In a significant step towards strengthening open and distance learning in Nigeria, the National Universities Commission (NUC) on Monday, July 28, 2025, paid a revalidation visit to the Distance Learning Institute of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), applauding its progress.
The NUC delegation, being led by Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu, Vice-Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, was warmly received at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room.
Professor Aibinu, while addressing FUOYE management, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality extended to his team.
Apparently reflecting on a previous visit in April 2024, he expressed appreciation that several recommendations made had been implemented, prompting the return visit to assess progress.
Professor Aibinu said: “In our last visit, we highlighted some areas for improvement. This time, we came back to revalidate those observations.
“We have had productive interactions, especially with the Director of the Centre, and we are impressed by what we have seen so far.”
Besides, he acknowledged that FUOYE had embraced the dual-mode delivery system which was a significant step for any institution wishing to blend traditional and distance learning.
According to him, “the dual-mode university model is crucial, and I am pleased to report that FUOYE is actively working towards this vision.”
Professor Aibinu lauded the university for implementing most of the previous recommendations, applauding the improvements at the Ayegbaju-Ekiti campus, saying, “the reconstruction and redefining of structures at Ayegbaju are commendable and reflect steady development.”
He went on: “The quality of academic materials that are available in CDs, DVDs and other digital formats has significantly improved.”
“We also observed deeper ICT integration, which is a major leap from our last visit. We must give credit to the school’s management.”.
In addition to digital content, Professor Aibinu noted the presence of updated policy documents and visited key facilities including the university’s radio and television studios and the library.
“There is a visible transformation, and this reinforces FUOYE’s leadership role in the distance learning space,” he added.
While commending FUOYE’s efforts, the NUC team did not shirk any areas which needed urgent attention.
However, Professor Aibinu emphasized inclusivity for students living with disabilities, lamenting lack of accessible facilities.
He said: “In almost all ten locations we visited, there was no provision for differently-abled persons.
“Yoruba people say, ‘Tibi tire la da ile aye’ which means that good and bad coexist in life. The university must address this with urgency.”
He also highlighted gaps in FUOYE’s digital infrastructure, especially the absence of an Open Resource Centre (ORC) on the university portal.
According to him, course materials should be more interactive and harmonized with the university’s broader academic goals, saying “the institute’s organogram needs a thorough review, and there’s an urgent need for a standardized warehouse to replace the makeshift storage facility currently in use.”
On capacity building, he stressed the need for more frequent staff training sessions, noting, “that only one training per year for the Centre is grossly insufficient.”
Representing the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olubunmi Shittu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategic Partnerships Research, Innovation and Linkages(SPRIL), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole welcomed the NUC team, affirming FUOYE’s commitment to continuous growth.
Professor Ogunwole said: “I welcome you to FUOYE, the fastest-growing university in Nigeria. Your observations are valid and well-noted.
”I understand the challenges involved, having experienced them firsthand during my time as Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University.”
He, however, expressed satisfaction that universities across Nigeria were now giving distance learning the attention it deserved.
“FUOYE will not be an exception,” he assured, saying “we have already developed a policy for physically-challenged learners to ensure inclusivity. “
“I promise that within a year, your next visit will reveal our progress,” he said.
On the issue of Open Educational Resources (OER), Professor Ogunwole acknowledged the gradual pace but assured the team of steady improvements, adding , “it is a gradual process. We cannot channel all our resources in one direction, but I assure you that in the next six months, we will address most of these concerns.”
Present during the visit were other distinguished members of the NUC delegation, including Mr. Patrick Ewa and Mrs. Jolaoso Tunrayo, both of who represented the Commission while on FUOYE’s side were notable university officials like the Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim; Director of Academic Planning, Professor Omotosho, along with his team; Director of the Institute of Distance Learning, Dr. Omolade; Deputy Registrar, Mr. Olarewaju Raphael and the university’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Foluso Ogunmodede, who was accompanied by his team.
The NUC’s visit to FUOYE’s Distance Learning Institute serves as both a recognition of progress and a call to action.
With the university’s leadership demonstrating a clear commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence, FUOYE is well on its path to becoming a model for distance learning in Nigeria.
SOURCE: FUOYE WEBSITE
