Appraisal Of Open And Distance Learning Education In Nigeria: National Open University Of Nigeria Experience

Abstract

Nigeria Open and Distance Learning is a promising and practical strategy to solve the challenge of widening access to education therefore increasing participation in tertiary education. It is increasingly being accepted as an educational delivery standard which is viable, cost-effective and flexible without sacrificing quality. This paper seeks to appraise the Nigeria experience of open and distance learning education with emphasis on it promises, performance and challenges. The secondary data gathered from the existing literature from the National Open University of Nigeria and the National University Commission is analyzed using descriptive data analysis. The research thus concludes that what is increasingly at stake is what needs to be done to ensure that distance education is sustainable properly resourced and it is of standard and quality such as to deliver on what it promises. One of the challenges is to ensure that there are structures for expanding access to higher education, at the same time ensuring that learners enjoy an educational experience that would lead to quality learning experience, resulting in educational success. // Paper ID: 338