Nigeria to model 15 universities as digital institutes

The Nigerian government is planning to mentor 15 universities as dual mode universities that would operate both as conventional and digital learning Institutions.

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Professor Abubakar Rasheed said this in Abuja at a symposium organised by the Commission on policy and practice in open and distance learning .

According to him ,”the commission will continue to strengthen his efforts at providing quality university education delivery ,irrespective of its mode of operation, either by physical interaction or through distance learning.

The open distance learning is a system of teaching that helps in removing all barriers of learning .It is mediated by technology for the delivery of learning content.”
Quality Assurance

Professor Rasheed explained that the regulatory body would ensure that quality assurance was maintained in all the open distance learning centers in order to ensure that global best practices is attained in all institutions of learning .

The Nigerian National policy on education ,as far back as 1977 ,recognized the place of open and distance learning in achieving lifelong education and widening process” he sàid.

The policy seeks to provide access to quality education and equity in educational opportunities for those who would have been denied, “ the executive secretary stated.
Professor Rasheed noted that the commission has stepped up its regulatory and quality assurance oversight in the open and distance learning to ensure that quality is not compromised.
Collaborate with Agencies ,The House Committee Chair on Tertiary Education ,Aminu Suleiman said that the members of his committee would collaborate with different agencies in promoting tertiary education.
We will show strong commitment towards open distance learning,as it bridges the gap between education and ignorance . It is our belief, that this partnership will yield positive impact for open and distance learning in the country ” Aminu said.

Emeritus professor, NOUN,Professor Olugbemiro Jegede said that Nigeria has the highest number of Out of School children in the world.

According to him ” the growth in the number of population in the country ,and the escalating challenges ,pose a demand for education to be made available for all citizens and this can be achieved through the open distance learning He said that if there are more open distance learning centers ,then more people would be reached effectively and efficiently .

He advised that Nigerian should take a cue from the United Kingdom ,where the open university was highly respected.