July  14-15, 2016

Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

Open Distance Learning (ODL) is uniquely adequate and relevant in assuaging the rising challenges posed by the surge in demand for education in the developing countries of the world. ODL is also a veritable tool in attaining the mandate of education for all if considerable attention is paid to its delivery in Nigeria.

ODL requires the provision of adequate and timely support from the facilitators (academic and non-academic alike) to the Learner in various formats that agree with the tenets of the mode. In Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan, necessary support has been put together and made available in both electronic and print formats, on the official website of the Centre and relayed on the official radio station of the University, Diamond Radio on FM101.1. Student support services are also available in all our offices nationwide.

The challenges of Distance Learning students are in threefold: Pre-admission, admission and post admission stages. The three stages require adequate guidance and counseling. Before admission, students are faced with the challenges of what course(s) to choose or what will the selection process look like.

When students are admitted, they are given an orientation on what they would be coming across, either occasionally or on a regular basis. They are guided through the registration process. They are informed about the evaluation criteria, its processes and minimum expectations of the University. The regulation guiding their programmes and relationship with the Centre are explained as well.

The Distance Learning Centre of the University of Ibadan is the premier provider of Open and Distance Learning Education in Nigeria. It started as an External Studies Centre in 1988, the Distance Learning Centre of the university of Ibadan has grown in leaps and bounds.

In DLC, UI, all the above structures are well in place. However, the ODL still remains an emerging phenomenon in Nigeria and this requires a frequent review of its operations to ensure a consistent compliance to the global best practices and learn from the rich experience of other ODL institutions of the world. For this, the yearly Distinguished Lecture and Stakeholders’ Forum is essentially organized.

If you are a Provider, Stakeholder or Potential Provider of Open Distance education that is willing to be abreast with current ODL Best Practices, then it is a forum for you to be.

The theme for this year’s Forum is ODL Practice in Nigerian Higher Institutions of Learning " 

Prof. Olugbemiro  Jegede, Foundation Vice Chancellor, NOUN is expected as the Distinguish Lecturer to be supported by other seasoned and erudite scholars and experts on ODL at this year’s Forum.

On behalf of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), I welcome you to this year's Distinguished Lecture and Stakeholders Forum.

Prof. Oyesoji Aremu

Chairman, LOC DLSF 2016