NUC approves LASU Open and Distance Learning Institute

NATIONAL Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of the Lagos State University Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute (ODLRI).

According to a statement by the coordinator of LASU’s Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, Mr Ademola Adekoya, the approval followed a recent visit by the NUC to assess facilities of the institute at the main campus of the university in Ojo.

ODLRI was established by the administration of the current vice chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, to replace the now rested LASU External System (LASUES) and provide opportunity for millions of knowledge seekers who are desirous of pursuing their first degrees in the university, but are unable to gain admission into the regular programmes.

The ODLRI board is headed by the former executive secretary of the NUC, Professor Peter Okebukola.

While receiving the NUC team on their assessment visit, the vice chancellor had assured the executive secretary, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, that LASU ODLRI would be the gold standard in the delivery of quality university education in Africa through the ODL delivery platform.

The approved take-off programme is the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

LASU ODLRI has several unique features. Course contents are pitched above NUC minimum standards with slant towards 21st century skills, especially critical thinking, teamwork, entrepreneurship and digital literacy.

According to the statement, this will be delivered on a learner-friendly, easy-to-navigate e-learning platform with 24-hour learner support. It will also apply global best practices in ODL delivery, and will embed research and development into all operations.

It is expected to blend 30 per cent on-campus instruction with 70 per cent instruction in a technology-enabled virtual learning environment.