Distance learning cost-effective, says NUC

The National Universities Commission has said Open Distance Learning is cost-effective and suitable for all educational contexts.

A statement made available to The PUNCH by Miva Open University said it held a public lecture that analysed the transformative power of Open Distance Learning in Nigeria at the National Universities Commission Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

Miva is an open university licensed by the National Universities Commission and offers a wide range of academic programmes to students all over the world.

An address by the Acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, Chris Maiyaki, titled, ‘The Changing Role of University Administration in an Open Distance Learning Setting,’ painted a compelling picture of the opportunities available in the digital age.

He stated, “It is that cost-effective method of education that transcends time, that transcends location, space and that is suitable for diverse education contexts; including Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, vocational and non-formal education.

It is also that flexible, learner-centred move beyond the traditional brick and mortar classroom boundaries. “The open” essence of ODL, lies in its flexibility and accessibility of education ensuring broad availability without barriers – the suppression of barriers, between the learner and the teachers. “

He listed the benefits of ODL in addressing Nigeria’s educational challenges, stating, “With ODL we are assured that we will be able to attempt to bridge the gap – the huge gap between demand and supply. Statistics have it that nearly two million Nigerian children apply every year to go to university, but the 274 universities put together can only accommodate between 500,000 and 700,000 and that is not good enough. We hope that through ODL, we will broaden access and make sure more people have access to university education.”

Former NUC ES, Prof. Emeritus Julius Okojie, spoke to the potential of ODL to democratise education.

  Deputy Executive Secretary of the NUC, Dr Nuel Salihu, outlined the commission’s support for ODL.

 The Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, Professor Tayo Arulogun, highlighted the university’s commitment to technology-driven tertiary education.

The Chancellor of Miva Open University, Sim Shagaya, delivered an address on the role of technology in reshaping higher education.

He spoke about the importance of embracing healthy competition and collaboration among educators.

“As custodians of the future of our society, to build a qualitative, robust, and dynamic tertiary education system.” He noted the need to be open to change and constructive criticism, and doing things better every day.”

The Registrar, Iheanyi Akwitti, also provided an overview of Miva’s ODL programmes.