UI VC assures Open Distance e-Learning admission seekers of same certificate, equal rights as on-campus students

The Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Kayode Adebowale, has assured candidates seeking admission into the institution via its Open Distance e-Learning (ODe-L) mode that they will enjoy equal rights and privileges as their counterparts on the main campus.

Adebowale said distance learning students would receive the same certificate as on-campus students upon completion of their programmes as well as being eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as their counterparts in regular mode.

The VC, who gave the assurance during a media briefing held at the Distance Learning Centre (DLC) in Ibadan, said that admission seekers could take advantage of either the traditional physical classroom mode, which requires Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or the advantage of the flexible learning opportunities offered by the UI DLC, which combines both online and offline instruction but does not require UTME.

Adebowale’s assurance reinforces UI’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their mode of study. He said: “The physical classroom mode has a limited capacity due to infrastructure constraints, necessitating the use of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)-conducted UTME and Post-UTME to select from eligible candidates so that classes are not jam-packed.

“Conversely, our Open Distance eLearning (ODe-L) mode leverages virtual technology to deliver curriculum by the same lecturers to students regardless of their location. While the physical classroom mode is confined by physical space limitations, the ODe-L mode offers a virtual, open, and borderless learning environment, taught by the same esteemed UI lecturers.”

In his remarks, Director of the UI DLC, Prof. Babatunde Omobowale, said the Centre had expanded access to quality education for working professionals, entrepreneurs, and those in remote areas.

He said that UI DLC remains part of UI, adding that one of the advantages of ODeL is that candidates don’t need to sit for UTME before they can be admitted into the university.

He, however, urged candidates who have sat for the UTME and scored 40 or above but didn’t meet up with the cut-off marks but still have a desire in university education to switch their mode of study to UI-ODeL and come in through UI DLC.