The University of Ibadan (UI), model of the Open Distance Learning (ODL), on Thursday, January 26, 2023, matriculated over 3000 students offered admission into various programmes for the 2021/2022 academic session, unlike previous years when the admission number were as high as 5,000.
Speaking at the event, the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju noted that there is no disparity between ODL students and those on regular mode.
Baiyeroju stated that ODL learners are entitled to many of the privileges enjoyed by students on the face-to-face mode of studies, interact with the same academic facilitators who teach the other students, and subsequently earn the same certificate.
Pleading with the students to be good ambassadors of the DLC and UI, she pointed out that the ODL mode of studies allows learners to study wherever they are because it is purely facilitated by technology and urged the learners to ensure that they avail themselves of the facilities and platforms available to enhance their learning while on the programme.
The Director of the UIDLC, Professor Babatunde O. Omobowale assured that the University is working in tandem with the regulations of the National University Commission (NUC) on the operations of the ODL to ensure that quality education is accessible to all at the undergraduate level.
Omobowale assured that the DLC brand of ODL is blended with limited face-to-face contact but combines the best and necessary features of relevant interactive tools to facilitate teaching and learning in the best possible mode that takes care of the challenges of the Nigerian setting.
He stated that the institution subscribed heavily to technology and global best practices to assist the learners to channel their ICT prowess towards achieving academic excellence.
The Matriculation Oath was administered to the students by the Deputy Registrar, Distance Learning Centre, Mrs Francisca I. Ayodele on behalf of the Registrar, Mrs Olubunmi O. Faluyi.
