by Akintomiwa Agbaje

Obafemi Awolowo University’s Centre for Distance Learning recently introduced the first eLearning solution of its kind in the country. Their eLearning solution is projected to increase the university student base drastically and provide opportunity for thousands of students to receive accredited undergraduate and post-graduate degrees each year.

The program has been officially approved by the National Universities Commissions. OAU-CDL is now receiving applications for the 2013/2014 academic session in four Degree courses (with more Post-graduate courses coming soon):

I.        B.Sc. Accounting

II.        B.Sc. Economics

III.        B.Ed. Economic Education

IV.        B.Ed. Social Studies Education

V.        B.Sc. Nursing

Some of the most powerful functions of OAU’s eLearning solution currently allows students to receive lectures directly from approved lecturers, submit assignments, communicate with peers and teaching assistants, participate in group discussions and receive grades all without needing to be within the confines of a physical classroom. Lecturers and teaching assistants would also participate in group discussions and facilitate student learning remotely. Students would only be required to be present on campus for examinations.

According to Prof. Abiola Awosika, the General Manager of Edutech, “The eLearning program is no different from campus-based learning, it is specifically designed to meet the unique and peculiar challenges of education in Africa”.

Speaking on the need for eLearning education in OAU,  the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Idowu Bamitale Omole said “We have embraced technology to globalize our learning and improve quality now, the OAU distance learning model involves the application of multimedia technology that support electronic instructional delivery mode (e-Learning), as well as independent learning”.

On whether the eLearning program degree will work, he said “it took hundreds of Lectures and 2 years to develop this program, I believe that the eLearning program we have created will give students flexibility and choice over what, when, at what pace, where, and how they learn”.

Mr Bunmi Akinyemiju, the Managing Director of Venture Garden Group also added “The total time to complete an online course will be equivalent to that of an on-campus programme and the same degree will be earned as the ones on-campus”.

On how the eLearning program can be accessed, he said “Each student will be required to acquire a customized tablet from which lectures will be received both online and offline mode. This tablet device which is also suited for our environment has a long battery life and allows users to continue to study and receive lectures”.

The OAU eLearning platform is truly a game changer to education, but the real secret is in how the platform has been combined with a tablet device built specifically for the challenges of Africa.  This tablet allows students to access all classroom lectures and content without needing constant internet connectivity.  The tablet also holds 9 hour battery life, meaning consistent access to power is also not necessary.

Application is strictly online and closes 11:59PM on 29^th August 2014.                            

For more information visit – online.oaucdl.edu.ng

You can also call – 01-3429303   or   08111088498

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