By Emmanuel Afonne

The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen open and distance learning in the country’s national policy framework for the advancement of education.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, made the pledge at the third Open, Distance and eLearning Association of Nigeria (ODeLAN), International Conference 2025 on Thursday in Abuja.

The conference had the theme: “Adaptive Pedagogies for the Future of Education: Connecting Learners, Technologies and Communities.”

The three-day conference was hosted by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in collaboration with ODeLAN.

Alausa, who was represented by Dr Kareem Olawale, from the office of the minister, said open and distance learning had become an asset to the quality of education in the country, especially in rural communities.

“Nigeria, like many nations, since the disruption of education calendar during COVID-19, faced the challenge which led to the embrace of open and distance learning, and this led us to re-imagined, the traditional models of education.

“This conference provides the opportunity to take those lessons further, moving from emergency remote teaching to sustainable, adaptive and inclusive model.

“I commend ODeLAN for the efforts in building a community of practice that tackles innovations, research and collaboration in the ODeLAN space.

“Your work is essential in shaping policies, training educators and developing tools that will drive Nigeria’s educational transformation.

“The theme of this year’s event will not have been more timely than now in an age defined by technology.

“Today, we have gathered, not just to share ideas but to chart a course for a more resilient and reputable future that leverages the full potential of open, distance and e-learning,” Alausa said.

The President of ODeLAN, Prof. Francis Egbokhare, lamented the great injustice facing ODL students.

“One still wonders why professional organisation insist that certain courses should not be run through the ODL mode, whereas many of these persons take diverse professional development training through the same mode.

“The denial of ODL students access to government subsidy on tuition and student loans, undermines their rights as citizens.

“This is a grave injustice on Nigerians whose only crime is the mode of learning that they chose or which circumstances have foisted on them.”

Egbokhare, therefore, called on the authorities to ensure that these discriminatory tendencies were dealt with in the sector.

Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, said ODL had some fundamental social egalitarian philosophy behind its operations and growth.

Peters said that it was the philosophical context that actually drew him into the field of ODL and indeed into NOUN.

“Those who listened to my inaugural lecture will recall my brief foray into egalitarianism in that lecture. It is still the raison d’etre I seem to be passionate about ODL and my university.

“Therefore, when I was asked again whether I could give an address at the upcoming conference, I accepted and even provided a topic for discussion on one of the two issues that was bothering my mind.

“My topic for presentation was, ‘Is ODL all about Technology’? For this reason, I reasoned that I could provide a keynote address where I would have the opportunity to provide the philosophical context underpinning ODL.

“Just to mention, the other issue I felt concerned about was ODL being used as a source of Internal Generated Revenue,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to be professional in their academic activities, noting that their desire must be noble.

Peters also urged ODeLAN to work towards establishing a secretariat which he assured that his institution would furnish, as part of their support.

One of the keynote speakers, Prof. Peter Scott, President, Commonwealth of Learning, said the world had reached a crossroad where education must evolve to meet the needs of learners, societies and the economy.

“The world is witnessing unprecedented change, precipitated by economic shifts, technological disruptions, climate change and global crises. This requires educated systems that are agile, responsive and learner-centred.

“As the open players in this sphere, our resolve is that education should be inclusive, flexible and resilient, and equivalent with the skills required for an uncertain future.

“We should ensure that learning is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but personalised, driven by data and inclusive. These and more underscore Adaptive Pedagogies for Education.

“We leverage technology for adaptive learning through our AMP Actus scheme, also referred to as a Cold Classroom Without Walls. Actus is a low-cost, offline learning solution developed to deliver personalised learning in areas with limited internet access.

“It allows learners to access digital education as content from wherever they are, through mobile devices and laptops, without needing an internet connection.

“The project is ongoing in many Commonwealth countries, including Sierra Leone, Ghana and Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, says the institution is re-strategising to strengthen its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) pattern of education.

Mafiana said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He noted that other universities under the auspices of Open, Distance and e-Learning Association of Nigeria (ODeLAN) would be carried along.

Mafiana said ODeLAN would collaborate with NOUN to strengthen the field of the ODL, using adaptive technologies.

“This is the reason we have decided to hold the third edition of the ODeLAN International Conference in Nigeria, from May 14 to May 16, 2025 at the Conference Centre, NOUN Headquarters, Abuja.

“The theme of the conference is Adaptive Pedagogies for the Future of Education: Connecting Learners, Technologies and Communities,” Mafiana said.

Mafiana, who doubles as the Chairman, Local Organising Committee for the conference, said participants are expected to explore innovative open educational approaches and models for shaping the future of learning in African contexts across all educational levels.

He said the annual conference would also explore practical, engaging approaches to connect learners, technologies and communities for a brighter educational future.

Mafiana said the event would witness the convergence of educators, academics, researchers and practitioners from universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and pre-tertiary levels.

