In a significant move toward expanding educational access in Nigeria, a delegation from the LAPO Institute for Microfinance and Management Studies, has recently visited the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to study its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) practices.
The delegation led by the Pioneer Provost of the institute, Prof. Gladys Nwokoye, alongside members of the Project Implementation Committee, Mr. Victor Ehigiamusoe and Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, visited the NOUN Vice-Chancellor on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
The purpose of the visit was to gain deeper insights into the operations and processes of ODL and to explore how technology can be effectively deployed in the delivery of quality education.
She stated that the visit marked a crucial step in LAPO Institute's planned transition from a monotechnic to the proposed Midwestern Open University.
According to Nwokoye, the institute is currently Nigeria's first monotechnic accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and aims to build upon its existing National Diploma programmes in Microfinance, Banking and Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, and Management.
"Our goal in this visit is to explore the innovative methods NOUN has used to integrate technology into education, as we gear up for our transition to an open university," she stated.
In his response, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, represented by his deputy, administration, Prof. Isaac Butswat, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the institution's leading position in ODL education.
"In terms of ICT and infrastructure, we are the best in Nigeria," the Vice Chancellor declared, pledging full support to LAPO Institute's endeavour.
The visit included comprehensive presentations from nine key NOUN directors, covering crucial aspects of ODL operations on: Information Communication Systems, Learning Content Management, Examinations and Assessment, Printing Services, Management Information Systems, Research and Training Entrepreneurship Studies, Learner Support Services and Quality Assurance.
The delegation also toured NOUN's Model Study Centre in Dutse- Alhaji, where it gained firsthand exposure to the physical infrastructure supporting the ODL system.
Both institutions expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations as LAPO Institute progresses towards establishing the Midwestern Open University.
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