Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, the Director of Distance Learning Centre University of Ibadan in an exclusive interview on CEOAfrica Online Television Programme, ‘’Community Today’’, said that distance learning should be encouraged in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Distance learning is a system through which technology such as Google class, Facebook, video conferencing and so many other formats are used to mediate learning without physical contact. It could be referred to as education without borders or education without walls.

According to Prof. Aremu, Open Distance Learning (ODL) and Distance Learning Education (DLE) mean the same thing – they have the same mode, content and certificate. He described University of Ibadan as the vanguard of Distance Learning.

Students and supporters of Regular Learning programmes usually discriminate against Distance Learning but Prof Aremu stressed that the discrimination was unnecessary because both forms of learning have the same course facilitators, curriculum, content and qualification, the only difference being the mode of learning.

He said: “We have professional administrators, celebrated artists who passed through distance learning and are doing well in all works of life. They are not limited. One does not necessarily have to be on the campus before obtaining a certificate from a tertiary institution. In terms of quality, distance learning has more access and interaction sessions via WhatsApp and Facebook groups done in the comfort of the home”

On how to keep UI’s Distance Learning Centre growing, Prof. Aremu, a seasoned educationist, stated that managing the Centre is a familiar terrain as the policies and atmosphere are still the same. He however pointed out that giving the policies and ideas more impetus is what is needed to move the centre forward.

“By doing so, we already have a road map on how to do it better”, he said. “Having zero tolerances on elongation of the calendar and making sure that the facilitators prepare results early and the results are sent to the senate for approval. This in turn provides more sense of belonging. The university authority is also on a regular basis, kept abreast of what is happening in the centre”.