He added that policy makers, industry professionals, government agency representatives and the general public would participate in the event.

Mafiana said the conference would feature paper presentations, panel discussions and workshops, with focus on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in open, distance, and e-learning.

“Prof. Peter Scott, President Commonwealth of Learning, Canada; Prof. Mpine Makoe, Executive Dean College of Education, University of South Africa and Prof. Tayo Arulogun, Vice-Chancellor, Miva Open University, Abuja Nigeria, are the keynote speakers,” he said.

It would be recalled that the first series of the international conference was held at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun, in 2023 with the theme, “Global Spaces, Local Contexts: Digital Transformations and Creative Innovations in Open Distance and e-learning “.

The second edition was held at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 2024 with the theme: “Inclusive Digital Learning Ecosystems in Open, Distance and e-learning Education”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Emmanuel Afonne

President Bola Tinubu has assured the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) of his government’s support to ensure the advancement of its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) structure.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Saturday in Abuja at the 14th convocation of the university, where the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank (AfDB), were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees.

While Abbas was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree of Doctor of Business Administrator, Adesina bagged an honorary doctorate degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

The President who was represented by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, through Hajia, Rakiya Gambo, Director, Tertiary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, said NOUN would be strongly supported through Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund).

Tinubu said there was the need to advance technology in tertiary institutions to guarantee a robust learning especially for the ODL.

“The Federal Government under my leadership is committed to supporting education by leveraging information technology to enhance learning.

“Through strategic intervention, we are ensuring that education remains the key to our technological development.

“As such, the Federal Government through TetFund, is financing the fibre optic infrastructure at NOUN to provide seasless Internet access to substantial number of students at study centres across the geo-political zones of the country.

“This initiative harnesses the power of technology to improve access to education as faster as possible.

“This university has benefitted immensely from various government intervention provided through TetFund and we remain committed to ensuring that possible financial resources are consistently provided for the advancement of education through ODL in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olufemi Peters, said NOUN had continued to receive requests for the establishment of additional study centres from prominent individuals, community leaders and associations.

This, he said was a testament of the essential role the educational institution had played in serving the nation.

“To meet the demand of our expanding reach, we leverage cutting-edger Information and Communication Technology to enhance instructional delivery and improve learning outcomes.

“Our global learning culture is further enriched through innovative collaborations and partnerships with institutions such as the University of South Africa, the Open University, UK, the Open University of Tanzania and so on,” he said.

According to Peters, the 14th convocation was another opportunity for NOUN to celebrate the academic achievements of its students, out of which 17,420 graduated, comprising of 10,967 undergraduates and 6,413 postgraduate students.

The Pro-Chancellor of the University, Malam Isa Yuguda, had earlier urged the Federal Government to incorporate NOUN graduates into its National Youth Service Corps programme, to encourage more youths to enrol in the ODL structure.

Yuguda also appealed to the government to allow the admission of NOUN Law graduates into the Law School, to give room for more student to enrolment into the University Law Faculty. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Emmanuel Afonne

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has been approved as the host for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO’s) Media and Information Literacy Institute.

Dr Hajo Sani, the Ambassador/Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, said this on Thursday, when she led a delegation on a courtesy call to Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was to discuss the newly established Category 2 Centre of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI).

Sani who highlighted the significance of the international institute, explained that it would benefit not only Nigeria but also the global community.

“I call for urgent attention to the next steps in the approval process, including the review of the draft agreement and the continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the timely establishment of the institute,” she said.

According to Sani, the collaboration between the Nigerian government, NOUN and UNESCO is crucial for advancing media literacy education, globally.

“I am very impressed with the commitment of the Nigerian government. It gives me a lot of courage and hope that we are making progress especially with the support of the Minister of Information, the Vice-Chancellor and the University Committee.

“So for us, it’s really a big achievement. I must also appreciate the Vice-Chancellor, for his leadership and the process of establishing this media institute as Category 2 under the auspices of UNESCO.

“I also want to say thank you to the University and the Department of Mass Media, for the efforts that led to the university’s recognition as a suitable co-host of the Media and Information Literacy Institute,” he said.

Responding, Peters expressed gratitude for the visit, while acknowledging the efforts of the Federal Government, the Ministry of Information and UNESCO in supporting the establishment of the institute in the country.

He assured the UNESCO’S delegation of NOUN’s commitment to the project, as the institute had already been integrated into the university’s system and structure, for long-term sustainability.

He also assured that the institute would further be strengthened to achieve full autonomy.

“The university has already opened a separate account for the institute’s finances.
“We have a wide network of study centres with short, medium and long-term programmes which are aligned with UNESCO priorities.
“The National Open University of Nigeria is extremely lucky to have the presence of this institute here and we want to thank the President of the Federal Republic,” he said.
Peters commended the Minister of Information and National Orientation, and his predecessor, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, for their efforts at ensuring that the institute was established in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
EMAF/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma