Distance Education: A Boon to Developing Countries

Distance learning is gaining popularity by the day because it is extremely flexible for students who cannot afford to attend traditional education, who live in remote areas far from colleges, and universities, who have full time jobs to support families or those who have to bring up children. People, who do not have access to full time learning facilities, resort to part time learning.

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For such students distance education is a boon. Many renowned colleges all around the globe offer online distance learning programmes to students who are eager to learn in order to brighten their career prospective. These days, more than half the employers want to hire candidates who have an undergraduate degree. Through these online distance learning programmes, more and more students in underdeveloped or developing nations get a chance at a well paying job. By studying in these courses, students not only earn a degree but they also learn a few important lessons in life that will stand them in good stead.

Here is how distance learning prepares students from underdeveloped countries for the job world

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The Courses Teach You How to Manage Time

Time management is very important as it will help you multi-task in your career. This one quality is what all employers seek in a candidate. The ability to perform many tasks at one time is skill that can be learnt while studying distance learning programmes.

The Courses Increase a Student’s Personal Drive

While studying online one must be extremely driven and focused otherwise they won’t be able to complete their courses. They first have to choose the perfect course. Then, they have to make a schedule which they will follow as they study. This schedule develops self discipline because students can stick to it only if they driven enough

The Courses Help You Develop Excellent Communication Skills

As students study online, they are exposed to various modes of communication. They also have to adhere to the etiquette maintained by each form. This way they become master communicators.

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People in underdeveloped countries, need these added skills in order to get a job which traditional education can never teach. Therefore, distance learning programmes are more feasible in underdeveloped countries as they help students learn important skills and also teach more than text books. 

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. 

How UK Universities make Education Affordable to the Nigerian Students?

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Nigerian students who are planning to continue their studies further can enrol in the undergraduate or postgraduate programme provided by UK Universities. And, if you are worried about the high tuition fees, well you don’t need to be, as distance learning courses offered by UK universities are extremely cost efficient.

Otherwise a rich country with abundance of natural resources, Nigeria lags behind in terms of higher education. The poor educational infrastructure and lack of awareness among the people compel younger generation to take up a job without a higher qualification degree.

Some of the eminent educationalists blame it on the wrong mindset prevailing in the mind of people for the plight of unproductive higher education system in Nigeria. People there do not take their education seriously which causes a major roadblock in their career progression.

Another major factor refraining Nigerian students from gaining higher education is soaring tuition fees. Most of the renowned universities and colleges have hiked their tuition fees to a level unreachable for the middle class. But, the online distance learning degrees provided by UK Universities are affordable and cost efficient. Now, the Nigerian students can study from their dream universities without relocating to the UK.

Cost efficient online degree from UK Universities

Distance learning in UK is affordable for students who cannot pay high university fees. The undergraduate and postgraduate courses provided by these universities offer absolute financial flexibility to the students around the world, including Nigeria. Unlike the traditional institutions which demand tuition fees as cash lump sum, fees can be paid in easy instalments at UK Universities.

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Nigerian students can enrol online and pay their tuition fees online. This way, they do not have to bear the extra expenses of relocating and transportation cost.

Financial flexibility to students

Online learners from UK universities can avail instalment plans on different courses. Instalment plans are given on the basis of dissertations, modules and projects. Students may be charged registration and examination fees according to the characteristics of degree program. Furthermore, candidates’ home country is taken into consideration while determining the fees. There are Enrolment Advisors at the universities providing details of instalment plans and solving the finance related queries of students online.

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So, the students who have always dreamt of studying in the UK universities but could not do so because of poor financial strength can realise their dreams by getting enrolled in the distance learning program offered by these universities. UK universities provide them an option to break their course fees and pay online through Instalment plans, Pay-as-you-go, Pingit and Credit Card payment.

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Under certain conditions, UK universities also grant education loan to the qualified students. So, study online with UK universities to shape up your future.

