PCF10 Sub-theme: Building Resilience // Despite the existence of Directorate of Learner Support Services in National Open University of Nigeria, many students are unaware of the services and/or do not use them. The majority of students who consider leaving the University do not seek help from the Directorate. Female students particularly, fall in this category in National Open University of Nigeria. This substantiates research findings which argue that students who need help the most are the least likely to seek it out. As a matter of ethics, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution has an obligation to take steps toward retention and support of their students to become more engaged and more effective learners, and to build in them resilience. This paper examines ways of developing capacities to expand female student retention and building resilience for their success in National Open University of Nigeria. It combines student survey data, qualitative research with students, and analysis of institutional data to dissever information. It finds that to maximize female student retention and build resilience for completion of programmes admitted for, student and staff capacities could be developed through engagement nurtured within mainstream activities. This will not only engender a strong sense of belonging but will also build in the female students, confidence and resilience to complete their study. Further, the University Management needs to nurture a culture of belonging and creating the necessary infrastructure to promote female student engagement, retention and success. // Paper ID 1579