The University of Abuja (UofA) was established as a dual-mode university with the mandate to run both conventional and distance learning academic programmes. It was the first University in the country to assume such a dual mandate at inception
Popularly called the Sandwich programme, it is a part-time programme specifically designed for teachers with a background in education (NCE) to obtain a degree. That is why all programmes of the IOE are education programmes. Lectures usually hold when students of secondary and primary schools are on long vacation (so that they will have the space to attend without it affecting their jobs as teachers). Like the CDL&CE, this programme does not require JAMB and Post UTME as obtained in the case of regular students. Admission requirement into the part-time programme at the 100 level are credit passes in five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics at the ordinary level (WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB and Grade II) which must be obtained by a Candidate at no more than two (2) sittings. Three (3) of the credit passes must be in subjects relevant to the degree course applied for.
Admission requirement into the 200L Sandwich programme is the National Certificate of Education (NCE) upper credit, in addition to credit passes in five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics which must be obtained by a Candidate at no more than two (2) sittings.