The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has unveiled three certificate programmes in Tropical Cosmetology, Tropical Cosmetic Science and Professional Certificate in Tropical Medical Aesthetics.
The move reaffirms the university's commitment to expanding access to emerging fields of knowledge and industry-relevant skills.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, said the university was strengthening its capacity to accommodate emerging areas of knowledge through its dynamic approach to education and professional development.
He stated this during the virtual flag-off of the programmes, organised in collaboration with the university’s Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD) and the Tropic Derma Research and Training Institute.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Shehu Usman Adamu, the Vice-Chancellor said the initiative aligned with NOUN’s mission and vision of expanding educational opportunities and equipping learners with relevant knowledge and skills.
He noted that the programmes would create opportunities for professional development and entrepreneurship, particularly in the growing cosmetic, skincare and medical aesthetics industries.
Uduma called for sustained commitment from the collaborating institutions to build a stronger partnership capable of delivering quality outcomes.
He also commended the CHRD and the Faculty of Science for their foresight and efforts in bringing the initiative to fruition.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director of CHRD, Dr. Amos Iliya, described the launch as another significant milestone in NOUN’s commitment to providing accessible, flexible and industry-relevant education.
He said the centre continues to strengthen the university’s role in lifelong learning, professional development and skills acquisition by creating opportunities for individuals to acquire competencies that respond to emerging societal needs and changing labour market demands.
According to Iliya, the programmes were developed in response to growing demand for specialised knowledge and professional skills in the cosmetic and beauty industries.
“Given the unique qualities of tropical environments, the courses are particularly relevant to developing context-sensitive expertise grounded in scientific knowledge, practical application, safety and professional ethics,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the programmes would equip participants with valuable knowledge and practical competencies to improve their professional practice, expand entrepreneurial opportunities and contribute to national development.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Tropic Derma Research and Training Institute, Edith F. Gibson, commended the Vice-Chancellor and the university’s management for their roles in making the initiative possible.
She said the courses would equip participants with research-based knowledge and entrepreneurial skills applicable beyond Nigeria and Africa.
Gibson added that the initiative would help reduce the country’s dependence on skincare products manufactured abroad by strengthening local expertise and capacity in the industry.
Describing the flag-off as historic, she expressed delight that the partnership had moved beyond formal agreements to practical implementation.
Other speakers at the event included the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Kolawole Muyideen; the Director of Advancement and Linkages, Prof. Bridget Yakubu; and the Head of the Department of Chemistry, Dr. Musa Runde.
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