The history of the University of Abuja dates back to 1976, when the National Universities Commission conceived the idea of an Open University system for Nigeria. The purpose was to provide an avenue for the ever-growing number of applicants to the existing universities, who could not be accommodated because of limited facilities. The programmes operated by these universities were considered inadequate to meet the needs of Nigerians who could not afford to leave their paid jobs to embark on a full-time university education. To meet these needs and in realization of the vital role which a comprehensively planned distance education system could play in a country like Nigeria, the Federal Government was advised to establish, as soon as possible, a separate and distinct open university institution, to be organized nationwide on a systematic and standardized basis.