Cross–section of participants during the opening ceremony of 3rd ODeLAN International Conference
By Felix Khanoba
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Nigeria through the implementation of relevant policies aimed at enhancing its education delivery across the country.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, made the pledge 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 on Wednesday.
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 theme of this conference, ‘Adaptive Pedagogies for the Future of Education: Connecting Learners, Technologists, and Communities,’ could not be more timely than this. In an age defined by rapid technological innovation, shifting learner demographics and global perspectives in need for an education system with diversity, inclusiveness, and future-ready has never been. Today, we gather to share our views,” he said.
Emphasizing 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 recognize this potential to extend access to quality education, especially in undeserved 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 the field of distance learning.
“The ODeLAN has been a success story thus far. Within five years of establishment, it has already organized 3 Conferences and has seen its membership grow to over 500 for individuals and about 21 as 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 titled “ODeLAN: Where Next? What Next?”, Prof. Peters emphasized the need for the organization to establish a clear mission, 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 gives direction, focus and identity that builds a culture for the association, and serves as a source of inspiration, motivation and commitment,” he stated.
While expressing the readiness of NOUN to support ODeLAN to achieve its full potentials, the VC said the University will furnish the organization’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, President of ODeLAN, Professor Francis Egbokhare, 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.
“To date we have over 500 individual and institutional members drawn from across Nigeria. At the last conference, we opened up membership to policy makers, teachers at the basic level, private sector practitioners and all interested persons who share our vision.
“We believe that in a very short while, our conference will easily become the biggest event in e-learning south of the Sahara,”* he said.
Prof. Egbokhare, however, raised concerns about systemic challenges affecting distance learning in the country, particularly regarding discriminatory policies.
“There is a great injustice facing ODL students. Challenges of parity of esteem and arbitrarily limiting the program options available to distance learners is the norm. One still wonders why professional organization insist that certain courses should not be run through the ODL mode whereas many of these persons take diverse professional development training through the same mode.
“The denial of ODL students access to government subsidy on tuition and student loans, undermines their rights as citizens. This is a grave injustice on Nigerians whose only crime is the mode of learning that they chose or which circumstances has foisted on them,”he said.
