Government moves to boost distance learning centres

As part of efforts to provide flexible and accessible education for all Nigerians, the Federal Government has said it would make equivalent programmes being offered by conventional tertiary institutions available to Open and Distance learning Education (ODE) centres.

This according to government will enhance access to tertiary education; adopt variety of skillset, as well as providing learning opportunities to a vast number of learners.

Speaking at the yearly seminar organised by the department of education science, distant learning institute, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Minister of state for education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, said government will strengthen the existing coordinating agencies on open and distance learning while encouraging and regulating its practice in the country.

Anwukah said in line with the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari, government will continue to improve the standard and quality of education in the long term.

The Minister who was represented by its senior special adviser, Professor Godswill Obioma, said the federal ministry of education will collaborate with professional groups and relevant stakeholders to address intractable challenges facing the sector.

He added that government is granting accreditation for more programmes and licences to both private and public institutions to operate distance learning centres which will cater for the increasing numbers of school leavers who seek admission into universities but are not admitted for one reason or the other.