OPEN AND DISTANCE EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: THE WAY FORWARD FOR DUAL- MODE INSTITUTIONS Dr. Suleiman Ramon-Yusuf Deputy Director Open and Distance Learning Division National Universities Commission Abuja

INTRODUCTION societal expectations of higher education have become more critical – accountability, Relevance Impact of globalization on HE In developing countries, societal demand for relevance is expected despite perennial under-funding, poor infrastructure, brain drain, poorly remunerated and ill-motivated teachers, among others.

THE CHALLENGE OF INADEQUATE ACCESS DD for HE far outstrips SS. In Nigeria, over a million candidates sit Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, existing 104 universities can only absorb about 225,000 new entrants.

Governments Response? invited the Private Sector to participate in the provision of university education. Between 1999 and 2007, 34 private universities licensed [ 15 in 2005 alone]. 41 to date and counting... State governments have also intervened: 36 State universities. Currently, NUS=104 varsities (27 Federal-, 36 State and 41 Private)- total student enrolment of about 1.1 million in the conventional face-to-face mode.

DD and SS disequilibrium persists.... MDGS, Vision –Human capital intensive.... Need to leap-frog human capital develpoment- How?? Paradigm shift in HE provision ODL to the rescue !!

ODL IN NIGERIA.... ODL especially Correspondence- not new in Nigeria NPE recognizes ODL[ 1974] Wide gulf between Policy and Practice

ODL IN NUS..... Yet to be fully exploited.. 1 Unimode University 6 Dual- mode institutions Enrolment: <50,000 in Dual mode DLCs Abt. 70,000 in NOUN??? Doubtful – Poor internal & external efficiency

IMPROVING ODL PRACTICE: THE NUC ODL PROJECT Seeks to bring ODL practice up to speed with global best practice, Ensure full optimization of ODL mode in enhancing access & human capacity development Creation of Centre of excellence in ODL.

NUC ODL PROJECT...(2) Collaboration:NUC/BC/OUUK Series of capacity –building workshops for DLC Staff E-Teaching, Course material development, facilitation, IA&G, Networking Institutional capacity development, NUC led Infrastructural support

WHAT ROLE FOR DUAL MODE INSTITUTIONS? well established universities, reputable academic programmes, full complement of seasoned eminently qualified professors et al. veritable pool of high level knowledge, skills and competence, can propel Nigeria forward in her urgent national quest to leap- frog the production of a critical mass of competent, highly skilled personnel

Re-positioning dual- mode institutions for ODL impact.. Mainstreaming DL Centres STOP: poor perception, marginalization, Fringe existence Give DLCs pride of place – the UI example

What must DLCs do?...(1) comparability of standards with programmes run by the conventional F2F mode Parity in admission requirements for new entrants into DL programmes Comparable curricular exposure, rewarding and fruitful student learning experiences

What must DLCs do?...(2) Proper DL practice: Supported flexible, blended learning- very limited face to face contact. customized course materials [interactive, multi-media, ICT-enabled materials that allow student to study anywhere, anytime. Tutoring, facilitation and mentoring by knowledgeable and ICT proficient tutors with learner-centred mind-set.

THE WAY FORWARD - HOW TO GET THERE? Advocacy and enlightenment Institutional Support[ financial, moral and logistical] Capacity Building Re-orientation and Induction of academics

THE WAY FORWARD - HOW TO GET THERE?....(2) Appropriate course materials Use of appropriate technology Economies of Scale Synergy building (networking and collaboration)

FUTURE PROSPECTS future of ODL in the NUS is very bright. Enhanced HE Participation rate Enhanced production of the high level human power in the right quantum and quality DLCs can pivotal role.

CONCLUSION Elevated standard of ODL practice + better understanding + acceptance of the DL mode as an alternative to F2F = Nigeria optimizes ODL mode to enhance access with full benefits Dual-mode institutions undoubtedly, have a pivotal role to play.

Thanks for your attention!! Merci bien!! Danke !!