FUDMA Making Distance Learning Programme Globally Competitive – VC

FUDMA Making Distance Learning Programme Globally Competitive – VC

By Habibu Umar Aminu and Abubakar Abdulazeez

The Vice Chancellor of Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Prof Mohammed Khalid Othman says they have embarked on critical reforms aimed at comprehensively reshaping and aligning the Centre for Open and Distance Learning with the National Universities Commission (NUC) bench-mark and making it globally competitive.

Prof Othman made this known while opening a two-day workshop organised by the University’s Centre for Open and Distance Learning (ODL).

The capacity building workshop, attended by over 100 participants, was on ‘Managing Open and Distance Learning Programme’ for staff and facilitators, and is part of the University’s strategic efforts to reposition and strengthen the Centre for sustainable academic delivery.

The Vice-Chancellor described the workshop as “a critical component of the University’s ongoing reformss aimed at comprehensively reshaping and aligning the Centre for Open and Distance Learning with the National Universities Commission (NUC) bench-mark and to generally conform to global best practices.”

Prof. Othman reaffirmed the commitment of the university’s management to protecting, promoting and investing in the Centre to attain its full potential as a hub for quality teaching and learning.

He said that the objective is to produce vibrant, highly skilled and globally competitive graduates capable of excelling in their respective fields regardless of their mode of study.

“We want to be producing vibrant and sound graduates who can compete favourably with their counterparts anywhere in the world”, he stated.

According to him, the workshop will serve as a morale booster for staff of the Centre and equip them with the knowledge and skills required for effective implementation of Open and Distance Learning programme.

Prof. Othman reminded the staff of the importance of professionalism, discipline and adherence to the University’s rules and regulations, warning that anyone found engaging in misconduct or unethical behaviour will face appropriate disciplinary measures.

He commended the facilitators and participants for their dedication and expressed appreciation to Mai Doki Educational Consortium and FUDMA Consultancy Ltd. for deploying their expertise and sharing best practices that would enhance the University’s Open and Distance Learning initiative.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of the Centre, Prof. Iliyasu Yusuf Gobir, disclosed that the workshop forms part of the key requirements outlined by the NUC for the sustainability and successful operation of the Open and Distance Learning programme.

Prof. Gobir explained that apart from having the required manpower to run the distance learning programme, the University has continued to provide a conducive academic environment through improved ICT infrastructure, adequate lecture halls, laboratories and other essential facilities required for effective distance education.

He disclosed that the workshop comprised four representatives selected from each of the 25 academic programmes earmarked for the Centre, with other participants drawn from strategic units including the Directorate of Quality Assurance, Directorate of Academic Planning, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Security and the University Health Services.

The Director informed the participants that a minimum attendance of 85 per cent was mandatory throughout the workshop, adding that certificates would be awarded strictly on merit to participants who fulfilled all attendance and participation requirements.

He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman for providing the financial, administrative and logistical support that have continued to sustain the Centre’s activities and growth.

The workshop, facilitated by Mai Doki Educational Consortium and FUDMAConsultants Ltd., featured presentations by academics and experts, focusing on contemporary issues and best practices in Open and Distance Learning.

The first paper, entitled “Foundations of Open and Distance Learning (ODL)”, was presented by Prof. Halilu Lawal, the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Federal University of Education, Zaria and former National Examinations Coordinator of the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna.

He examined the historical evolution, philosophy, principles and global relevance of Open and Distance Learning as an alternative mode of higher education delivery.

The second presentation, entitled “Requirements for the Development of a Distance Learning Centre”, was delivered by Dr. Zulyadain Sani Gaya, Head of the Social Studies and Civic Education Section, Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

His paper highlighted the institutional, infrastructural, technological, academic and regulatory requirements necessary for establishing and sustaining a successful distance learning centre.

Prof. Benjamin Chukwuemeka Duruh, Dean (Affiliated), Usman Danfodio University Undergraduate Programme, Federal University of Education, Zaria, delivered his presentation on “Managing Open and Distance Learning Education: Developing Self-Instructional Manuals and Learning Materials”, providing practical insights for the preparation of learner-centered instructional materials capable of supporting independent learning among distance education students.

Presenting the fourth paper entitled “Open and Distance Learning Delivery Strategies: A Quality Assurance Perspective”, the Director of Quality Assurance, Federal University of Education, Zaria, Prof. Tunde Joel Adeshina, extensively discussed quality assurance mechanisms, effective programme implementation, monitoring strategies, continuous assessment and institutional best practices required to guarantee excellence and credibility in Open and Distance Learning delivery.

The two-day workshop is expected to further strengthen the capacity of Teaching and Non-teaching staff involved in the University’s Open and Distance Learning Programme and reinforce FUDMA’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education through innovative and technology-driven learning systems.