Chief Attributes Of Distance Learning And Its Role In Students’ Career Objective

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Distance learning degrees and degree programs are benefitting a lot of students across the world. Educators have recognised the fact that many students are unable to gain knowledge and earn a higher degree from traditional colleges because of one or other commitments. So, they have formed a new academic tool in the compliance of latest technologies. Distance learning has bridged the restrictions of geographical locations and time and has made it easier for students to receive higher qualification.

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Distance learning mode of study has been in existence for a long time now but it’s only in the recent times that students from across the world have stated recognising its potential. In absence of a higher qualification degree, the opportunities to earn robust wages slip off from the hand of many working professionals. But, now, they have a chance to earn higher qualification degrees and live up to their aim and ambition in life.

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It is obvious to note the major advantages of distance learning degree programs which give little to naysayers to pint out the faults. There was a common misconception among the people in the past decades that distance learning degrees are meant only for those who want to pursue a career in dental or medical assistant, though it was and still not true.

Career In Desired Field Of Occupation

The prominent educational institutions have joined the race to provide various online degree courses to the students. It has helped students make a career in the industry of their choice. They have many options to choose from. Some of the most high profile industries where online distance learners get placed are medical, IT, education and legal sector. Though online distance learning degrees are valued by most of the employers but a degree earned from accredited college can prove more worthwhile.

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Among other advantages, study from home at own pace is seen as profitable option for students. People residing in the rural areas and bearing family responsibilities can be benefitted a lot by online distance learning program.

Quality Learning From Virtual Campus

As far as quality of teaching is concerned online schools are level, if not surged ahead, with the traditional classrooms. Well qualified and experts on the subject matter teach students at these virtual campuses.

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For keeping transparency, accreditation experts assess the educational infrastructure, course materials, testing methods, quality of learning and financial records of online institutions. They make sure that students are being given proper educational facilities.

Collect Information About Colleges On Internet

You can carry out research on internet and collect lots of significant information on online colleges. While narrowing down your search list on the internet, you should keep in mind certain things about online colleges. The first and most essential factor to weigh up is whether the college provides individual online tutors to each of its students.

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Collect Information On Financing

Sometimes, you might be charged more tuition fees but it compensates for the expenditures incurred while relocating and attending physical classrooms. You might also get student loans and other financing from the college. Make sure to be there before time.

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Online distance education plays a crucial role in the overall development of a student. Carry out proper research work and take your time to search out the accredited online distance learning providers. 

Online MBAs gives you the Chance to Improve your Earnings

We all know how important education is for a bright future. These days, employers are looking for candidates with a postgraduate degree. The more you study the better job you get. However, not everyone is blessed enough to put their lives and jobs on hold and study to their heart’s content. They have responsibilities which only money can fulfill. Most students start working as soon as they finish graduation.

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However, in many countries, like Nigeria, where the educational infrastructure is damaged, students have to work not only after they finish their graduation but also as they study for their graduation. To improve the look of a bleak future that lies ahead, students are taking up online MBA courses so that they get a better chance at a bright career. As half the world is going online these days, why should education lag behind? The face traditional schooling might just die out in a decade or so, considering the fact that half the students are now completing their education online. 

The MBA is the most respected post graduation degree in the job field. Employers give more preference to MBA degree holders. However, not everyone has the good fortune to complete their MBA traditionally. Many working student finish their MBA courses online as they work. The future of online MBA is extremely bright as it is one of the most popular postgraduate degrees that working professionals take up to improve their earning power.

With an online MBA degree in hand, a working professional or working student gains more confidence in their work. The minute their employer gets to know that they are pursuing an online MBA alongside their job, they come into the spotlight immediately. Apparently, employers believe that student who complete online part-time degrees are more hard working and determined than other employees. Therefore, these students benefit from the fact that employers like employees with grit.

An MBA catapults your career to great heights. This one degree has the power and capacity to increase your earnings. Also, as you study an online MBA course, you tend to apply what you learn at your workplace. This improves your chances at getting a promotion as employers are impressed by your knowhow as it gives you an edge over your colleagues.

