National Universities Commission, NUC approves Lagos State University (LASU) Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute (ODLRI).

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved by the establishment of the Lagos State University (LASU) Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute (ODLRI). The approval came after a recent visit by the Universities Regulatory Body to assess the facilities of the Institute at the Main Campus of the University in Ojo.

The ODLRI was established by the Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun-led administration to replace the now rested LASU External System (LASUES) and provide opportunity for millions of knowledge seekers who are desirous of pursuing their first degrees in the University, but are unable to gain admission into the regular programmes. The ODLRI Board is headed by renowned Academic and Former Executive Secretary, NUC, Dist. Prof. Peter Okebukola.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Fagbohun, while receiving the NUC team on their assessment visit, had assured the Executive Secretary, NUC, Professor Abubakar Rasheed that LASU-ODLRI will be the gold standard in the delivery of quality University education in Africa through the Open and Distance Learning delivery platform. The approved take-off programme is the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

LASU-ODLRI has several unique features. Course contents are pitched above NUC minimum standards with slant on 21-Century skills especially critical thinking, teamwork, entrepreneurship and digital literacy. It will be delivered on a learner-friendly, easy-to-navigate e-learning platform with 24-hour learner support. It will apply global best practices in Open and Distance learning delivery. Another distinguishing feature is that it will embed research and development into all operations. All course materials are pilot tested before full diffusion. There are no imported courseware as all materials are proudly homegrown in LASU. It will blend 30% on-campus instruction with 70% instruction in a technology-enabled virtual learning environment.

With the approval of the Institute, sale of forms is expected to commence any moment from now.

Signed
Ademola Adekoya
Cordinator, Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations,
Lagos State University, Ojo.