How Distance Learning Makes an Impact on Education System in Nigeria?

Distance learning has evolved as a worthy alternative to the traditional mode of education. This is relatively a new learning method, wherein students are teachers are physically apart from each other and modern communication technologies help in bridging the gap between them. As distance education is a student-centric learning process, teachers have limited role to play.

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In Nigeria, distance learning program has been introduced lately. As the learning programme is new, the stakeholders in the Nigerian education sector have to face some sort of challenges. Nigerian people have now realised the importance of formal education due to which there is an enormous demand of quality education in the country. The Nigerian government has opened some distance learning institutes, which include National Teacher Institute and National Open University among other.

Educational Organisations Providing Distance education in Nigeria

There are several public and private, for-profit and non-profit educational organisations offering distance learning in Nigeria. However, the levels of accreditation differ. Some educational institutions offering distance learning in the UK have received huge favour from the Nigerian students whereas there are many fraudulent diploma mills as well. In many other cases, the term “University” can only be used if the institutions have received accreditation by the national government.

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Distance learning today is considered one of the most prominent innovations in the Nigerian education system and instrumental in the provision of higher education to the Nigerians.

Whom the distance learning benefits?

When it comes to who can take admission in distance learning program, the answer is everybody. In fact, anyone with a desire to develop academically and professionally can take up distance learning courses.

·         Working professionals looking to enhance their career opportunities

·         Regular students with a desire to obtain accredited degrees from globally renowned universities and colleges

·         Homemakers who discontinued their studies because of personal or other commitments

·         Individuals who could not with their higher studies because of financial reasons

·         Disable persons

 Benefits of Distance Learning 

There are multiple factors contributing to the popularity of distance learning programs. The major assistance comes from the technological advancements over the years.

·         Students can access learning from anywhere and anytime

·         Freedom to learn at own pace by scheduling the study hours as per convenience

·         Working professionals can access the courses without compromising with their professional commitments

·         Affordable tuition fees

·         No need to relocate for continuing higher studies

Dominance of Internet technology and advancements in the technological sector have popularised the distance learning programs all over the world, including Nigeria. So, there is a wonderful opportunity for the students in Nigeria to advance their careers and make their presence felt in the global professional sector.

Online Education: Riding High on Popularity Meter

According to some studies carried out by the survey groups, enrolment in the online courses has increased for the straight years in recent past. The Babson Survey Research group published a report, which surveyed more than 2, 500 colleges and universities, couple of years back.

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The study mentions that more than 6.1 million students participated in at least one online class in fall 2010. The survey group included those online courses which offer more than 80 percent content online without face-to-face interaction with instructors.

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Online learning is certainly attracting a large number of students from across the world. A common belief spread throughout the world is that African countries over the years have failed to create favourable academic atmosphere for its students. To tackle such worries, World Bank has decided to splurge a sum of US $450 million on a few projects in Nigeria, for developing employment opportunities. Another reason cited for this huge investment is to improve quality of primary education in the West African countries.

Online distance education plays a key role in strengthening the higher education system of any country. The flexible characteristics and opportunity to earn a valuable degree have attracted many students towards the online learning. Nowadays, online distance learning degrees are a rage among students from across the globe.

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A Re-invented Approach Towards Academics

Though distance learning is not new in the education system but getting its due now. With a re-invented approach towards education, online distance learning has reached almost every nook and cranny in the world.

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Many colleges and universities have made online education an integral part of their academic curriculum. The chief academic officers of these colleges and universities report that online learning is vital for the long term strategy of any institution.

And, when it comes to reputation and popularity of online education, it continues to climb up the ladder. A huge number of academic professionals rate online education on a par or superior to traditional education system.

Growing Acceptance of Online Learning

The detractors of online education have very little to point out. The growing acceptance of online learning medium has made the recruiters value online degrees. In the present times, a major chunk of employers prefer to hire online degree holders into their organisations. The reasons attributed to this are the sheer competency level and approach towards work of online learners.

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Also, the government have also realised the potential of online learning and encouraging students to take part in online education program. There are some world famous UK universities providing quality online learning to students across the world, including Nigeria and Caribbean nations.

Therefore, it’s time for you to take initiative and change your world by accepting online education program.