NUC lauds ACU’s ODeL initiative as vital shift for 21st-century education

In a rapidly evolving global landscape driven by technological advancement, Open Distance and e-Learning, ODeL, has transitioned from an optional alternative to a fundamental necessity for 21st-century universities.

By shifting away from rigid, conventional classroom structures, modern tertiary institutions are leveraging technology to democratise access to quality education, eliminate geographical barriers and offer lifelong learning opportunities to a diverse demographic.

Embracing this crucial educational shift, Ajayi Crowther University, ACU, Oyo, recently hosted a resource verification delegation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The two-day visit focused on the assessment and accreditation of ACU’s newly established ODeL programme. The exercise marks a milestone in ACU’s strategic drive to position itself as a forward-thinking institution capable of meeting the demands of the digital age.

Welcoming the NUC delegation, the vice-chancellor, Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole, emphasised that technology is fundamentally reshaping how education is delivered and accessed globally.

She noted that distance learning provides the essential flexibility required by modern learners. Professor Oduwole highlighted ACU’s readiness for the transition, stating that the university’s ODeL Centre is fully equipped and managed by competent personnel with the total backing of the university community.

The leader of the NUC team and Director of Open Distance and e-Learning, Dr Funmilayo Morebise, lauded ACU’s leadership for launching the timely initiative.

He stated that the ODeL framework aligns perfectly with global best practices and fulfils a vital societal need by creating an inclusive academic environment. Describing its profound social impact, she remarked that open distance and e-learning effectively “gives hope to the hopeless” by accommodating individuals restricted by financial, geographical or personal constraints.

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At the conclusion of the evaluation, Dr Morebise expressed appreciation to the university management and the ACU ODeL unit for their dedication to institutional expansion and standards of excellence.

In response, Professor Oduwole thanked the NUC team for their professional evaluation and reaffirmed ACU’s unwavering commitment to quality assurance.

She assured the delegation that any observations or recommendations raised during the exercise would be addressed swiftly to ensure absolute compliance with national benchmarks.

The successful verification exercise is set to integrate ACU into the progressive network of Nigerian universities utilising digital learning ecosystems to maximise educational reach and relevance.

The verification exercise was attended by principal officers and key academic leaders, including Professor Afolake Olanbiwonninu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic; Prof. Olukayode Binuyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration; Dr Bode Olofinmuagun, Registrar; Dr Ayodele Olusanwo, Bursar; Professor  Bosede Ajiboye, University Librarian; Professor  Ronke Ogunmakin, Director, ACU Distance Learning Centre; Professor  Bolanle Ibojo, Director of Academic Planning; Professor  Ayobami Ayeni, Dean, Faculty of Computing and Engineering; and Dr Oluwole Olaniyi, Director of Works and Services.

The NUC assessment team comprised Dr Funmilayo Morebise, Leader; Professor  Clement Alawa, University of Abuja; Professor  Sampson Ojo, University of Ibadan; and Mr Patrick Ewah, NUC, Abuja.