FG’s Commitment to Open and Distance Learning in Nigeria

May 16, 2025 – Abuja, Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening open and distance learning (ODL) as a cornerstone of its national education policy, aiming to transform the education sector by enhancing access, equity, and quality. This pledge was made by Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Alausa during the third International Conference of the Open, Distance and eLearning Association of Nigeria (ODeLAN), held at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) headquarters in Abuja from May 14–16, 2025. The conference, themed “Adaptive Pedagogies for the Future of Education: Connecting Learners, Technologies and Communities,” highlighted ODL’s potential to address Nigeria’s educational challenges, though systemic issues like discriminatory policies and infrastructure gaps remain hurdles.

Government’s Pledge and Policy Focus

Speaking through Dr. Kareem Olawale, Deputy Director of University Education, Minister Alausa emphasized ODL’s role in reimagining traditional education models, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic exposed the limitations of face-to-face learning. “Nigeria, like many nations, faced challenges during Covid-19, which led to the embrace of open and distance learning,” he said, noting its value in delivering quality education, especially to rural and underserved communities. The government aims to integrate ODL into the national policy framework to improve access, affordability, and alignment with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, as reiterated by President Bola Tinubu at NOUN’s 13th convocation in April 2024.

The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC), is working to create an enabling environment for ODL. This includes mainstreaming degree programs via ODL, promoting e-learning tools, and fostering partnerships with public and private sectors to enhance transnational education and open educational resources (OER). The NUC’s Directorate of Open Distance and E-learning (DODeL), led by Dr. Funmilayo Morebise, is tasked with regulating standards, building institutional capacity, and ensuring quality assurance in ODL programs.

ODeLAN’s Role and Conference Highlights

The ODeLAN conference, co-hosted by NOUN, served as a platform for over 500 researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss ODL’s future. ODeLAN President Prof. Francis Egbokhare praised the association’s growth since its founding, with membership expanding to over 500 individuals and 21 institutions. He positioned ODeLAN as a hub for research-driven policies tailored to Nigeria’s unique educational landscape, predicting that its conferences could become the largest e-learning events in sub-Saharan Africa.

The conference theme underscored the need for adaptive pedagogies that leverage technology to connect learners and communities. Alausa commended ODeLAN’s efforts in shaping policies, training educators, and developing tools to drive Nigeria’s educational transformation, calling the event “timely in an age defined by technology.” Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, highlighted ODL’s egalitarian philosophy, noting its role in breaking down barriers for students constrained by geography, work, or personal circumstances.

Challenges and Discriminatory Practices

Despite the optimism, significant challenges persist. Prof. Egbokhare criticized the marginalization of ODL students, particularly the denial of access to government subsidies for tuition and student loans. “This is a grave injustice on Nigerians whose only crime is the mode of learning they chose or which circumstances have foisted on them,” he said, calling for urgent policy reforms to eliminate discriminatory practices. He also questioned why professional bodies restrict certain courses from being offered via ODL, despite using similar modes for professional development training.

Infrastructure deficits pose another hurdle. A 2015 study on ODL transitions in Nigeria identified poor internet connectivity, unreliable power supply, and inadequate ICT infrastructure as major barriers. These issues persist, with epileptic power and high internet costs limiting access, especially in rural areas. A 2024 report noted that only 43% of Nigerians have reliable internet access, and power outages remain a national challenge. Additionally, a 2006 survey revealed a mismatch between ODL graduates’ skills and labor market needs, with over 60% of participants unemployed or underemployed, highlighting quality assurance concerns.

Historical Context and Progress

Nigeria’s ODL journey dates back to 1887, when students enrolled as external candidates for the University of London’s matriculation exams. The University of Lagos established its Correspondence and Open Studies Unit in 1973, followed by the National Teachers’ Institute in 1976 for teacher training. The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), founded in 1983 and revived in 2002, remains the only uni-mode ODL institution, with 120 study centers and over 122 programs across nine faculties. The NUC has accredited 17 dual-mode universities to offer ODL alongside conventional programs, reflecting growing acceptance.

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated ODL adoption, with the Federal Government launching a national e-learning portal in 2021 to provide web-based content for basic, secondary, and tertiary education. This platform, supported by 20TB of server space from Galaxy Backbone, aims to reach learners in rural areas via radio, TV, and offline media, addressing the out-of-school children crisis (estimated at 20 million in 2024).

Economic and Social Impact

ODL’s expansion is critical for Nigeria, where over half of the 220 million population is under 35, and infrastructure deficits exacerbate educational access gaps. The National Open University has reduced barriers for millions, with 22,175 students graduating in 2024 alone. ODL’s flexibility has empowered working professionals and rural students, like Ibrahim from Kaduna, who earned a degree despite geographical constraints. Economically, ODL is cost-effective, with NOUN’s tuition fees significantly lower than traditional universities.

However, discriminatory policies risk undermining these gains. Excluding ODL students from student loans and subsidies limits affordability, particularly for low-income learners. A 2017 study found that ODL enrollment at the University of Lagos’ Distance Learning Institute grew in response to unmet demand for higher education, but systemic barriers like funding and quality assurance must be addressed to sustain this growth.

Future Outlook

The Federal Government’s commitment, backed by initiatives like the $552.18 million HOPE-EDU program for basic education and the National e-Learning Portal, signals a strategic push for digital transformation. To realize ODL’s potential, experts recommend:

• Policy Reforms: Eliminate discriminatory practices by granting ODL students equal access to loans and subsidies.
• Infrastructure Investment: Address power and internet connectivity gaps through public-private partnerships.
• Quality Assurance: Align ODL curricula with labor market needs, as suggested by a 2006 survey, to reduce unemployment among graduates.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage private sector, international partners, and professional bodies to enhance ODL’s credibility and reach, as urged by Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede.

Posts on X reflect optimism about ODL’s role in expanding access, particularly in rural and border areas, with @Ajagunla_ noting its alignment with federal goals. However, without addressing infrastructure and equity issues, Nigeria risks falling short of its transformative vision.

The ODeLAN conference has set the stage for continued dialogue, with the government’s pledge offering hope for a more inclusive education system. As Prof. Peters noted, ODL’s egalitarian philosophy can drive Nigeria toward a future where education transcends barriers, but only if bold reforms match the rhetoric.

Sources: Nairametrics, Worldstage, The Authority News, ResearchGate, The Guardian Nigeria, National Accord Newspaper, NewsDiaryOnline, posts on X