NUC Urges Students to Seek ODL Programme to Curb Forex Scarcity

Peace Obi

The Director, Open and Distance Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Olamide Adesina, has stressed the need for more Nigerian students seeking admission into higher institutions to explore Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. This he said will reduce the high rate of foreign exchange experienced in the country as a result of Nigerian students seeking foreign education.

He described ODL as an advantageous initiative of the federal government, designed to serve as a credible and qualitative means of delivering quality degree programmes that is of global comparability.

Delivering a keynote address with a theme, ‘The Role of Open and Distance Education in attaining a Sustainable Economy’, during the launch of the University of Lagos Distance Learning Institute Students’ Association (DLISA), Adesina said there is a limit to what conventional provisions for university education can accommodate.

He said lack of access to higher education and prestige resulted in Nigerians seeking higher education beyond the shores of the country, adding that ODL was created to give increased access to Nigerians seeking higher education.

“The exodus of Nigerians for the same reasons in recent years is staggering, more so, the huge foreign exchange drain. In the midst of a recessed economy, this option is hardly sustainable.

“Options and alternatives that will not burden individuals and national economy needs to be sought. There is a global acceptance of ODL as a means of human capital formation. It has the advantage of economy scale. It is an additional way of democratisation, increased access and to ensure inclusiveness. However, an appropriate curriculum is also of utmost importance in this course.”

He noted that university education is beyond getting a degree or preparing students for employment. “It should broaden students’ mind and horizon, while empowering them to discern connections, effectively analyse problems and exhibit creative understanding.

“The higher the number of individuals who possess these abilities, the greater is the hope that there will be development. Opportunities should therefore abound so that more persons could take advantage of the offer.”

The Chancellor, Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Dr. Rahmon Adedoyin, who was represented by the ViceChancellor, Professor Chibuzor Nwoke, said ODL has gained world acceptance, noting that sustainable development will be elusive without quality manpower to man critical sectors of the economy.

He urged Nigerians to embrace the flexible learning opportunities it offers, saying that it eliminates barriers to further education by workers and affords them the opportunity to develop other skills while gainfully employed.

In his remarks, the Director, Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos, Professor Olukayode Amund, noted that open learning is an approach that seeks to remove unnecessary barriers and restrictions to learning. He traced the history of ODL in UNILAG to 1973 when it started with a correspondence programme, adding that it has over the years expanded in length and breadth with more approved courses and migrated to electronic platforms of learning.

“The annual DLISA lecture is in recognition of the fact that education and training are a crucial pillar and indeed the foundation for the reconstruction and development of Nigeria.