The University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (UIDLC) has commissioned a 650-seater lecture theatre, a Prof. Olusola Adedoja Memorial Park, a dual e-learning studio and an 18-seater Toyota bus in a major boost to its infrastructure and capacity to deliver quality distance education.
The facilities were commissioned by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and Vice Chancellor Designate, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships), Professor Simisola O. Akintola; University Librarian, Dr Mercy A. Iroaganachi; Registrar, Ganiyu O. Saliu and former Director of the Distance Learning Centre and Vice Chancellor, West Midlands Open University, Professor E. B. Omobowale.
Also present were the Director of the Distance Learning Centre, Professor O.F.W. Onifade; Deputy Director (Administration), Professor Olubukola S. Adesina; Deputy Director (Academic), Professor A. Tella; the DLC Deputy Registrar, Olusola Dairo, and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for funding the construction of the modern lecture theatre through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), disclosing that the project cost close to N2 billion.
The investment underscores the importance of government support for university infrastructure and the need to provide modern facilities that enhance teaching, learning and academic development.
He also commended the CEO of Edutech Portal Solutions, Jimi Fakoya, for donating the Memorial Park in the honour of Professor Olusola Adedoja who contributed immensely to mobile learning in the University of Ibadan.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Distance Learning Centre, Professor Onifade, expressed gratitude to Almighty God and described the occasion as a moment of great joy and institutional pride.
He said the commissioning went beyond the unveiling of a building, describing it as a celebration of institutional progress and a reaffirmation of the university’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education.
According to him, the University of Ibadan has remained a beacon of academic excellence, intellectual leadership and national development over the decades, while its Distance Learning Centre has continued to advance the institution’s mission of making quality education accessible to learners irrespective of their geographical locations, employment status or personal circumstances.
“Our conviction remains that quality education should not be limited by distance, circumstance, or the traditional boundaries of the classroom,” Onifade said.
He explained that the new facilities represented another significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Centre, reflecting its determination to combine technological innovation with modern physical infrastructure to support effective teaching, learning, academic engagement and institutional development.
The Director noted that although digital technologies had revolutionised distance education, meaningful learning continued to benefit from human interaction, intellectual exchange and a shared sense of academic community.
He stressed that the future of distance education depended not on choosing between technology and physical infrastructure, but on integrating both to improve the quality of learning.
Onifade said the 650-seater lecture theatre would serve as more than a venue for lectures, as it would also provide space for examinations, conferences, professional development programmes and the exchange of ideas.
He added that the Centre’s development agenda extended beyond increasing student enrolment to strengthening academic quality, improving students’ learning experiences, enhancing operational efficiency and creating an environment where innovation and excellence could flourish.
The Director expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for their visionary leadership, encouragement and unwavering support for the development of the Distance Learning Centre.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Governing Council, relevant university authorities and all those whose dedication, professional expertise and commitment helped translate the project into reality.
Addressing members of staff, Onifade said the new infrastructure should inspire renewed dedication, creativity and excellence in service delivery. He emphasised that modern facilities must be complemented by innovative teaching, responsive administration and an unwavering commitment to student success.
He described the projects as investments in the future of the Centre and its students, adding that the facilities demonstrated the university’s commitment to creating an environment where learners could develop their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
The other facilities commissioned included the Prof. Olusola Adedoja Memorial Park, the dual e-learning studio and the 18-seater Toyota bus, which are expected to support the Centre’s academic, technological and operational activities.
The commissioning represents a further step in the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre’s efforts to strengthen its infrastructure and integrate modern educational technology with improved physical facilities to meet the needs of a growing and diverse student population.
