Directorate for Entrepreneurship And General Studies (DE&GS) (CE&GS)
Welcome to the Directorate for Entrepreneurship And General Studies (DE&GS), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The Centre services NOUN students in Entrepreneurship and General Studies (GST) with focus on creativity, innovation and life-long learning.
Vision
To be regarded as the foremost entrepreneurship and general study centre anchored by the university to provide sustainable entrepreneurial skills and general knowledge through comprehensive reach that exceeds all barriers.
Mission
To provide functional cost effective flexible learning which adds life-long value to student’s entrepreneurial initiative, creativity, research, and innovation.
Motto
Explore. Develop. Deliver.
Model
NOUN model for entrepreneurship is characterised by three basic terminologies – Explore, Develop, Deliver. The model is focused on practice but based on theoretical thoughts that would help in eliciting creativity and innovation from the students.
Explore:
Six questions often seek answers in entrepreneurial education – What are the areas of need? What are the required competences to meet the need? Who are to be taught? What should they be taught or learn? How would they be taught or learn? What is the expected outcome? To provide answers to these questions requires brainstorming. The need focus shall be growth, innovation, employability and equity that lead to economic and social development of the nation. To balance theory and practice, academics and practicing successful entrepreneurs shall be identified in the six geopolitical zones and beyond to serve as facilitators. The Centre shall collaborate with recognised organisations in research, agriculture, manufacturing and services.
Students are guided on how they can explore their environments to identify areas of need and brainstorming on how such need could be met. This will lead to idea creation, creativity and innovation.
Develop
The outcome of the exploration is put into practice and tested against the required competences and expected outcomes. The exploration stage is the theoretical stage while the development stage is the practical stage where the theory is put into practice.
Deliver
The finished product or service is presented for consumption. The product and services are subjected to critique for improvement.
Learning Culture
- Transformative and participatory leadership
- Teamwork
- Learners as partners
Learning Environment
- Virtual Learning – Synchronous and Asynchronous
- Face-to-Face – Workshop only
Learning Tools
- E-Learning
- LMS – Moodle
- Media – Radio, TV & Videos
- Braille for visually impaired
- Customized tablets/CD-ROM/Flash Drive for the prison
Services and Activities
The services are twofold:
- Promote Entrepreneurship Culture among NOUN Students with focus on entrepreneurial teaching, entrepreneurial socialisation, and legal regulatory framework. These are achieved with the aid of:
- Entrepreneurial Teaching
- The Course Materials
- Simulated Scenarios
- Group Projects
- Business Plan
- Incubation Centres
- Assessments
- Entrepreneurial Teaching
- Entrepreneurial Socialisation
- Entrepreneur Forum
- Team Group Goals and Presentation
- Individual Accountability
- Legal Regulatory Framework
- Business License
- Make Education relevant to the Students and the society with focus on:
- Creativity;
- Innovation; and
- Job Creation.
Activities
The Centre is involved in the following activities towards the provision of quality services:
- Course design and development;
- Course facilitation;
- Instil the skill of creativity and innovation on the students;
- Coordination of general studies in the university; and
- Entrepreneurship Network and Collaborations
Courses
- GST 101 - Use of English and Communication Skills I
- GST 102 - Use of English and Communication Skills II
- GST 103 – Computer Fundamentals
- GST 104 - Use of Library
- GST 105 - History and Philosophy of Science
- GST 107/707/807 - A study guide for the distance learner
- GST 201 - Nigerian Peoples and Culture
- GST 202 - Fundamentals of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- GST 203 - Introduction to Philosophy and Logic
- GST 204 - Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- GST301 - Entrepreneurship Studies
- GST 302 - Business Creation and Growth
Note: GST104, GST204 & GST302 start Next semester
Teaching Methods
- Cooperative Learning
- Experiential Method
- Case Study Method
- Problem Solving Scenarios
- Scenario-based Simulation
- Differentiated instruction strategies
- Project Method
- Flipped classroom
Learning Activities
- Developing new ideas
- Defining a project
- Networking
- Acquiring entrepreneurial skills/tools
- Co-creating, and solving problems
- Experiencing
- Reflecting on consequences
- Developing new ways of action
- Virtual workshops
- Internship
Method of Assessment
- Self-Assessment
- Tutor Marked Assignment
- Examination
- Internship
- Business Plan
- Prototype of business plan
- Practical (real product or service)
Learning Competences met:
Being able to:
- Take initiative
- Communicate in different contexts
- Search and take opportunity
- Sell ideas
- Turn idea into action
- Create value added product or service
Directorate for Entrepreneurship And General Studies (DE&GS)
National Open University of Nigeria
14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way
Victoria Island
Lagos
Email Address:ceags@noun.edu.ng
Telephone number: 09021866984