The National Universities Commission (NUC) has urged both federal and state governments, as well as tertiary institutions, to increase investments in digital infrastructure to enhance online education access across Nigeria.
Delivering a keynote address at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Centre for Open, Distance and e-Learning (BUCODeL) at Babcock University, the NUC’s Deputy Executive Secretary, Mr. Chris Maiyaki, emphasized the importance of digital education as a vehicle for empowerment rather than just certificate acquisition.
“Digital learning produces citizens who are employable, digitally literate, and capable of contributing to national development,” Maiyaki said.
He stressed that Open Distance e-Learning (ODL) is key to Nigeria’s sustainable growth and must be made affordable and inclusive to close the country’s digital divide.
Broadband, Power, and Hardware Must Be Prioritized
To sustain progress in digital education, Maiyaki noted that Nigeria must develop and implement a robust digital education policy and invest in essentials like broadband connectivity, stable electricity, and learning hardware.
He cautioned that digital learning must not remain a luxury only available in urban centres and advocated for regular training of academic and non-academic staff to build their digital competencies.
“All institutions must collaborate with government, private sector, and international partners to create a strong digital education ecosystem,” he said.
Maiyaki also applauded the graduates for their resilience and commitment to learning via a non-traditional path, encouraging them to act as ambassadors of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
BUCODeL’s Success and Future Growth
In his remarks, Prof. Ademola Tayo, Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, highlighted how ODL provides scalable education for both urban and rural populations, helping lift literacy rates and combat poverty.
“Boosting Nigeria’s literacy from 62% to 80% can spark industrialisation and productivity growth,” Tayo stated.
Prof. Mobolanle Sotunsa, Director of BUCODeL, revealed the centre began with 17 students in 2021 and now serves over 440 students in disciplines including Accounting, Computer Science, and MBA programmes.
New programmes—BSc Nursing, BSc Mass Communication, Master of Public Health, and M.Ed.—are also under development with accreditation expected soon.
Sotunsa admitted the centre faces challenges such as limited funding and societal hesitation towards online learning, but described the first graduating class as proof that distance is no barrier to academic excellence.
“Go forth and lead. Let your BUCODeL story reflect impact, transformation, and possibility,” she told the graduates.
