Persistent: The process might involve waiting in queues and revisiting departments. Your patience and persistence are key.
  • Communicate: If you encounter any issues or have questions, politely engage with the staff at your study centre or use the NOUN support portal (support.nou.edu.ng).
  • Professionalism: Dress decently when visiting your study centre for clearance.

The NOUN graduation clearance process might seem daunting, but by following these steps methodically and preparing all your documents in advance, you can ensure a smooth final lap to receiving your well-deserved NOUN degree. Congratulations again on this significant achievement!

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