FG Charts New Course For ODL Growth In Nigeria

The federal government has restated its commitment to strengthening Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Nigeria by implementing relevant policies to enhance education delivery across the country.

Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated this while declaring open the 3rd International Conference of the Open Distance and eLearning Association of Nigeria (ODeLAN), held at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) headquarters in Abuja.

The minister was represented by Kareem Olawale, deputy director of university education at the Federal Ministry of Education. Alausa described the conference theme as timely and essential to repositioning ODL to expand access to quality education.

The conference was organised under the theme “ Adaptive Pedagogies for the Future of Education: Connecting Learners, Technologists, and Communities.”

The minister said that in an age defined by rapid technological innovation, shifting learner demographics, and a global perspective, the need for an education system that is diverse, inclusive, and future-ready has never been greater.

He emphasised the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; the minister noted that the experience had reinforced the importance of remote learning methods.

“This conference provides an opportunity to take those lessons further, moving from emergency remote teaching to sustainable, attractive, and inclusive educational knowledge. As a government, we remain committed to strengthening open and distance learning in our national policy framework.

“We recognise this potential to extend access to quality education, especially in underserved communities, and to support lifelong e-learning. I commend ODeLAN for its continued efforts in building a community of practice that supports innovation, research, and collaboration in the e-learning space.

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

Also speaking at the event, vice chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, lauded ODeLAN’s impact, describing the association as a success story in distance learning.

“The ODeLAN has been a success story thus far. Within five years of establishment, it has already organised 3 conferences and has seen its membership grow to over 500 individuals and about 21 institutional members. This year, it has even been able to attract international participants. This is good news.

“From my biased view, I must say that the success of ODeLAN has been due largely to the dedication and steering capability of the president, Professor Francis Egbokhare, FAL and one time director of the Distance Learning Institute, University of Ibadan, under the VC ship of Professor Olufemi Bamiro and members of his board,” he said.

In his address, “ODeLAN: Where Next? What Next?” Prof. Peters emphasised the organisation’s need to establish a clear mission, a strong governance structure, financial sustainability, and strategic partnerships.

“ODeLAN must define the core purpose and goals of the association in simple, worded, unambiguous language encapsulated in an envisioned long-term focus and direction. A clear vision and mission are essentials that give direction, focus and identity that build a culture for the association, and serve as a source of inspiration, motivation and commitment,” he stated.

While expressing the readiness of NOUN to support ODeLAN to achieve its full potential, the VC said the University will furnish the organisation’s secretariat when established.

“We must establish a secretariat. The secretariat will be furnished by NOUN as part of our support. ODeLAN must staff the secretariat with defined roles and responsibilities. Ad hoc staff may no longer hold the future for us. Some of the staff can be employed on a permanent basis on the payroll of ODeLAN. One or two additional personnel positions may be filled by a NYSC member. For my part, the NOUN is willing to assist the Association develop to its potential,” he added.

Earlier, Professor Francis Egbokhare, president of Odelan, highlighted the association’s mission to promote research-driven policies and practices tailored to Nigeria’s unique educational landscape.
“ODeLAN seeks to become an effective forum for collaboration by researchers, teachers, practitioners, policy makers and institutions.”