FG backs open and distance studying to remodel Nigeria’s training sector 

This was disclosed in Abuja on the third Open, Distance and eLearning Affiliation of Nigeria (ODeLAN) Worldwide Convention 2025, themed “Adaptive Pedagogies for the Way forward for Schooling: Connecting Learners, Applied sciences and Communities.”  

Minister of Schooling, Dr Maruf Alausa, represented by Dr Kareem Olawale, stated the nation has made vital strides in reimagining training supply by way of ODL, particularly within the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Nigeria, like many countries, because the disruption of the training calendar throughout COVID-19, confronted the problem which led to the embrace of open and distance studying, and this led us to re-imagine the standard fashions of training. 

“This convention gives the chance to take these classes additional, transferring from emergency distant educating to a sustainable, adaptive, and inclusive mannequin.” 

“I commend ODeLAN for the efforts in constructing a neighborhood of observe that tackles improvements, analysis, and collaboration within the ODeLAN house.” 

“Your work is crucial in shaping insurance policies, coaching educators, and growing instruments that can drive Nigeria’s instructional transformation,” he stated.

Discrimination of ODL college students 

President of ODeLAN, Prof. Francis Egbokhare, criticized the persistent marginalisation of ODL college students, particularly when it comes to entry to pupil loans and tuition subsidies.

“One nonetheless wonders why skilled organisations insist that sure programs shouldn’t be run by way of the ODL mode, whereas many of those individuals take numerous skilled growth coaching by way of the identical mode.” 

“The denial of ODL college students’ entry to authorities subsidy on tuition and pupil loans, undermines their rights as residents.” 

“This can be a grave injustice on Nigerians whose solely crime is the mode of studying that they selected or which circumstances have foisted on them,” he stated

He known as for pressing coverage reforms to eradicate these discriminatory practices in Nigeria’s training system.

NOUN provides help to ODeLAN 

Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, mirrored on the egalitarian philosophy underpinning ODL and reaffirmed his ardour for the mannequin.

“Those that listened to my inaugural lecture will recall my temporary foray into egalitarianism in that lecture. It’s nonetheless the raison d’être I appear to be obsessed with ODL and my college.” 

“Subsequently, after I was requested once more whether or not I may give an handle on the upcoming convention, I accepted and even offered a subject for dialogue on one of many two points that was bothering my thoughts.” 

“My subject for presentation was, ‘Is ODL all about Know-how’? For that reason, I reasoned that I may present a keynote handle the place I’d have the chance to offer the philosophical context underpinning ODL.”

He cautioned stakeholders in opposition to viewing ODL merely as a revenue-generating enterprise and known as for knowledgeable and noble strategy to its implementation.

Prof. Peters additionally pledged institutional help to ODeLAN for the institution of a devoted secretariat.

Name for personalised studying 

Prof. Peter Scott, President of the Commonwealth of Studying, emphasised the urgency for training programs to turn into extra responsive and inclusive.

“The world is witnessing unprecedented change, precipitated by financial shifts, technological disruptions, local weather change, and world crises. This requires educated programs which might be agile, responsive, and learner-centred.

“Because the open gamers on this sphere, our resolve is that training needs to be inclusive, versatile, and resilient, and equal to the abilities required for an unsure future.

“We must always be certain that studying will not be a one-size-fits-all strategy, however personalised, pushed by knowledge, and inclusive. These and extra underscore Adaptive Pedagogies for Schooling.” 

Prof. Scott additionally showcased the AMP Actus scheme, additionally known as the Chilly Classroom With out Partitions, a low-cost, offline studying platform enabling college students in distant areas to entry digital content material with out web.