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Federal Government Endorses Open and Distance Learning to Revolutionize Nigeria’s Education System

By Achimi Muktar

ABUJA — The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind open and distance learning (ODL) as the future of Nigerian education, in a bold move experts say could revolutionize learning for millions of underserved students nationwide.

At the 3rd International Conference of the Open, Distance and eLearning Association of Nigeria (ODeLAN) in Abuja, top government officials, academics, and global thought leaders rallied behind ODL, describing it as the key to unlocking equitable, flexible, and future-ready education.

Speaking at the event themed “Adaptive Pedagogies for the Future of Education: Connecting Learners, Technologies and Communities,” Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa — represented by Dr. Kareem Olawale — emphasized that Nigeria’s post-COVID-19 educational recovery had been shaped by a reimagining of the traditional classroom.

“Since the disruption during COVID-19, we have embraced ODL as a resilient alternative to physical classrooms. This conference helps us go beyond temporary fixes toward building a sustainable, inclusive education model,” Dr. Alausa stated.

He lauded ODeLAN for nurturing a community committed to innovation, research, and collaboration in the ODL space. “Your work is vital in shaping future policies, training educators, and crafting the tools that will drive Nigeria’s educational transformation,” he said.

But as the applause for ODL grew louder, so did the criticisms.

ODL Students Still Marginalized — Prof. Egbokhare

Prof. Francis Egbokhare, President of ODeLAN, delivered a scathing critique of systemic discrimination against ODL students — particularly in terms of tuition subsidies and student loan access.

“One still wonders why professional organisations ban certain courses from being taught through ODL — even though those same professionals use ODL for their own development,” Egbokhare said.

He condemned the denial of subsidies and student loans to ODL learners, calling it “a grave injustice.”

“These are Nigerian citizens whose only ‘crime’ is choosing — or being forced by circumstances — to learn through non-traditional modes. This discrimination must end,” he said, urging swift policy reforms.

ODL Is Not Just About Tech — NOUN VC Warns

Prof. Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), reiterated his long-standing commitment to ODL’s egalitarian principles.

“ODL is not just about technology; it’s about access, flexibility, and equality,” he said. “I caution stakeholders against treating it merely as a revenue-generating venture.”

Prof. Peters announced NOUN’s pledge to support ODeLAN’s quest for a permanent secretariat, reaffirming his institution’s leadership in the ODL movement.

Global Call for Personalised, Inclusive Learning

Prof. Peter Scott, President of the Commonwealth of Learning, issued a compelling call for education systems that are “agile, inclusive, and future-facing.”

Citing global crises, technological disruption, and climate change, Scott stressed the need for learner-centred and data-driven education systems.

He introduced the AMP Actus initiative — a low-cost, offline learning system dubbed the “Cold Classroom Without Walls” — aimed at reaching students in remote, internet-starved regions.

“Our vision is a future where learning is personalized, flexible, and barrier-free. Adaptive pedagogies are the pathway,” he said.

As Nigeria grapples with an overstretched education system and rising youth population, the conference message was clear: the blackboard is evolving — and so must the nation.