Exploring the Perspective and Prospect of Distance Learning in Nigeria

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by: Harry Martin
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Word Count: 408
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2010 Time: 5:25 AM
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Distance learning in Nigeria has been facing a cut-throat competition since the mid of 20th century. In Nigeria, distance learning is an outcome of the felt-needs of ambitious individuals wishing to pursue higher studies and do some job simultaneously. The Federal Government of Nigeria introduced an organized distance education system to cater to the needs of Nigerian career aspirants. Distance learning is synonymous with online. Study online in Nigeria is a deliberate time-saving approach to higher studies, which has encouraged a more efficient teaching and learning system. Open distance learning courses in Nigeria are backed up with e-materials, support services and individualized instructions.
The inability of many students to attend regular institutes of higher learning and acquire degree certificates due to lack of time had given to the establishment of distance learning in Nigeria. Now, the open distance learning has come a long way to include learners from along the length and breadth of the world into its ambit. It has gone beyond the general framework of regular education system to provide quality education online. The objective of the Nigerian distance learning education system is not different from that of the regular education system. It is career oriented and learner friendly.
Study online in Nigeria has been taken by both students and professionals as an alternative to the regular system of education in Nigeria. Regular institutes in Nigeria have been facing difficulties in providing quality education to students in growing number every year. Distance learning has emerged as a promising panacea to this problem. Distance learning in Nigeria has put the nation among the developing countries of the world. It also serves the interests of backward communities in education. Getting in touch with the light of civilization, the backward communities have recognized higher education as a means to hold their heads high and stand on their toes.
Working women, house wives, prisoners, individuals doing Mickey Mouse jobs and immigrants to Nigeria other than students and professionals are the targets of distance learning in Nigeria. It is a part of the national development project undertaken by the Nigerian government. The cost of distance learning courses does no weigh heavy on the budget of learners from different walks of society. Equal distribution of education and opportunity among the learners irrespective of their academic profiles is another objective of study online in Nigeria. In Nigeria, distance learning is still on the way to multiply its potentiality as an alternative education option