ODL democratises education, breaks geographical barriers – Don 

A Professor of Pharmacology at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Helen Ochuko Kwanashie, has stated that Open and Distance Learning (ODL) democratises education and removes geographical limitations.

Professor Kwanashie, from NOUN’s Faculty of Health Sciences, made this assertion while delivering her exaugural lecture on Thursday at the university’s headquarters in Abuja.

The lecture, entitled “From Chalkboards to Digital Networks: A Career Academic’s Forty-Four Year Journey from Face-to-Face Teaching through Open and Distance Education to Social Learning”, chronicled her four-and-a-half-decade academic career, defined by dedication and a deep commitment to education.

She reflected on her background, narrating her progression from face-to-face teaching at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to embracing the ODL model, and eventually advocating for socially collaborative learning approaches that promote inclusivity.

Recalling how technology has reshaped the education sector, Kwanashie remarked: “The chalkboard was my first canvas, but digital networks have allowed me to reach students across Nigeria and beyond.”

She provided a comparative analysis of traditional face-to-face learning, ODL, and social learning, underlining the benefits and challenges associated with each.

“Face-to-face learning fosters immediate interaction, but ODL democratises education, breaking geographical barriers,” she noted, adding that social learning brings together collaborative and tech-enabled methodologies to create vibrant educational ecosystems.

The professor further illustrated the transformation of teaching tools through the decades — from chalkboards to whiteboards, and now to interactive smartboards — bridging the gap between physical and virtual classrooms.

According to a statement issued by the university’s Director of Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Sheme, the academic described her time at NOUN as “impactful and happy,” with measurable contributions to the institution’s academic systems.

She presented performance data, including a chart showing improved student outcomes and a significant drop in failure rates under her supervision.

Touching on gender equity, Kwanashie called for institutional reforms at NOUN to better support female staff and students, especially mothers. She advocated the establishment of a crèche, noting its potential to boost attendance and academic performance.

“Empowering women in education requires practical support systems that acknowledge their unique challenges,” she said, while envisioning an “open” academic environment where technology and inclusiveness intersect to make learning accessible for all.

She also highlighted international collaborations with the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, which facilitated knowledge exchange in pharmacology and ODL techniques.

Looking ahead, she expressed hope for further international partnerships aimed at enhancing NOUN’s research and academic capacity.

Kwanashie used the occasion to propose the establishment of a Drosophila Laboratory at NOUN. The lab, using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies), would serve as a cost-effective and ethical alternative to mammalian models in pharmacological research — helping to advance bioscience education and drug discovery.

She argued that such a facility would position NOUN as a hub for innovative scientific research.

She also touched on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in student counselling and personalised content delivery, citing its potential to reduce dissatisfaction and improve the overall ODL experience.

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At 70, the retired academic shared plans to continue mentoring young scholars, expand her Drosophila research, and explore AI-driven counselling to support distance learners.

Expressing gratitude to her family, she noted that NOUN had provided her with a fertile ground for experimentation, innovation, and mentorship in a supportive atmosphere.

The event opened with a welcome address by NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, who reflected on his longstanding acquaintance with Kwanashie, dating back to their days at the University of Ibadan where they studied Chemistry together.

He said: “Helen and I were classmates in Chemistry. Even then, her discipline and seriousness were unmistakable. She would sit right at the front — meticulous and incredibly focused. We crossed paths a few times through our careers, and I have been privileged to watch her evolve from a brilliant student to a respected scholar.”

Peters commended her four and a half years of “exemplary work” at NOUN, pointing to improvements in academic standards and delivery.

Describing her as “a visionary who has bridged traditional and digital education,” he reaffirmed NOUN’s commitment to her proposals, including the crèche and the development of the Drosophila Lab.

He concluded by praising her appreciation of institutional support, stating: “Her gratitude reflects the collaborative spirit that defines NOUN.”

A goodwill message was delivered by her son, Mr Mega Kwanashie, who celebrated her commitment to education with the words: “Her passion for teaching and mentoring has shaped countless lives, including ours at home.”

He noted that her legacy extended beyond academia — encompassing her ability to inspire, guide, and push others to strive for excellence.

The professor’s family was led to the ceremony by her husband, Professor Michael Kwanashie, former Vice-Chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja.

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