Effective Date: 17 July 2026

Privacy Policy

Al-Muhibbah Open University (“AOU”, “the University”, “we”, “our” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our students, applicants, staff, alumni, partners and website visitors. We recognise the importance of handling personal data responsibly and transparently, and we are committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and security of the information entrusted to us.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store and protect personal information when you visit our website, interact with our services or engage with the University through our online platforms.

By using our website or submitting your personal information, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to all visitors, applicants, students, graduates, staff, partners and other individuals who interact with Al-Muhibbah Open University through:

The official University website
Online admission and application forms
Student enquiry forms
Event registrations
Newsletter subscriptions
Alumni registration forms
Recruitment and employment applications
Online payment services
Digital learning platforms and related University services

Information We Collect

Depending on how you interact with the University, we may collect the following information:

Personal Information

Full name
Date of birth
Gender
Nationality
Residential and postal address
Email address
Telephone number
Identification information where required
Academic qualifications
Employment information
Emergency contact details

Student and Applicant Information

When you apply for admission or use University services, we may collect:

Academic transcripts
Certificates
Admission documents
Programme selections
Application records
Student identification information
Correspondence relating to your application

Payment Information

Where payments are made through our website, payment processing is securely handled by our authorised payment service providers, including Paystack.

The University does not store your complete debit or credit card details on its servers.

Technical Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

IP address
Browser type
Device information
Operating system
Pages visited
Time spent on pages
Referral source
Cookies and similar technologies
Website usage statistics

How We Collect Information

Information may be collected when you:

Apply for admission
Complete enquiry forms
Subscribe to newsletters
Register for University events
Make online payments
Submit employment applications
Contact the University
Access our digital learning platforms
Browse our website

Some information is collected automatically through cookies, analytics technologies and security monitoring systems.

How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

Process admission applications
Verify applicant information
Provide educational services
Manage student records
Respond to enquiries
Process online payments
Improve our academic and administrative services
Deliver newsletters and important announcements
Organise events and academic activities
Maintain website security
Detect fraud and prevent misuse
Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

Legal Basis for Processing

The University processes personal information where necessary:

To fulfil contractual obligations
To comply with applicable laws and regulations
To perform tasks carried out in the public interest
To protect legitimate interests of the University
Where consent has been provided by the individual

Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and enhance your browsing experience.

Cookies help us to:

Remember your preferences
Improve website performance
Analyse visitor behaviour
Maintain website security
Provide a more personalised experience

You may manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

Analytics and Website Technologies

The University may use trusted third-party technologies to understand website performance and improve user experience.

These technologies may collect anonymous usage information such as:

Pages viewed
Time spent on the website
Device information
Browser information
General geographic location
Traffic sources

Such information is used solely to improve our website, academic services and digital experience.

Online Payments

Where payment is required, transactions are processed securely through authorised payment providers, including Paystack.

Payment providers operate under their own privacy and security policies. We encourage users to review those policies before making payments.

Information Sharing

The University does not sell or rent personal information.

We may share information where necessary with:

Regulatory authorities
Accreditation bodies
Payment service providers
Technology service providers
Professional advisers
Government agencies where legally required

Information is shared only where necessary and subject to appropriate confidentiality and security measures.

International Students

As an institution serving students from Nigeria and other countries, personal information may be processed across jurisdictions where necessary to facilitate admissions, academic administration and educational services.

Where international transfers occur, the University takes reasonable steps to ensure that appropriate safeguards are maintained.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures designed to protect personal information against:

Unauthorised access
Loss
Misuse
Alteration
Disclosure
Destruction

Despite these measures, no online transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Data Retention

Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to:

Deliver educational services
Meet legal obligations
Maintain academic records
Resolve disputes
Protect the University’s legitimate interests

Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information and applicable legal requirements.

Your Privacy Rights

Subject to applicable law, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, you may have the right to:

Request access to your personal information
Request correction of inaccurate information
Request deletion of personal information where applicable
Object to certain processing activities
Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
Request restriction of processing
Request transfer of your personal information where applicable
Lodge a complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority

Children’s Privacy

The University’s website and services are intended primarily for individuals seeking higher education.

Where information relating to minors is collected, it will be handled in accordance with applicable legal requirements and with appropriate consent where necessary.

Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to external websites.

The University is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. Users should review the privacy policies of any external websites they visit.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

The University may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, technology or University operations.

The latest version will always be published on this page together with its effective date.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

ICT Directorate
Al-Muhibbah Open University

Email: ict@aou.edu.ng

The University will make every reasonable effort to respond to privacy-related enquiries promptly and in accordance with applicable laws.

Commitment to Privacy

Al-Muhibbah Open University is committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of everyone who engages with the University. Protecting personal information is fundamental to our mission of delivering accessible, innovative and high-quality higher education in a secure digital environment.