An online MBA also gives one the freedom to fit their studies according to their lifestyle. This flexibility helps many to take up the online course instead of studying the degree the traditional way.

There are many reasons why online MBA degrees are more preferred by students, than regular MBA degrees. Therefore, it will be fair to conclude that online MBA degrees will soon take over regular MBA degrees.

The Role of Women in Nigeria’s Progress

If someone asks you who you are, you are most likely to say your name. If they probe further, you might tell them what kind of a person you are or where you work, etc. You are your own person in your own right – an individual. But what about those women who do not, or are not allowed, to think of themselves in that manner? When you think of Nigeria, usually the first thoughts that will enter your mind are related to the country’s political situation, their social upheaval, and the poor condition of living. What crosses your mind when you think about the Nigerian woman?

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Who is a Nigerian woman? How does she identify herself? A mother? A daughter? A sister? A wife? Who is she? Like you, can she not say “I am me.”? Usually, no. So used to being defined by her roles, the woman of Nigeria does not know who she is. This is of course changing, albeit slowly. The change can be attributed to social progress, which again can be attributed to education. Though far from ideal, the education system in Nigeria is slowly and steadily changing the lives of many women.

So why is women’s education so important? It is because an educated woman becomes a vessel of knowledge herself. Unlike her male counterparts, she interacts with many other women of various ages and is able to teach them too. As a formally educated woman, she can have more of a say in how her household is run and how her children are brought up. As an educated person, she can go out into the world to find a job and nurture a career. These are however very concrete examples that still fail to capture what education really does.

And what does education really do? It empowers them by making them aware. Aware of themselves and aware of the world around them. Once curiosity and the habit of learning is inculcated, it will always stay with her. When she knows why something happens, or how something can be prevented, she carries that knowledge within herself and passes it forward through her friends and family, who in turn pass it on to many others. This heightened awareness of people is what leads to progress. The ability to know better, to be able to make an informed choice, that is what greases the wheels of social development. 

If you want to know more about education and progress in Nigeria, read more about it here.

Transformation of a poverty ridden nation into “Next 11” countries

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed among “Next 11” economies having calibre to become world’s largest economies. This African nation is growing rapidly on the economic forefront with oil reserves being primary contributor.

Picture depicting that Education is the backbone of any economy
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According to a World Bank’s report, the country has mixed economy emerging market has already reached middle income status. It is ranked 31st in terms of GDP with 40% shares of oil reserves.

Though, in terms of education the country is not fairing that well. Its government provides free education at the school level but attendance is not compulsory. According to a survey, only 32% of male and 27% female students attend schools regularly.

As it’s a fact that education has a pivotal role to play in overall development of any nation. Economy is directly proportional to the fate of education in the country. So, pupil and government of Nigeria must pay heed towards making their education system effective by making it compulsory for all.

Though the step could be taken only for primary, secondary and higher secondary education system but higher education still remains a choice of citizen of the country. In terms of providing higher education to the Nigerian people, several UK universities have come forward with an innovative and very much practical idea.

Online education system is thriving in the country with its effects. Several students from Nigeria are mulling it as an option to give a required boost to their career. Its effects have large impacts on their career prospects. These days, professionals from Nigeria are reckoned among the most dedicated and competitive employees on the global platform.

Thanks to online distance learning programme provided by several UK Universities that these people have realized their potential to perform internationally. In this aspect, Abuja university distance learning programme too has done lots of good to the students from Nigeria. Several course degrees from internationally recognized universities are bestowed to students in their homeland only. There is no need of flying overseas in order to gain certificates and degrees.

Relating economy and education, both are ally with each other. Future growth of a nation largely depends upon how effective and result oriented its education system is. Worldwide, all the great economies have better literacy rates and vice-versa. Hence, as a universal truth, it is also true with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.