Abstract
The paper sheds light on open university education as one of the most significant teaching and learning innovations that has been introduced to higher education enabling disadvantaged students to access education at university level. It is a descriptive study which merely provides an overview and representative information that helps in raising awareness about such an educational system. The paper offers a brief historical background of this system of education delivery. In addition, it accounts for the reasons why such an educational system emerged. It also discusses the aims of this educational model and the opportunities for professional development that such an educational system has created for learners. However, like any other mode of teaching and learning it encounters a number of challenges.